Emma Jean Frierson was born August 17, 1935 in Blytheville, Ark. Emma was one of eight children born to Robert and Elizabeth Woods. She attended Saginaw Public Schools and graduated from Saginaw High School. Emma was married to the love of her life Harry Frierson, Jr. Together they raised three children – Ron Frierson, Bruce Frierson, and Cheryl Frierson-Nelson. Emma worked at an assortment of jobs as a young woman. She cared and provided for her three children working at the bakery in Woolworth’s Department Store in Downtown Saginaw and at Meadow Gardens Restaurant – where she mastered culinary arts. In her mid-twenties with three children, Emma decided to return to school to earn a nursing certificate as an LPN. After graduating and working as an LPN at Saginaw General Hospital (now known as Covenant Medical Center Harrison), she decided to further her career. She attended and graduated from Delta College’s Nursing Program. Rapidly, Emma became one of the most efficient, knowledgeable and capable leaders in her profession, finishing out her career as a department head at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. Throughout her career, she received many certifications and awards for her skill, devotion, compassion, and drive to be the best in her profession. She always had a heart for the people who she came in contact with.
Qualifications
- Resident of Michigan
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree or Career and Technical Education (CTE) (vocational training) in Nursing, ADN or RN
- Full- or part-time enrollment
- Financial need
Evaluation Criteria
- Academic performance (30)
- Demonstrated leadership ability (20)
- Letters of recommendation (20)
- Financial need (15)
- Essay on career goals (15)