As part of an academic health system, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital team members are always trying to teach others and themselves innovative new techniques to better improve patient health outcomes as well as their quality of care and experience. 

Twice a year, Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary awards hospital employees with a $500 scholarship toward furthering their education through the Tree of Love – Elizabeth T. Moseley Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is funded by community donations made to the “Tree of Love” in memory of, in honor of, or as a military salute to a loved one. Moseley was the first president of the CMH Auxiliary and served from 1954-1958.

The auxiliary awarded CMH team member Lauren Vigilante, of Kenbridge, a scholarship for the fall semester. 

“I’m going to put this money toward the cost of supplies this semester,” Vigilante said. “This is the second year I’ve won this scholarship, so it really means a lot to me.”

Front Left to Right: Becky Waters, auxiliary treasurer; Mary Carter, auxiliary member; Hazel Willis, education manager; Sheldon Barr, CMH president; Lauren Vigilante, office services specialist; Mary Hardin, vice president of patient care services; Darleen Ferguson, auxiliary president; Otis Thomas, auxiliary vice president; and Dot Saunders, auxiliary member.

Vigilante has worked at CMH for 17 years in the education department. While her job title is office services specialist, Vigilante is the unofficial tech support for the classrooms in the C.A.R.E. Building. Vigilante is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in IT management at Western Governors University, which she says has really helped her build confidence with her job.
Others recognize Vigilante’s unwavering dedication to learn new skills to better support her colleagues, patients and community members who attend educational outreach events at CMH. 

“Lauren is the glue that holds the education department together,” said Hazel Willis, education manager. “Her attention to detail and positive attitude keep our team running smoothly.”

Recipients of the “Tree of Love” award must be employed by CMH for at least a year. The degree or certification they are pursuing must enhance their capabilities at their job. As part of the application, applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from their department director, maintain a 3.0 GPA or greater and write a 100-word essay on how the scholarship would enhance their lives. 

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