HOLLAND, Mich., April 14, 2026 — Strengthening the bridge between the classroom and the bedside, Holland Hospital and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) announce the inaugural recipients of the Holland Hospital Nursing Scholars program, Brady O’Brien and Christina Martinez. These two 2025 scholars represent an investment in the future of health care excellence within West Michigan.
The Holland Hospital Nursing Scholars program was designed to remove financial barriers for aspiring nurses while creating a direct pipeline for talent to remain in the community. Recipients receive $5,000 per semester, up to $20,000 total, and commit to working per diem (PRN) at Holland Hospital during nursing school at Holland Hospital during their schooling, followed by a two-year full-time commitment upon graduation.
“Investing in our local GVSU students allows us to cultivate a new generation of health care workers who will provide compassionate care to our neighbors, families and friends for years to come,” said Melissa Spooner, vice president and chief nursing officer at Holland Hospital. “This collaboration helps secure a robust nursing staff that is both highly skilled and personally invested in Holland Hospital’s mission.”
For Christina Martinez, patient care assistant in Holland Hospital’s medical-surgical unit, the journey to nursing is a homecoming in more ways than one. Not only has she lived in Holland her entire life, but she was born at Holland Hospital. As a non-traditional student pursuing an accelerated second degree from GVSU, Martinez previously earned a degree in allied health sciences and business in 2021 with a Spanish minor. However, she soon realized her true calling required a deeper, more hands-on connection with people.
“The scholarship has taken a huge burden off of me, even helping with basic needs like groceries, so I can focus on my studies,” she said. After working in the medical-surgical unit since January 2024, she looks forward to officially beginning her RN career in the same department this May. “I love the people here. It’s nice not having to worry about what comes next because I’m already where I want to be.” Christina will graduate from GVSU on May 2 and begin her full-time nursing career at Holland Hospital on May 18.
“Christina is one of those people that everyone likes to have working with them,” said Christina’s manager, Michael Blok, RN, BSN, supervising clinical coordinator at Holland Hospital. “She is kind, diligent, and thoughtful; all of these qualities will serve her well as she transitions into her career as an RN.”
Brady O’Brien, patient care assistant in Holland Hospital’s Emergency Department, found his calling through a combination of family influence and firsthand observation. After witnessing his brother begin a career in health care and seeing the impact his grandfather’s nurses had on his care, O’Brien realized nursing was the ideal way to blend his love for science with a career in service.
He shared the sense of certainty the scholarship provided, beyond financial relief. “Having a job lined up takes a big weight off my shoulders,” O'Brien said. “I see my friends who have graduated still searching for positions in a tough market. Knowing I have a career waiting for me at a place with such a great culture makes me excited for the future.”
The financial support has also allowed the Hudsonville native to manage the extra expenses of nursing school without the stress of tuition debt. “It basically put me over what was needed for tuition, allowing me to focus on applying what I learn in class directly to my work at the hospital,” he added. O’Brien is currently a junior at GVSU expects to graduate in winter 2027.
The Kirkhof College of Nursing at GVSU remains a leading destination for nursing education in West Michigan, and this partnership strengthens its ability to produce clinical-ready graduates.
“We are so pleased to partner with Holland Hospital,” said Linda Lewandowski Dean of the Kirkhof College of Nursing at GVSU. “This scholarship program alleviates financial burdens and provides our students with direct patient care experience that they then take to the classroom. It’s an innovative solution to a national health care issue.”
As Holland Hospital continues to invest in the next generation of medical professionals, applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are approaching. Holland Hospital Nursing Scholars GVSU Application Dates are as follows:
- May 1- 8; BSN (Second Degree Students); for a start date of Fall 2026
- Aug 1-8; BSN (Traditional and Second Degree); for a start date of Winter (Jan) 2027
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit gvsu.edu/kcon/baccalaureate-program-282.htm. For more information about employment at Holland Hospital, visit hollandhospital.org/careers.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
April 14, 2026