Geisinger announces 2026 recipients of the Nursing Scholarship and Caring Award in honor of Susan M. Robel

DANVILLE, Pa. - Geisinger recently recognized 11 employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients at work and in the community with the Caring Award and the Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Susan M. Robel.

"Our recipients represent the very best of Geisinger - bringing compassion to those they serve, lifting up their colleagues and strengthening the communities around them," said Greg Burke, M.D., chief patient experience officer at Geisinger. "Their impact is felt in the moments of care they provide, the example they set and the dedication they bring to our mission every day. We're proud to call them members of the Geisinger team."

Created to honor the legacy of Sue Robel, Geisinger's former chief nursing officer and co-chief patient experience officer, the two awards are presented annually to recognize Geisinger employees' commitment to providing the highest level of patient care and serving others in their roles at work and in the community.

The Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Robel recognizes the significance of lifelong learning in nursing, and rewards those enrolled in nursing school who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in providing patient care. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a continued commitment to meeting the highest standards of bedside care and treat patients with the utmost compassion and kindness. Each recipient is awarded $2,000 toward their tuition, funded by the Alice E. Steele Endowment.

The 2026 Nursing Scholarship winners are:

• Corin Barletta, patient financial counselor, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
• Arianna Frias, nursing assistant, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
• Lila Fries, nursing assistant, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy
• Trisha Groce, administrative nurse supervisor, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital
• Seth Hummel, foodservice, Geisinger Medical Center
• Alia Williams, nursing assistant, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital

The Caring Award recognizes Geisinger employees who are dedicated to caring for others in the workplace and beyond. Like Robel, who defined collegiality and was an exemplary colleague to all, these recipients demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving others and are incredible advocates in our communities. They inspire others with their compassion, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Nominated by their peers and selected by the award committee, recipients receive $500 in cash and $500 to donate to their charity of choice.

The 2026 Caring Award winners are:

• Kara Bond, professional development certified medical assistant, Mill Street Office Building
• Caitlin Prusko, licensed social worker, Geisinger at Home Central Region
• Bridget Stem, clinical registered nurse supervisor, Geisinger Healthplex State College
• Sheila Transue, administrative secretary, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Outpatient Specialty Center
• Patricia Wojciechowski, licensed practical nurse, Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation's leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in rural and urban communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 130 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses - and Geisinger Health Plan, with 509,000+ enrollees in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 600 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,600 clinical research studies. With 28,000 employees, including 1,900 employed physicians and 5,400 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania's largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $18 billion on the state's economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.