Katie R. Gieseler ’15 Memorial Scholarship

Katie Gieseler graduated from Bayport Blue Point High School in June 2006. She decided to go to Pace University in downtown Manhattan to study Biology. Katie earned her B.A. in Biology from Pace University in May 2010. Following Pace, Katie worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant which inspired her to work in the medical field. It was then she decided to apply to the Suffolk County Community College Nursing Program. It took two years, but when she got the call from SCCC to join their Nursing Program, she was elated! Katie graduated from Suffolk County Community College in December 2015.

Unfortunately, Katie was diagnosed with an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) on her brain in February 2016. It would require a craniotomy to remove. While waiting for brain surgery, Katie studied for the NCLEX. This obstacle could not stop her from achieving her goal of becoming an R.N.! In March 2016, she passed the NCLEX and was so proud that her focus on nursing was not deterred by her setback of impending brain surgery. In May 2016, Katie had a two day procedure to remove her AVM. A nine-hour surgery still did not discourage Katie.

Katie received her first and only position as a R.N. Supervisor at Woodhaven Nursing Facility. She loved the geriatric side of nursing, and was completely devoted to her residents. Their care was her priority!

Katie Gieseler left us too soon in April 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic at 31 years of age. This scholarship was established by Katie’s parents, Eileen and John Gieseler, in hopes that other nursing students attending Suffolk County Community College can carry on Katie’s legacy. Her parents hope to make the recipient’s education more affordable and to show students to never let obstacles hold you back while pursuing your goals.