Promoting Scholarly Endeavors in Memory of a Nurse Known as Everybody’s Mentor

Connie Jann, BSN, RN, OCN, CCRN, was everybody’s mentor. 

Or so it seems, at least. Mention Jann to any Fox Chase nurse, and the chances are very good that, if they worked with her, they learned from her. 

Jann was a part of the fabric of Fox Chase for 31 years before her death in December of 2023. She was known for her excellence in patient care and her relentless drive for nursing education, on the floor or in the classroom. 

It is only fitting, therefore, that funds raised in her name in June of 2024 have already been put to use to further education through the Friends of Fox Chase Scholarship Fund. A second fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the FOP Lodge 5 Heroes Ballroom in Northeast Philadelphia.  

“Connie was my friend, my mentor, and even my work-mom; she was Ms. Fox Chase, and she was everything you would want in a nurse,” said Alicia Dougherty, MSN, RN-BC, an organizer of both the recent and upcoming fundraisers. “I still remember our first interaction—I was a brand-new nurse on the floor and getting frustrated with a difficult IV stick. She walked into the room and, without judgment, allowed me to calm down and walk through it with her. That’s just how she was.” 

According to Dougherty, the party held in Jann’s memory last year could only be called a “blow-out.” Donations poured in from local bars, restaurants, organizations, and shops, along with a gift basket from the Philadelphia Eagles. 

“We just felt like we had to do something to honor Connie, and it seems a lot of people agreed,” said Dougherty. “Everybody came out to support Connie, and I am thankful that her family was able to attend to see the outpouring of our love for Connie.” 

According to Dougherty, the event raised approximately $6,500, with half going to the scholarship fund and the other half earmarked for the Community College of Philadelphia, where Jann served as a clinical educator.

Friends Helping Friends: The FoF Scholarship Fund

The donated proceeds immediately went to work through the Friends of Fox Chase Scholarship Fund, where they contributed to a record four new scholarships this past fall. The scholarship can help with expenses related to education that may not be covered by Temple Health tuition reimbursement. Each awardee receives $5,000 after they complete an application—including recommendations and transcripts—and an interview with the Friends Scholarship Committee.

“It is an intensive process, and we ask applicants how they will employ the new tools they learn back at Fox Chase,” said Leah Powers, a health educator in the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement and recently appointed President of the Friends of Fox Chase Cancer Center. “This year, we awarded scholarships to four out of six applicants, and we expect to be open for applications again in the autumn of 2025.”

The four scholarship recipients include:

• Laura A. Mraz, MBA, Associate Director of Development Analytics, External Relations
• Erin Holland, Clinical Research Data Specialist, Office of Clinical Research
• Nicolas Hoover, BSN, RN, OCN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Fox Chase East Norriton
• Nicole Seeley, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Radiation Oncology

Laura A. Mraz, MBA, Associate Director of Development Analytics, External Relations

Mraz will use her scholarship to become a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) by the American College of Financial Services. According to Mraz, the certification will enable her to apply practical financial analytics to potential and existing donors, helping her External Relations colleagues better understand donors and their philanthropic intentions. 

“The Friends of Fox Chase Cancer Center recognizes the benefits of ongoing education for healthcare providers and anyone whose work furthers the Fox Chase mission,” Mraz explained. “Since nobody else in External Relations has this certification, I think it would be an asset for the team.”

Erin Holland, Clinical Research Data Specialist, Office of Clinical Research

Holland is using her scholarship to earn master’s degrees in public health and health informatics at Temple University. A member of the Office of Clinical Research for more than two years, she is looking forward to bringing back what she knows to support her team. 

“Eventually, I want to be part of the team that designs more intuitive systems that make clinical trials less of a burden on the staff and more accessible to patients,” said Erin. “I really like the team I am a part of here, and I feel there is so much I can contribute and grow here.”

Nicolas Hoover, BSN, RN, OCN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Fox Chase East Norriton

Hoover is using his scholarship to pursue a master’s in nursing leadership online through Northeastern State University. He is interested in better understanding evidence-based approaches to performance improvement, with a focus on the positive awareness of LGBT+ issues in healthcare.

He has been a nurse at the East Norriton facility since 2013 but has only been a member of the Fox Chase community since the facility was acquired in 2018.

“It has been the best since we became part of Fox Chase Cancer Center,” said Hoover, “and I think we have seen great opportunities for advancement and involvement.”

Nicole Seeley, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Radiation Oncology

Seeley will use her scholarship to study clinical nursing leadership at Wilmington University. She worked directly with Jann numerous times over the last 20 years. “She was a huge resource for me personally and professionally,” said Seeley, “and I truly never worked with someone who was as skilled and confident as Connie Jann.

“Connie was one of those nurses whose name you looked for on the schedule, especially in the ICU,” Seeley said. “You just knew that, no matter what happened that night, you were alright if she was at your side.” 

According to Seeley, Jann was a constant source of encouragement and one of her inspirations for continuing her education. “I see Fox Chase as my home, and I don’t anticipate ever wanting to leave,” Seeley explained. “I would really like to expand my work in nursing leadership, and this will enable me to have a greater part in decision-making and patient care.” 

Seeley considers the scholarship to be one of the many lasting gifts she has received from Jann. “Connie was the backbone of the nursing staff and a huge loss for all of us who knew her,” Seeley said, “and we all still carry her with us.” 

“This Year, We Are Getting Fancy”

After such a success the first year, Dougherty had no qualms about doing it all again. This time, the entirety of the proceeds will go to the Friends of Fox Chase Scholarship Fund. 

“Seriously, it was such a blast that we really had no choice but to do it again on Saturday, June 14,” Dougherty said. “This year, we are getting fancy with the dress code—we want you in formal or gala wear.” 

All are welcome to attend this special event, which will occur from 6 to 10 p.m. at the FOP Lodge 5 Heroes Ballroom, 11630 Caroline Road #3 in Philadelphia. You must be 21 to enter. Tickets are $35 each and include food, soda, and draft beer. In addition, there will be a cash bar and raffles.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door; however, party-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance by Saturday, June 7, to help organizers ensure an accurate headcount.

See the event flyer for more details and ticket purchases. Donations are also being accepted.  

Questions? Please contact Alicia Dougherty, MSN, RN-BC, or Anna Honer in the Office of External Relations.