With a strong belief and desire to show others Jesus' love, Florence Jahns Lemke lived her life as an example of Christianity. Born in New Braunfels, Texas, in 1921, Florence, the oldest of six children and a pioneer, always showed a giving spirit. Working as a practical nurse, she worked hard to send her son, Wayne Lemke, and daughters, Joan Lemke Ortner and Cathie Lemke Brian, to Southwestern Junior College, where she knew they would not only receive a good education but would also gain wisdom from their Christian teachers.

Florence began her nursing career in 1956 as a practical nurse for German-speaking individuals in their homes, learning nursing skills on the job by being mentored by her aunt. She began working in hospitals as a nurse's aide in 1959, and she finally achieved her dream of becoming a nurse when she graduated from Hays County Memorial Hospital's first Licensed Vocational Nurse class in 1966 and earned the highest score on the Texas State Boards in 1967. Her innate giftedness at both teaching and nursing was honored by her recruitment as a clinical instructor to assist the director of the vocational nursing program. In addition, she was appointed to teach diabetes patient education and prenatal education in Spanish, her third language. Florence also worked as a relief nurse for a sanitarium in New Braunfels. She also worked in Menard, Texas, and Georgia, at sister hospitals for Adventist Health Systems.

Some of Florence's favorite pastimes were traveling, studying the relationship between proper nutrition and health, and studying how music therapy relates to health. She also had a love for the elderly, and every Christmas she would take her grandchildren, Lisa and Derek Ortner, to visit shut-ins. At an early age her grandchildren were exposed to giving back, and to this day they are both very involved in senior care and community outreach. Florence passed away in December of 2010. A scholarship in her memory is awarded to a nursing student who is dedicated to serving others.

Scholarship award requirements

This scholarship is awarded to a nursing student based on academic achievement and financial need.

Student Recipients 

2020-2021- Luisa Manu

2019-2020 -Lauren Turk

2018-2019 -Melissa Perez

2016-2017 -Carmen Castaneda

2015-2016 - Elizabeth Egbuchinem

2013-2014 - Afshan Gilani , Brandi Sauceda

2012-2013 - Leigh-Anne Wilmot 

2011- 2012 - Christopher Momanyi 

2010-2011 - Azucena Zamago 

2009-2010 - Lindsey Sama 

2008-2009 - Jin Heui Jan