Verjean M. Burden and Christine M. Csontos Endowed Scholarship

Verjean M. Burden
Verjean Burden, commonly known as Jean Burden, was from the Spooner, Wisconsin area but grew up and attended schools in various states, whenever her father was transferred to another Naval base. She always had a thirst for knowledge and enjoyed learning new things. She came from a family of modest means so paying for college was her responsibility. She first attended a 2 year college through school loans and after graduating she decided to follow another dream of serving in the Navy. She wanted to do her part during the Vietnam War and this would also allow her to pay off her student loans. She would then have the GI Bill so she could complete her 4 year degree without going further in debt. While serving in the Navy, women were finally allowed to serve aboard US Naval ships. She was among the first group of women to serve aboard the USS Norton Sound home ported at Port Hueneme, CA. After serving almost eight years in the Navy it was discovered that she suffered from seasickness. She may have been the first woman to be discharged from the Navy due to seasickness. After being discharged she returned to college and completed a B.S. degree from UW-La Crosse. This degree allowed her to apply for Officer Candidate School with the US Army. She graduated and was commissioned, attaining another goal. While serving at her first duty station she sustained a severe injury, changing her life once again. Another door closed so she returned to school and earned a B.S degree from UW-Superior that allowed her to earn a M.S. degree in Biology from U-W La Crosse. She worked part-time in the science field until her poor health closed another door. Over her life, she underwent many medical appointments, tests, and surgeries, always being watched over and helped by doctors and many caring nurses. Nurses provide vital support to patients in their need, watching over them and helping them regain their health. Education opened many doors for her throughout her life and it is her desire to give others a hand-up, helping them follow their dreams and find success in life.

Christine M. Csontos
Christine Csontos, commonly known as Chris, grew up in Parma, Ohio and after high school graduation worked full-time while also taking evening classes at a local community college. Realizing the value of a higher education, at age 22, she enrolled full time at the community college while also working part-time. She transferred to Kent State University and was awarded a scholarship through the Army ROTC program and was commissioned as an Army Officer upon graduation. She served tours in the United States as well as what was then West Germany. Chris realized her love of higher education and she earned a B.S. degree from UW-Superior and later a M.S. degree from UW-La Crosse, enabling her to have various employment positions before her retirement. Her mother served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps and her father was a Navy Medic during WWII. Chris always appreciated the vital support nurses provided to patients in their need and wishes to see that others have an opportunity to enter the nursing profession and follow their dreams.