Endowed scholarship honors Associate Degree Nursing Program alumna Kathleen Mynar

Scholarship will be earmarked for Blinn nursing students

January 29, 2024

Victoria and Clear Lake native Kathleen Mynar always dreamed of becoming a nurse. A new Blinn endowed scholarship established in her honor will continue this legacy by helping others achieve the same dream. A gift of $20,000 raised by Blinn Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program faculty and staff and staff from the oncology department at CHI St. Joseph was made to the Blinn College Foundation to establish the Kathleen Mynar, RN Memorial Scholarship. It will be designated for students accepted or enrolled in one of Blinn’s nursing programs.

“Kathleen was such an inspiration to everyone around her and we couldn’t think of a better way to honor her spirit than by supporting nursing students with her same passion,” said Blinn ADN Program instructor Miranda Denman, who helped coordinate the scholarship. “She put herself through nursing school as a single mother and knew how challenging the path could be. Kathleen was always paying it forward and this scholarship is a way to let students know that someone has their back.”  

Mynar graduated from Blinn’s ADN Program in 2005, maintaining a strong connection with the institution that helped her embark on her nursing career. Mynar’s passion to care for others and personal battle with breast cancer inspired her to become an oncology and infusion nurse with CHI St. Joseph Health, where she worked until her passing. Dedicated to fighting cancer both inside and outside of the hospital, Mynar regularly volunteered for programs like the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. She also recognized the importance of educating the next generation of nurses, serving as a preceptor for Blinn nursing students and supporting the College’s commitment to creating compassionate nursing professionals.

“Kathleen Mynar dedicated her life to helping others and the establishment of this scholarship in her name continues this legacy,” said Blinn College Foundation Chair Nancy Berry. “This donation is a beautiful gesture by her colleagues that will make a meaningful impact on students for years to come.”

The Blinn Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for Blinn students and expand educational opportunities. It also looks to heighten community awareness of the mission and accomplishments of the College and to promote excellence in education.

Endowed scholarships are available to incoming and returning students from a wide range of backgrounds, majors, and experiences. Students are considered based on high academic achievement, participation in student activities, and community involvement.

Applicants for the Kathleen Mynar, RN Memorial Scholarship must be accepted or actively enrolled in one of Blinn’s nursing programs and will be required to submit an essay to the Foundation.

Current high school and college students can apply for Blinn scholarships by completing the application at www.blinn.edu/scholarships. Prior to applying for scholarships, students must complete their application for admission to Blinn College at www.applytexas.com