MWN founder, Shelia George and Patricia Gaddis met in 1996 while working on a task force. Patricia was a clinical Nurse Practitioner at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for 34 years. She supervised and managed the transplant unit at UIC. She worked to educate pre- and post- liver and kidney transplant patients. She was a dedicated professional and strong advocate for her patients.

Shelia believed Patricia was the perfect person to join the Multicultural Wellness Network Board and serve as the president. She agreed to join the Board in 2000 and served for over 10 years as president and dedicated advocate. That advocacy included bringing her family and friends to support our cause. Patricia retired from work and Board leadership in 2011. She remained active as Past President and supported the organization whenever and however she could.

Unfortunately, Patricia lost her long battle with cancer on May 4, 2022.

She was an amazing person, an angel on earth.

Due to Patricia's commitment to the nursing field and her support for organ and tissue donation, we have established the Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship offers two applications: one for high school students planning to major in a healthcare-related field, and another for nursing students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. The criteria for each scholarship are linked below.

To contribute to the Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship, please visit our Ways to Give page and specify "scholarship" in the notes.

Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship-Healthcare

Application open date: 2026

Application due date: 2026

Scholarship award date: 2026

Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship-Nursing

Application open: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Application due: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 11:59pm CST

Scholarship awarded: Sunday, December 6, 2025, at the MWN 25th Anniversary gala.

The Patricia J. Gaddis Memorial Scholarship-Nursing is closed for new applications. Check back here in early 2026 for new opportunities. Join us at the gala for the scholarship presentation.

Click events to purchase tickets for the MWN 25th Anniversary gala.