UConn Nursing Students Receive Stethoscopes from Alumna

Endowed scholarship provides essential tools for clinical training

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:39pm

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UConn Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing sophomores recently received their first stethoscopes, gifted by a former alumna through an endowed scholarship. The stethoscopes symbolize the start of the students' clinical training and enhance their confidence and professionalism as they enter the nursing field.

Why it matters

The stethoscope is a fundamental tool for nursing students, enabling them to conduct essential patient assessments and develop critical clinical skills. This gift from a generous alumna highlights the school's commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses and the nursing profession as a whole.

The details

The stethoscopes were presented to 209 nursing students during the school's annual Stethoscope Ceremony on January 20, 2026. The ceremony marks the beginning of the students' Health Assessment course, where they will learn history-taking, physical examination, and clinical observation skills. The stethoscopes were provided through an endowed scholarship from UConn Nursing alumna Margaret E. "Peggy" Sczesny, who has a deep belief in the nursing profession and a desire to support the school's students.

  • The Stethoscope Ceremony took place on January 20, 2026.
  • The students will use the stethoscopes in their Health Assessment course (NURS 3120), which begins immediately after the ceremony.

The players

Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing

The nursing school at the University of Connecticut, which provides undergraduate and graduate nursing education.

Margaret E. "Peggy" Sczesny

A UConn Nursing alumna who established an endowed scholarship to provide stethoscopes and nursing pins for the school's students.

Michelle Cole

DNP, MSN, RN, CPN, and faculty member who teaches the Health Assessment course.

Yashika Sharma

Ph.D., RN, and faculty member who teaches the Health Assessment course.

Saraswathi Vemulapalli

A second-year nursing student who received a stethoscope.

Brandon Grenier

A second-year nursing student who received a stethoscope.

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What they’re saying

“We are so grateful that the school and our alum are giving us the opportunity to be successful with these stethoscopes. It shows how committed they are to nursing as a profession, and that they trust us to enter such an amazing field.”

— Saraswathi Vemulapalli, Second-year nursing student

“As students, we put so much effort into our work, and receiving this support is incredibly meaningful. It is one less thing to worry about, and we are truly grateful.”

— Brandon Grenier, Second-year nursing student

“This gift honors the legacy of Margaret E. "Peggy" Sczesny, whose generosity reflected a deep belief in the nursing profession. The stethoscopes symbolize her lasting faith in the future of nursing and in the students who will carry this responsibility forward.”

— Michelle Cole, Faculty member

What’s next

The nursing students will use the stethoscopes throughout their clinical training, which will include vital sign measurement, comprehensive patient examinations, and other essential nursing skills.

The takeaway

This gift from a generous alumna highlights the importance of supporting the next generation of nurses and the nursing profession as a whole. The stethoscopes symbolize the school's commitment to providing its students with the essential tools and resources they need to succeed in their clinical training and future careers.