CWC’s Heather Lynn Paul Memorial Scholarship supports nursing students

JACKSON, Wyo. — The Heather Lynn Paul Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 to honor the life and spirit of Heather Paul, a 2004 graduate of the Central Wyoming College (CWC) Registered Nursing Program at the CWC Jackson campus.

Upon graduating from CWC’s nursing program, Paul was a registered nurse at the Living Center of St. John’s Health in Jackson (now called Sage Living). Known for her tenacity, compassionate heart and vibrant personality, Paul lived a life of service to others and was a shining light for her patients, fellow nurses and doctors with whom she worked. Paul could be found skiing, climbing, running and biking throughout the Jackson area when she was not working. On July 1, 2005, Paul tragically passed away in a climbing accident while descending Cloudveil Dome in the Teton Range of Grand Teton National Park.

To honor Paul’s life and legacy, her mother Audrey Bonnett and twin sister Kelly Stucker established the Heather Lynn Paul Memorial Scholarship to inspire future nurses to follow Paul’s example to strive to achieve and exceed their goals, be compassionate to others, and leave a legacy of friendship and caring for others to pass along. This year marks 20 years since Paul’s passing.

Since the inception of the scholarship in 2005, more than $200,000 has been distributed to approximately 40 CWC Jackson nursing students, including former recipient Nolan Jaenicke. When Jaenicke made the decision to pivot from seasonal work in the Jackson tourism industry to a long-term career in nursing, he knew going back to school would require not just time — but support.

“I went back to school at 30,” Jaenicke shared. “My wife is also a nurse, and it was something we both believed in. But I wasn’t sure how I could afford it — until I found CWC.” Thanks to donor-funded scholarships, including the Heather Lynn Paul Scholarship, Jaenicke was able to pursue his associate degree in nursing at CWC Jackson. The college’s streamlined financial aid system made it easy to identify eligible scholarships, and the support he received helped turn a dream into a plan. “I was blown away. The application process at CWC was so user-friendly, and the support I received changed everything. I could focus on learning — not worrying.”

Jaenicke also praised the close relationships he built with faculty: “Coming from a big university, it was incredible to have instructors like Kristen Kapp who were so accessible and invested in students.”

He’s now currently practicing as an RN at St. John’s on the PCU floor while working toward his BSN through the University of Wyoming. Jaenicke completed his clinical hours and training locally — a testament to CWC’s flexibility and vision for accessible, high-quality education.

Looking ahead, Jaenicke is excited for the opening of the new CWC Jackson Center, funded in part by state, federal and philanthropic contributions. “Having real nursing labs, better parking and dedicated space will mean a better experience for everyone. It’ll help keep students local, show the community what we’re building here and elevate the college’s visibility in Jackson.”

Thanks to the support from private donors of scholarships such as the Heather Lynn Paul Scholarship, students like Jaenicke don’t just earn degrees — they build lives, contribute to our communities and carry the generosity forward into the world.