Helen P. Bargereon Scholarship | Sigma Chapter Of Chi

Helen P. Bargeron
Scholarship

Helen P. Bargeron

Attended Brewster Hospital, School of Nursing for Diploma Nurse training. She attended Edward Water’s College, now University; and Jackson Memorial Program where she received a Certificate for Pre-Mature Babies.
Mrs. Bargeron worked for 37 years at the Old St. Lukes Hospital on 8th street and then moved to the new site.
She is a Charter member of the Sigma Chapter, and the first local member to become a Lifetime Member. She was a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. for 67 years, up until her passing in 2024.
She has served in many offices in the Sorority such as the Historian of the Southeastern Region and President of the Sigma Chapter.
Before retiring, she led a productive nursing career, crediting the Sigma Chapter.

History of the Scholarship Award

For many years Helen P. Bargeron represented Sigma Chapter at regional and national meetings, using her own financing. She was dedicated, committed, and loyal to the organization that she helped charter in Jacksonville, FL on October 11, 1958. She knew that her attendance at these meetings would give her the opportunity to network with members from other chapters and bring members of Sigma Chapter the most current sorority information. On August 27, 1993, the Helen P. Bargeron Scholarship Ball was initiated.

Jacquelyn Lee was the President of Sigma Chapter and Soror June Dowdell was the Vice-President. The proposal to name the scholarship ball in Soror Bargeron’s honor was introduced by June Dowdell. The Sigma Chapter members graciously accepted the proposal unanimously. The Helen Bargeron Scholarship Ball was held at the Holiday Inn near the airport annually. On May 3, 2002, the scholarship ball was changed to the scholarship luncheon. The chapter voted to host the scholarship luncheon during the annual celebration of nurses week. The Helen P. Bargeron Scholarship luncheon is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May each year. Each year scholarships are awarded to college students who are pursuing an associate degree in nursing. Recipients are encouraged to further their education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher education.