First semester North Dakota State University student BreAnn Sullivan received a $5,000 surprise when a group of people walked into her class this morning. Sullivan was awarded the Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship.

Capt. Paul Weckman, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and director of Sanford Health’s Department of Veterans and Military Services, said Sullivan displays exceptional qualities, leading to her selection for the scholarship.

“BreAnn's application stood out,” said Weckman. “Clearly, her dedication to scholarship, her dedication to military service and her dedication to becoming an exemplary nurse placed her at the top of scholarship applicants. We are happy to help invest in her and her nursing career through this scholarship."

Sullivan grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota, was valedictorian of her high school graduating class and earned her associate’s degree from Bismarck State College in May 2021. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at NDSU’s Fargo campus, while remaining an active member of the North Dakota Air National Guard.

“I’m really surprised. It is an honor,” said Sullivan. “I knew there were other girls in my class who are in the military so I assumed it was them. And then they said my name and I was like oh, ok.”

In her scholarship essay, Sullivan said the three core values that are learned during military basic training are integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Those core values, specifically service before self, aided her in developing the life skill of service. As an airman, she is able to demonstrate this life skill to her community and her country.

“At the drop of a hat, I am willing to be called on to serve my country, and that is one of the greatest acts of service an individual could ever execute,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan has been a Presidential Honor Role student, earning a 4.0 GPA each semester.

"NDSU pre-nursing students such as BreAnn Sullivan display great dedication to pursuing their pre-licensure BSN degree and to their country through their military service," said Carla Gross, associate dean and chair of the NDSU School of Nursing. "We congratulate her on this scholarship as she pursues her healthcare career at NDSU."

With sites in Bismarck and Fargo, the NDSU School of Nursing offers accredited programs to part- and full-time students, working professionals and students seeking online educational opportunities. As part of the NDSU College of Health Professions, the School of Nursing also is a ROTC Center of Nursing Excellence.

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