Midwives College Establishes Scholarship in Briana Blackwelder's Name

was a popular teacher at the Midwives College of Utah and someone whom students loved learning the craft from. Her name will live on through the Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Fund.

"She was so special, and I was so lucky to have started with her on her journey as a midwife," said college President Kristi Ridd-Young. "I just came back to work today, the first since the accident, and I could feel her spirit her.

"She taught for 10 years and was one of the most popular teachers we have. Everybody loved Briana. I actually trained her in Doula midwifery when she first started. She was so eager and so passionate about what she did. I was always amazed how much she knew for someone so young."

The Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Fund

Ridd-Young said the Midwives College of Utah Briana Blackwelder scholarship fund is dedicated to the “wise-woman ways” Briana taught each of those who knew her.

"Briana’s legacy will live on in the support of a young, single woman who shares the vision of all it means to be a midwife and is seeking an education to further that vision,"  she said.

Ridd-Young's open letter to students that she posted on the college website reads as follows:

"It is with a heavy, sad heart that I share with you the death of one of MCU's most beloved. On Saturday afternoon, Briana and her younger brother were in a car accident near Santaquin, Utah. Briana did not survive the accident; blessedly her brother did.

"Many of you who came to conferences got to experience the incredible way Briana, with her dear friend and soul sister Cathy touched the lives of those families they cared for and in turn touched your life through the sharing of their wise women ways. From the time I met Briana years ago at doula training until our last heart to heart a few days ago, I marveled at Briana's wisdom, intuition and serenity. How could a woman so young have accomplished and perfected that which most of us take a lifetime to learn?

"I often teased Briana that I was going to line her up with one of my sons so she could always be my daughter.... I don't know if I'll be able to walk past her prenatal office to go to my desk without feeling her tender midwifery spirit emanating from within. From cradling the head of a newborn to holding a woman in her arms as she transitioned from pregnancy to motherhood, she truly honored that sacred space of midwifery.

"There's a part of me that's a little bit angry right now; I want to stamp my foot and say, 'I don't know the reason why and I'm not able to see the whole, big picture, but do you really need Briana like we need her here?' What I do know is that Briana loved and honored our heavenly parents. She is encircled in their arms while our arms ache for her. I know that her spirit will comfort her family and the many that are so painfully missing her. I am honored to have known her—truly a ministering angel."

Students Also Write

Briana's students also wrote tributes to the woman who taught them at the the college.

Terri Demers:  "It was such a pleasure to watch Briana evolve from an excellent student into the solid, centered midwife we know. Her strength and gentleness said everything you needed to know about a midwife. Her grace and skill were a gift to behold, and I am comforted that every student, client and family she touched will carry her gifts on and on. I am shocked that she is gone, and I am so sad. I will miss her and will carry her beautiful spirit in my heart and mind. I offer blessings of comfort to her family and friends and to all who are touched by Briana’s loss."

Nicole Croft: "I am so so saddened and sorry to hear this. She was one of my teachers. Her encouragement and brightness came through in all her e-mails. While I did not get to meet her personally, I can only imagine the pain and loss MCU's staff and all her family and friends are navigating."

How to Contribute

If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may donate at any Mountain America Credit Union.  If there is not a Mountain America Credit Union in your area, please contact Kristi Ridd-Young at 801-649-5230 or e-mail president@midwifery.edu for scholarship account information.  If you are a student of MCU, you may donate through the MCU website from the Finances tab.  Please designate the money for the Briana Blackwelder Scholarship Fund.