Scholarship Awarded In Memory of Rutgers Physician Assistant Student

As a student in the Rutgers School of Health Professions Physician Assistant program, Judith Yannariello was known for her hard work and generosity of spirit.

Fifty-three years old when she started the program, she often invited her younger fellow students over for dinner, offering support and encouragement as they pursued degrees in the rigorous program. Diagnosed with cancer, the beloved student passed away in October 2014 before she could complete her degree.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11 on the Busch Campus in Piscataway, the first Judith Yannariello, Ph.D Endowed Scholarship was presented in her memory to a current Physician Assistant student who met criteria which included demonstrating an unselfish commitment to assisting other students academically and personally, and an intent to work in primary care.

Mahreen Ahmad, a second year student from Basking Ridge, was the recipient.

“I am humbled to accept this scholarship honoring Judith’s memory. I did not know Judith, but was inspired to hear her story. She was a warm, compassionate person who displayed great courage despite having to overcome great obstacles,” said Mahreen.

“Judith remained committed to her education and her family. Knowing what challenges Judith overcame and what kind of life she led puts my own challenges of being a student and a mother to three young children in perspective. I hope to live up to the kind of example she set while she was attending the Rutgers PA program. I want to thank Judith’s family, the Rutgers PA faculty, and everyone else who created this scholarship.”

After many years in academia and research, Judith, who had earned a Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology from Yale University, decided to pursue a second career as practitioner because of her passion for helping others. In 2011, she enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program at Rutgers School of Health Professions. Before her death, she completed the requirements for the didactic portion of the program and was conferred a Certificate of Completion in October of 2014.

“Judith left a lasting mark on her classmates as well as the faculty. She was a remarkable woman in many ways, and she was truly compassionate. Judith was able to relate to others in a special way and when she encountered someone suffering, she was compelled to relieve that suffering,” said Jill Reichman, Rutgers PA program director. “Her gift to all of us is that we experienced her kind heart and we can now model her compassion.”

On hand for the scholarship award were Judith’s husband, Jack Zamboni, daughter Coral Brown, sister-in-law Helen Zamboni; and step-son Jonathan Zamboni.

The Judith Yannariello, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship was established by her family in memory of the student, who lived in Somerville. It is funded by contributions from her family, many friends, PA Program faculty and Judith’s classmates. Its purpose is to honor her courage, hard work and, above all, her generosity of spirit, and to continue her legacy in the program by supporting students who reflect her character.

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Rutgers School of Health Professions is the nation's largest leading health professions school, offering more than 50 graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs in fields with enormous job growth potential.