Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association/Sylvia Barker Scholarship
For Graduate Nursing Students Focused on Pediatric Nursing Care or Administrative Services for Children
In 2025, the New York Alumnae Association of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing (SON) initiated a scholarship fund honoring Sylvia Barker and, in 2026, the scholarship was fully funded by donations from Mount Sinai SON alumni. This scholarship is awarded to a master's or doctoral nursing student with a preference for those who exhibit exceptional or innovative pediatric nursing care or administrative services for children.
Sylvia Barker graduated in 1936 from the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing and was the epitome of the words engraved on the school’s pin given at graduation: “Vota Vita Nostra” or “Our Life Dedicated/Devoted.” In the 1930s, when wheelchairs were made of wood, she initiated “seat belts” to keep children safe.
Ms. Barker served for many years at Mount Sinai as a Pediatric Nurse, Pediatric Supervisor, and a Pediatric Nursing Instructor. Sylvia also earned a baccalaureate and master's degree from Columbia University School of Nursing. She was active in the New York State Nurses Association, Nurses House, and the Alumnae Association of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing. When the Board of Directors of the Alumnae Association decided to recognize and award their nurse graduates for outstanding nursing achievement, Sylvia Barker was the first recipient of “The Distinguished Alumna Award” in 1990. For her outstanding leadership in nursing, she was a recipient of the R. Louise McManus Medal, the highest honor of the Nursing Education Alumni Association.
Featured Mount Sinai Hospital SON, NY Alumnae Association / Sylvia Barker Scholarship Recipients
This scholarship was first awarded in 2026 to:
Tuan Le, MBA-HA, RN, AMB-BC
- Has worked in community health, ambulatory care, and acute care settings, with a strong focus on culturally responsive, patient-centered care
- Was a Lead RN at International Community Health Services in Seattle, Washington, supporting AAAHC accreditation preparation, developing evidence-based outpatient nursing triage workflows to support new-to-specialty nurses transitioning into ambulatory care, coordinating clinical operations, and mentoring fellow nurses
- Plans to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner serving underserved communities while pursuing leadership opportunities to improve healthcare systems, strengthen nursing practice, and advance health equity