Nursing scholarship helps students dedicated to caring for others

Story by UIS Advancement

For Esther Lam (’96, MA ’04 CPAE), nursing has always been more than a profession but a calling rooted in compassion, service, and a commitment to helping others during life's most vulnerable moments. Together with her husband, Dr. Wilfred Lam, she has extended that commitment to future generations through the Wilfred and Esther Lam Pre‑Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund, helping University of Illinois Springfield students pursue careers dedicated to caring for others.

“My mother was the first example to show me how important it is to care for a person in their most vulnerable times,” Esther said. “From a very young age I wanted to be just like her and help people.”

That passion guided Esther throughout her nursing career and continues to shape her service today. Whether teaching English as a Second Language, supporting international students, or assisting non‑English‑speaking families, Esther has consistently identified needs and found ways to meet them. The scholarship fund is another expression of that lifelong commitment to service.

Esther believes that excellent healthcare begins with well‑prepared, compassionate caregivers. “It’s so important we have competent and caring nurses,” she said. “Students who care from the heart and have compassion. This is why we want to provide a chance for those who want to be in this profession the opportunity to get their education.”

For the Lam family, the scholarship is as much about impact as it is about opportunity. Receiving letters from scholarship recipients has reaffirmed the difference their generosity is making. “We appreciate the letters from students so much,” Esther shared. “It’s wonderful to see the inspiration—little pebbles become big stones you can build on.”

Vice Chancellor for Advancement Gabe Cagwin says the Lams’ gift demonstrates how philanthropy creates lasting change. “The Wilfred and Esther Lam Pre‑Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund is a powerful example of how generosity transforms lives,” Cagwin said. “When donors invest in future nurses, they help students achieve their educational goals while also supporting the thousands of patients those nurses will care for over the course of their careers. That impact extends far beyond the classroom and strengthens our entire community.”

The Lams often reflect on how much Springfield and the university have meant to them. Through this scholarship, they are creating opportunities for future students while continuing a legacy of service and care. UIS is proud to recognize that commitment at the upcoming Alumni Gala, where Esther will receive the University of Illinois Loyalty Award for Exceptional Alumni Service.

Learn more about UIS scholarships here.