Created by the Boissard family, this meaningful scholarship supports impassioned students who will enter the high-demand nursing field through Quinnipiac’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Nguyen, a graduate of the 15-month program, credits the School of Nursing’s holistic approach with helping him, as a new nurse, to best support and assist the Boissard family during a very difficult time.

In April of 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Marguerite Boissard, at age 92, suffered respiratory distress and was brought to the St. Raphael’s emergency department at Yale New Haven Hospital. Together with her family, the difficult decision was made that comfort measures only (CMO) would be the best course of care.

“The reason why I can remember Marguerite Boissard so acutely, even though it’s been four years since I last took care of her or personally met her son, Christopher, was because she was my very first CMO patient. That leaves an impression on a brand-new nurse, which I was,” said Nguyen.

Christopher Boissard remained with his mother throughout the time she received hospice care in the hospital’s Celentano Patient Care Unit 4 (CPU4).

“My mother and I were made comfortable in her room as she slowly went to sleep for the final time,” Boissard recalled. “As she slept, I was able to gather my thoughts and better understand what had occurred and convince myself that that day’s happenings were what my mom had requested even though it was not something I wanted but needed to do.”

During this critical time, Nguyen said he never forgot the importance of interacting with his patient and her son with empathy and compassion.

“As much as I gave compassionate care to the patient, I also spoke with her son compassionately and with respect, taking into account that he was in a very delicate situation,” said Nguyen. “I made sure to answer any questions he may have on the care for his mother, and as well as providing emotional support for him, too. I spoke with him kindly, I answered his questions, and I made sure, being new nurse at the time, that if he had questions beyond my capacity to answer -- which happened often back then -- that my preceptor would assist with the answers.”

Boissard said the many nurses and nurse assistants that cared for his mother in the days which followed her admission to the hospital allowed her to rest comfortably, peacefully, and with dignity.

“It was like a ritual for a revered dignitary that was done many times both day and night. The word ‘integrity’ came to mind,” Boissard said.

Among the nurses that were there the most were the tandem of Nguyen and his preceptor. Boissard spoke with them often during their supportive work.

“As they performed their duties during their various shifts, I was able to talk to them and ask questions,” Boissard said. “I discovered that Kevin was a recent 2020 graduate of the accelerated nursing program at Quinnipiac. He was being mentored during his training period on CPU4. At the moment I thought that a program for baccalaureate holders who made the decision to become nurses was very, very enlightening.”

Boissard said he was also overtaken by how the young nurses and aides could manage such immense psychological pressures on a recurring basis, with such warm smiles and caring demeanors.

“I often wondered how these individuals functioned in the face of the inevitable on a daily basis. Was this even possible?” Boissard said.

As he witnessed the reality of his mother’s last days and eventual passing, Boissard recalled how the experience was as difficult for him as it was for his mother’s caretakers, especially her last attending nurses, Nguyen and his preceptor.

“I can still see their emotions when my dearest mom had passed,” Boissard said. “I know Kevin was very much touched, since this was the first time a patient in his care had passed on, and probably anyone in his young life. It was one of those moments that one always carries and remembers.”

Afterwards, Nguyen spoke with Boissard about how the experience deepened his appreciation and realization that everyone deserves care with compassion and dignity, regardless of prognosis.

“This is something that I recall very deeply, not just during my short time at Yale New Haven Hospital, but from my time at Quinnipiac School of Nursing,” said Nguyen. “When you take care of a patient, it doesn’t matter at what stage of care the patient is at, or what the end goals may be. They are still the patient. They are still a person that we need to treat with the utmost respect and the utmost care.”

Over the succeeding years, Nguyen has continued his nursing career at Yale New Haven Hospital’s St. Raphael’s campus in different units including critical care. Currently, Nguyen is a charge nurse for the hospital’s telemetry medical surgery floor.

Boissard said he was touched to hear that, as a charge nurse, Nguyen emphasizes to all of his new nurses the important principles of treating patients with utmost care and respect.

“What a beautiful tribute and concepts to pass on to us all,” said Boissard. “As I reflected back on all that had happened, I came to the conclusion that a wonderful way to keep my mother’s memory alive and to honor those who cared for her was by initiating a scholarship supporting the accelerated BS in Nursing program at Quinnipiac, recognizing Kevin’s actions as its impetus.”

“I was very pleasantly surprised and pleased that he was inspired to go forward with the scholarship for the university. I’m glad to play a small part in this,” Nguyen said. “I appreciate this gentleman for offering a lot of support for Quinnipiac University. I know this will help a lot of students there, especially those who want to pursue excellent nursing care.”

A retired drug discovery and clinical researcher with over 35 years of experience, Boissard also serves on the Quinnipiac School of Nursing Dean’s Advisory Board. He said purpose of the Marguerite I. Boissard Memorial Scholarship Fund is to assist those determined students, who, like Nguyen, wish to fulfill their dreams in becoming dedicated and compassionate providers in the noble calling of nursing.

“To this day, I am more and more convinced my mother’s scholarship has fulfilled its purpose, and that the Nursing program at Quinnipiac has flourished since then. Thank you, Kevin for the inspiration and all those not mentioned - but not forgotten - who were part of my mother’s final days and hours,” said Boissard.

To further support Quinnipiac School of Nursing, in 2025, the Boissard Family Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Nursing was established. The family’s generous gift reflects their deep belief in the power of nursing education and their desire to support students who are making a difference in their communities.

In September 2025, graduate student Najea Poindexter was selected as a recipient of the Boissard Family Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Nursing.

“This recognition not only encourages me to continue striving for excellence but also affirms the passion and purpose I have found in the nursing profession,” Poindexter said.
Poindexter extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Boissard family for their generosity and belief in the power of nursing education.

“Their support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students like me, and I am sincerely appreciative of their investment in my journey,” Poindexter said. “Nursing has given me a profound sense of purpose in the professional world, and I am dedicated to advancing my education, achieving, and excelling in the field so that I may continue to grow as both a caregiver and a leader. This scholarship will greatly support me in reaching these goals, and I am committed to honoring this opportunity through my work and service.”

Boissard said Poindexter’s comments further instill his confidence and appreciation for the School of Nursing, where enlightened nursing students are receiving exceptional education and experience to become successful healthcare contributors.

“I thank the School of Nursing for providing me an opportunity to invest in their vision, and to further the dreams of their students,” Boissard said.