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Student-athlete receives Sturdy Health Nursing Scholarship Award

A smiling young woman with long black hair wearing a white coat over a blue shirt holds a greyish-blue folder stands beside a smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a dark dress and holding a yellow rose. Grass, trees with green leaves and brick buildings are in the background.
2026 Sturdy Health Nursing Scholarship Award recipient Adeline Takantjas ’29 with Sturdy Health Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Salameh. (Photos by Nicki Pardo)

Adeline Takantjas ’29, a student-athlete and aspiring nurse practitioner, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Sturdy Health Nursing Scholarship Award.

The award, which is given annually to a high-achieving sophomore, includes a renewable $5,000 scholarship, an opportunity for paid summer employment, internship support and full-time employment after graduation. The award was announced during the nursing program’s White Coat Ceremony, which celebrates students’ transition to clinical training.

Four smiling individuals stand beside each other. Three older individuals, a man and two women, join a young women with long black hair, wearing a white coat over a blue shirt. She is holding a blueish-gray folder and a yellow rose.
Adeline with her aunt and parents, Edith and Alexander, after the White Coat Ceremony.

“For me, everything went silent when my name was called [to receive the scholarship],” said Takantjas, a sprinter/hurdler/jumper for Wheaton’s track and field team. “I’m so grateful for such an honor.” Her parents and aunt attended the event, as well as her nursing friends and some track teammates.

“It was wonderful to have all that support,” she said. “And having a guaranteed job at Sturdy really helps me feel that putting in all this work is going to be worth it.”

The road to becoming a nursing major developed during her senior year of high school. She was leaning toward majoring in biology, before discussions changed her focus. “My mom said, ‘I see you thriving in nursing. Your personality and morals align well with it,’” Takantjas said. Her aunt, a registered nurse, agreed.

Takantjas completed a health-focused project and a job-shadowed a nurse practitioner before choosing to attend Wheaton on the strength of its nursing program and her ability to compete in college athletics. “I just fell in love with the idea of going into this profession and being able to help people,” said the Belmont, N.H., resident.

According to those who know her, Takantjas’s work ethic and good-natured personality serve her, and others, well. “I try to have as much fun as I can, no matter what I’m doing,” she said.

Track and Field Coach Kim Spence appreciates her spirit and contributions to the team, which earned a national All-Academic Team award with a 3.46 combined GPA last year.

Two young women, one wearing a blue uniform with Wheaton on the shirt and the other wearing a red uniform, leap over hurdles while competing in an indoor race.
Ashley competes in an indoor hurdle race. (Photo by Keith Nordstrom)

“Ado [Adeline] works just as hard on the track as she does in the classroom,” said Spence. “She is by far one of the most dedicated student-athletes I have had the privilege to coach. In addition to her incredible drive to be the best, Ado brings so much energy and positivity to every practice!”

In addition to track, Takantjas joined the college’s Outdoors Club, Best Buds and German Club. “I work opportunities into my schedule whenever an event comes up,” she said. “Participating in these clubs gives my brain and body a break.”

Takantjas is also proud to serve as a Wheaton Athletic Mentor, hosting events for some of the Lyons sports teams and assisting new students. “We work to make teams feel included and to help first-year students feel comfortable. If I can’t help them directly, I will find someone who can.”

Biology Professor Robert Morris said that Takantjas demonstrates impressive attributes for a successful future. “Her intellectual curiosity, academic strength and willingness to support her peers are wonderful qualities for an aspiring nurse.”

Jessica Lawrence, professor of the practice of mental health nursing, believes that “she has the character, work ethic and commitment necessary to succeed in the nursing program and beyond. We are excited to see where this journey leads and how to play a part in supporting her.”

After graduating, Takantjas aims to gain experience as a nurse for a couple of years to see where her passions lie. “Right now I’m leaning toward pediatrics because I love working with kids,” she said. “It’s always a fun challenge to cooperate with them and being around children is a good way to keep that light, fun flow of energy and imagination.”

Eventually she hopes to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner, possibly concentrating in primary care, but for now, she is excited to continue growing and learning at a place that she has come to adore.

“Since starting here, I’ve noticed how much more comfortable I feel in who I am, and the people around me help me feel content with where I am,” she said. “I love it here. Everyone at Wheaton wants you to do well. They are here to support you, to be your friend and to make sure you excel in what you want to do.”