The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society (CCMS) board of directors is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of its 2026 Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship awards: Gianna Gorman, who received a $2,500 scholarship, and Greg Frengel. who received a $1,000 scholarship.
The scholarship was endowed by Dr. Rebekah Bernard, CCMS Physician of the Year 2026 and a Foundation of CCMS board member, in memory of her mother, Kathy Lampl Bernard. Mrs. Bernard was a devoted bedside nurse who spent her career caring for patients in hospital and nursing home settings. This scholarship supports nursing students who are committed to following a similar path. It is the third scholarship program to be introduced by the Foundation of CCMS, which has provided over $280,000 in scholarship awards since 2013.
“On behalf of The Foundation, I am proud to recognize Gianna and Greg as the first recipients of the Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship,” said Dr. Bernard. “Their commitment to pursuing careers in bedside nursing reflects the compassion, dedication, and hands-on care that defined my mother’s life and career. Thank you to our donors and supporters for helping the Foundation invest in aspiring nurses who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families throughout our community.”
Gianna Gorman graduated from Mariner High School (Cape Coral) and is seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Florida Gulf Coast University, class of 2030. “I am deeply grateful and humbled to receive the support of the Foundation as I begin my journey in healthcare. This scholarship reinforces my passion for nursing and my commitment to serving others. I am excited to continue my education and gain the knowledge and experience needed to become a compassionate and dedicated nurse.”
Greg Frengel graduated from Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville, MD) and is a Practical Nursing student in the class of 2027 at Lorenzo Walker Technical College. “I am so honored to be recognized for this prestigious award that will help me to continue my education in bedside nursing. I am so grateful to be supported by this local foundation and the Bernard family, that will help me to support the healthcare needs in my local community.”
The Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament on September 26, 2026 will help raise funds for its scholarship program and local healthcare programs in need. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization launched by the Collier County Medical Society in 2012, with the mission to provide support and leadership to programs that address access to healthcare and promote health education. More information on supporting the Foundation and its scholarships is available at ccmsfoundation.org.