HONORING THE MEMORY OF A BELOVED ADVISER
Family and staff reflect on the life of a student advocate.
LAST YEAR, John Baron and Larry Baer established the Stephanie Baron Memorial Health Professions Scholarship in honor of John’s wife and Larry’s daughter.
Stephanie Baron is still remembered on campus as a cherished student adviser whose career was marked by her passion for helping others. She held various roles in higher education before moving to Bothell in 2014, when she joined UW Bothell as a student adviser in the School of Nursing & Health Studies, a role she valued deeply.
Advisers play a crucial role in helping students navigate their academic and personal lives. They provide guidance and support on a wide range of topics, including course selection, academic progress, career planning and personal development.
As Clay Schwenn, the school’s director of academic services, recalled, “Stephanie was deeply interested in the students she worked with. She always wanted them to get the most out of the institution and achieve at the highest levels. Her optimism and ability to find the silver lining in any situation were truly inspiring.”
Baron was diagnosed with terminal cancer in June 2020. Despite her diagnosis, she maintained a positive outlook and continued to be a source of strength and inspiration for her family and friends. She passed away in 2022, yet her legacy lives on through the new scholarship and the memories of her community.
When it came to honoring Baron, her husband, John, felt an endowment for students drawn to health care was a perfect opportunity.
“Stephanie was an exceptional person who devoted her life to helping others,” he said. “She believed that students with a passion for health care should not be held back by financial constraints. This scholarship is a way to honor her commitment to guiding and supporting students in fulfilling their dreams.
“Her connections were personal and left a mark,” he added. “When she was gone, there was a gap. The scholarship helps fill that gap and continues her legacy.”
Knowing there are people who believe in us and our goals — and are willing to invest in our future — truly means everything. Your support allows us to stay focused on our education and our mission to care for others, especially during challenging times. Thank you for standing with us and helping us work toward a more inclusive and compassionate health care system.
Muskan P., Nursing, expected graduation ’26
Make a gift today to support the Stephanie Baron Memorial Health Professions Scholarship.