A new scholarship fund created in memory of a talented scientist and beloved sister and daughter will help empower female students to pursue careers in the sciences.
A native of Indiana County, Janeen Worzbyt was an alumnus of Marion Center High School and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she received her BS in Medical Technology and MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education.
Janeen dedicated her entire life to helping others, particularly those that needed help in times of crisis. Whether that be through her career as a medical technologist, or her passion for rescuing dogs that required special care, Janeen freely shared her talents, her gifts, and her energies to the communities that she lived in and served.
As a dedicated scientist, Janeen served the communities of Albany, New York; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and most recently, Boca Raton, Florida. Throughout her career, Janeen relentlessly accumulated additional knowledge and skills to run more sophisticated diagnostic equipment found in the most cutting-edge laboratories. This was particularly true during the Covid-19 pandemic, where Janeen worked in several laboratories that were on the front lines of diagnosing individuals before individual tests and vaccines were readily available. Janeen also helped countless couples achieve their dream of becoming parents through her work in a fertility laboratory located at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
“Janeen truly encapsulated what it meant to be an individual, blazing a trail as unique as she was,” said her brother Jason Worzbyt. “Whether it be playing flute in a community band, riding the scariest roller coasters all over the eastern seaboard, or meeting up with friends all over the country, Janeen truly lived her life to the fullest.”
This was particularly true when she became a full-time resident of Florida. Janeen always remembered her roots in western Pennsylvania and Indiana County. However, the ocean, palm trees, and balmy temperatures of Florida truly made her feel like she was home.
Perhaps Janeen’s greatest joy and passion was rescuing dogs from local shelters, especially those that needed specialized care. Many of these dogs became extended members of Janeen’s family. Her care and love transformed these animals into happy and healthy dogs that were full of energy and life.
Wishing to honor Janeen’s legacy, her mother Jean Worzbyt and Jason established the Janeen Worzbyt Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund will award a scholarship to a graduating female student from Marion Center High School pursuing a career in a healthcare or STEM field.
The goal of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to talented and qualified female students so they can pursue their dream of making significant contributions to the scientific community.
“While women have made great strides entering scientific, medical, and research-based fields, these careers continue to be largely populated by men,” said Jason. “This was certainly the case during Janeen’s career as a medical technologist. In many cases, this is due to inadequate or inequitable funding for highly qualified female applicants. Ultimately, it is our hope that recipients of this scholarship will inspire future female students at Marion Center High School to pursue a career in the sciences.”
To donate to the Janeen Worzbyt Memorial Scholarship Fund, click here.
