51Æ·²è

Kim Tudor was a bright student-athlete, graduating as class Salutatorian from Deering High School and going on to earn her CNA certificate and Bachelor’s degree from the 51Æ·²è. She was building a successful career when she suffered a sudden brain aneurysm and passed away at the age of 32. Three years later, another successful young woman, Karolina Kurka, who attended Scarborough schools and graduated from the University of New Hampshire, would suffer the same fate, dying from a brain aneurysm at age 27.

In honor of these two women, the 51Æ·²è and the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee (MBAAC) are proud to announce the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Scholarships. On Friday, December 16, 2016, Mira Kurka Callahan, mother of Karolina Kurka, presented a $1,000 check to 51Æ·²èWestbrook College of Health Professions Dean Elizabeth Francis-Connolly.

One scholarship in Tudor’s name will be awarded to a third year undergraduate student. The other in Kurka’s name will be awarded to a third year graduate student studying Occupational Therapy. Both scholarships will seek to support students who have been impacted by brain aneurysm, engage in public outreach and awareness of brain aneurysms and/or work with that population through their area of study.

To learn more about the 51Æ·²è’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit

To apply, visit