Amy Vanlaningham Scholarship

Amy Vanlaningham was a nursing student at Goshen College and a doer, in every sense of the word. In keeping with her spirit, her family established a nursing scholarship in her memory to assist those who likewise choose to become nurses.

Amy was the youngest of Helen and Hazel Vanlaninghams’ five children. She grew up in nearby Milford, Ind., as a shy and quiet child. However, even then she displayed a strong sense of independence which became only more obvious as she matured.

Her life after high school took some interesting turns. She graduated from Indiana State University with a BA in psychology in 1980. The next years included a 6-week wilderness survival course, rock climbing, a term in Brethren Voluntary Service (BVS) in Denver rehabilitating homes for the poor and elderly, and employment with an insurance adjuster.

Then Amy decided to return to college to become a nurse. She chose Goshen Colleges nursing program partly because of its Study Service Trimester program. With a goal of being a medical missionary, an international educational experience was especially appealing to her.

Amy loved nursing. She felt she had really found her niche. Apparently her patients thought so too, as many expressed appreciation for the quality of nursing care she provided.

In April 1984, Amy went to Haiti on SST. Her letters indicate that she valued the experience. She was quite moved by the terrible poverty she saw and was disturbed by some of the obvious injustice around her. Tragically, she became a victim of that injustice. On May 22, 1984, she was shot and killed by an unknown assailant while on a street in Port-au-Prince.

After Amys death, the Vanlaninghams heard from countless friends who also remembered and appreciated Amy. The list of the attributes that made her special is a long one: her warm, easy sense of humor that drew people to her; her independence that prompted her to do things for herself and her refusal to be bound by traditional male/female roles; her willingness to form an opinion and then voice it; her sentiment and thoughtfulness. Amy especially valued family and friends, making sure to “take good care” of these special relationships.

Most importantly, throughout her life, Amy was very deliberate about her faith and Christianity. A member of the Bethel Church of the Brethren in Milford, she was an involved, active member. She gave countless volunteer hours to the church. She was committed to Bible study, both personal and in small groups at church. Her faith and how she lived it was of utmost importance to her.