Maize and Blue Scholar honors mother's legacy, inspires community care at UM-Flint

Adeline Walker's journey through the University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing is a testament to how life-changing education, resilient community support, and hands-on experience can shape not only an individual but an entire region.

Walker, a 2025 UM-Flint graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and recipient of the university's Maize and Blue Scholar Distinguished Scholar award, began her studies at the downtown campus in May 2023. Just weeks into her coursework, she faced the unimaginable—the loss of her mother, Samantha Lynn Brewer, to suicide at age 42.

Brewer, of Brockway Township, was known for her extraordinary devotion as a mother, wife, daughter, sister and nurse. Following her graduation from Port Huron Northern High School, she earned her BSN from UM-Flint in 2020 and worked as a registered nurse at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Brewer was a strong advocate for mental health awareness and was admired by her family and friends for her generosity, loyalty and candid humor.

"My mom gave so much to her patients and our community, and I wanted to follow that example," Walker said. "After she passed away, continuing in nursing didn't feel like a choice—it was my purpose and the way I could honor her legacy."

Walker credits her perseverance to the support she found within the university community. Instead of postponing her program, Walker found a safe place to heal, learn and grow, surrounded by faculty and peers who rallied behind her.

From Challenge to Community Impact

Walker quickly learned the value of flexibility and adaptation. "Every day, I think of my mom. The education and support I've received at UM-Flint gave me strength and purpose," she said.

A defining experience happened during Walker's mental health clinical rotation, during which she and another member of her program designed a group activity to help guide patients in practicing self-affirmation by recognizing and appreciating individual strengths.

"This experience allowed me to gain hands-on experience making a difference in people's mental health and fueled my passion for mental health support and advocacy. Additionally, being in mental health clinical and in the hospital is one of the places that I felt closest to Mom," Walker said.

Walker's commitment extends beyond personal achievement. Her contributions as vice president of the BSN 61 Cohort and second vice president of the Student Nurses Association reflect her dedication to collaborative leadership. "Working with my peers and faculty, I learned how to advocate for others and drive positive change," she said.

Cultivating Health & Well-being Across Flint and Michigan

Walker's education gave rise to a mission that reaches far beyond the classroom. Through clinical work in Flint-area hospitals, Walker was inspired to confront the challenges facing both patients and the local community.

"My clinical experience showed me the realities of health disparities in Flint," she said. "Every day in the hospital, I strive to make tangible differences in people's lives and help build a healthier region."

Courses like "Population Centered Nursing" taught her to consider social determinants of health and inspired a lifelong commitment to community involvement. "UM-Flint helped me see the bigger picture. I want to work toward healthier communities not only here, but across Michigan."

Preparing Nurses as Civic Leaders

 By leading student organizations and advocating for patient-centered care, Walker embraced the importance of engagement and advocacy in shaping the future of nursing.

"My leadership roles gave me opportunities to serve, speak up and empower others. That's central to what nursing—and civic engagement—are all about," Walker said.

A Sustainable Future Rooted in Lifelong Growth

Guided by UM-Flint's commitment to sustainability and innovation, Walker's career aspirations include becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist. She credits simulation-based learning and hands-on clinical practice for her growing critical thinking and adaptability—skills fundamental to building resilient careers and communities.

"I want to create better conditions for patients in environments with poor social determinants of health throughout my career," she said. "UM-Flint prepared me for lifelong community involvement and a future built on empathy and expertise."

Celebrating a Story of Regional Impact—and a Mother's Lasting Legacy

Walker's personal transformation and commitment to local health are indicative of UM-Flint's broader impact on students across Michigan. As she prepares to enter the next chapter of her journey, Walker reflected on the power of education to uplift entire communities—and her mother's lasting influence.

"My mom's love and example live on in everything I do," Walker said. "We've all faced challenges. I hope my story encourages others to keep striving, remain empathetic and find ways to serve their communities."