From Nurse to Nurse: Scholarship Recipient Honors Darcy Dengel's Legacy

Tia Kuntz’s father, Mike, inspired her career and encouraged her to never stop learning. In his memory, she’s “finally taking that leap” and pursuing a Master of Nursing degree.

Mike was a Great Falls firefighter, and his spirit of service and role as a first responder are why Tia’s “heart and soul” is in the Emergency Department. She is a nurse specializing in trauma and caring for patients who have been sexually assaulted.

Continuing her education will help her step into leadership, and she’s supported along the way with the same scholarship donors who have helped her throughout her nursing education: the Dengel family.

“The scholarship support lets me focus on learning and professional growth instead of focusing on the financial aspects,” Tia said.

The Dengels created the scholarship in honor of Darcy Dengel, who lost her life at 27 in a Mercy Flight crash in 2007.

Tia’s father was close friends with paramedic Paul Erickson, who also went down with the plane.

“We have a close connection there, and the Dengels are a fantastic family,” Tia said. “They have been among my biggest supporters since the start of nursing school, and I appreciate their uplifting words all along as well as the financial help.”

Benefis scholarships help students from Great Falls and across central Montana pursue degrees, certifications, and advancements in healthcare. They honor legacies like Darcy’s and recognize all those who helped our donors along the way.

“Thank you, Benefis Foundation, for creating opportunities for us,” Tia said

Donors to Benefis Foundation’s scholarship program help medical students, nursing students, and others working toward healthcare careers achieve their dreams. Since 1998, 983 students have received scholarships from Benefis Foundation donors, tallying more than $2,128,350. You can invest in the next generation of nurses, therapists, and doctors at Benefis.org/Give.