A mother’s love and a son’s enduring memory have come together in a lasting gift for future generations of psychiatrists. In memory of her son, who died after a long struggle with schizoaffective disorder, Pam Matteoni established the Darren Robert Matteoni Memorial Scholarship at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. The scholarship provides financial support to medical students pursuing psychiatry, encouraging compassionate care and commitment to a field that is both critical and often under-resourced.
“My hope is that this scholarship helps students pursue psychiatry without being held back by financial barriers,” said Pam Matteoni. “Their work can make a real difference for families like ours.”
Darren grew up in Sparks as the oldest of three children in a close-knit family. Popular, intelligent and ambitious, he dreamed of joining the U.S. Navy, but his dream was shattered when a medical condition disqualified him from service. Shortly after, while living in the Bay Area, he experienced his first psychiatric crisis and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
“He was full of life and so connected to everyone around him,” said Pam. “When Darren struggled, it wasn’t just devastating — it was confusing and lonely, because there was nowhere to turn for guidance or support.”
Over the next 15 years, Darren faced repeated hospitalizations, lived in group homes, and navigated a fragmented mental health care system. He received help from Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services’ PACT program, which provided comprehensive, locally based treatment. With their support, Darren trained as a licensed massage therapist and built meaningful skills and independence.
“PACT gave him a chance to thrive again, but when his medications became unaffordable, everything changed,” said Pam. “Within a month, his mental health declined, and our world was turned upside down.”
The scholarship honors Darren’s life while addressing systemic challenges in mental health care. Students receiving the award are expected to demonstrate academic commitment, clinical experience, empathy and a dedication to reducing stigma around mental illness.
“Psychiatry is critically important, yet it’s often undervalued,” said Pam. “Supporting students shows them their work matters and that their skills and compassion can save lives.”
For Pam, creating the scholarship has also been a source of healing.
“It gives our family a way to turn grief into something meaningful,” she said. “Instead of only mourning Darren, we can celebrate what his life continues to contribute. Each student who receives this scholarship represents hope for a stronger, more compassionate mental health system.”
Through the Darren Robert Matteoni Memorial Scholarship, Pam hopes to spark a broader conversation about mental health — one rooted in compassion, belonging and recognition of the families who rely on skilled, empathetic psychiatrists.
“Behind every patient is a family like ours,” she said. “We hope this scholarship encourages future psychiatrists to approach their work with care, understanding and the knowledge that what they do truly matters.”
Darren Robert Matteoni Memorial Scholarship Fund to support future psychiatrists and make a difference in mental health care.