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Indiana University Health LaPorte Hospital, the LaPorte Hospital Foundation and the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary have been offering scholarships to local students pursuing healthcare careers since 1983. This year, 2011, the combined efforts of the three organizations funded 41 scholarships totaling $128,750. Students were presented with their awards in June at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
Kepler Awards
The LaPorte Hospital Foundation Kepler Award is given to a student studying to be a physician at an accredited medical school and upon graduation will return as a member of the medical staff of IU Health LaPorte Hospital. The Kepler Award was established to honor Robert W. Kepler, MD, an outstanding LaPorte area family physician and LaPorte Hospital Foundation leader. Due to the success of last year’s golf tournament, the foundation was able to fund two Kepler Awards this year.
Abigail Prast received her fourth Kepler Award. She is a graduate of LaPorte High School and of Hope College with a BA in chemistry. Abigail is entering her final year at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Rachel Rehlander is a graduate of New Prairie High School and received a BS in biology from IUPUI. She will be entering her first year at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Rumely Award
The Rumely Award was established as an ongoing memorial to A.J. and Frances Rumely, who were community, healthcare and educational leaders in LaPorte. This year’s recipient is Michelle Price. She is a graduate of LaPorte High School and will be entering her third year at Ball State University, where she is pursuing a BS in nursing.
Kemp Family Scholarship
The Kemp Family Scholarship is funded by the Art and Carol Kemp family in memory of Gladys Kemp, a retired nurse of IU Health LaPorte Hospital. This year’s recipient is Danielle Combs. She received an associate degree in nursing from Purdue University and is currently pursuing her BS in nursing from Purdue University Calumet.
Siefker Scholarship
The Elizabeth and Eugene Siefker Scholarship is funded by Scott and Kim Siefker in honor of Elizabeth Siefker and in memory of Eugene Siefker. This year’s recipient is Michael Goetz. He graduated from LaPorte High School and attends Saint Joseph’s College, where he is pursuing a BS in biology and chemistry.
Sisson Scholarship
The Richard M. Sisson Scholarship is funded by the Robert and Tammy Sisson family in memory of Richard Sisson. This year’s recipient is Cheryl Barney. She graduated from Ancilla College with an associate degree in nursing and will be pursuing her BS in nursing at Ancilla College.
Magnuson Scholarship
The LaPorte Hospital Foundation Magnuson Scholarship was established with a bequest from Dr. John E. and Lillian R. Magnuson. Dr. Magnuson was a dentist in the LaPorte Community and Lillian was a board member and honorary life member of the foundation. The recipients are: Rebecca Herrold, Master in Nursing, St. Xavier University; Kimberley Jelinek, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Valparaiso University; Pamela McNeal-Laue, Master of Social Work, Indiana University South Bend; and Regina Welch, Master of Adult Education, IUPUI.
Foundation scholarships
LaPorte Hospital Foundation Scholarships were awarded to Jeana Barlow, Associate of Science in nursing, Ancilla College; Megan Batten, B.A. biology and chemistry, Manchester College; Blake Fields, BS nursing, Valparaiso University; Kelsey Houin, BS nursing, Purdue University; and Stephanie Miller, BS nursing, Valparaiso University.
Bowen Scholarship
The Harold and Marcy Bowen Scholarship is funded by the Foundation Bowen Endowment in memory of Harold and Marcy Bowen. Harold Bowen was a longtime LaPorte Hospital volunteer. This year’s recipient is Ashley Henrich. She graduated from Westville High School and will be attending IUPUI to study physical therapy.
Door Prairie Painters Scholarship
The Door Prairie Painters Scholarship is funded by the Door Prairie Painters’ Christmas project. This year’s recipient is Andrew Taschler. He graduated from LaPorte High School and will be attending Butler University in the fall to pursue a degree in pharmacy.
Friend of Auxiliary Scholarship
The Friend of Auxiliary Scholarship is funded by an anonymous auxiliary member for a student enrolled in a healthcare program. This year’s recipient is Amy Minix. She is a graduate of Knox Community High School and will be attending Ball State University in the fall to pursue her degree in nursing.
President Scholarship
The Indiana Health Auxiliaries Association President Scholarship is funded in honor of Carol Taylor, Indiana Health Auxiliary Association president. This year’s recipient is Nicole Johnson. She is a graduate of LaPorte High School and will be attending Indiana University to pursue a degree in biology.
Auxiliary Scholarships
First Year Auxiliary Scholarships went to Jenna Burke, BS nursing, University of St. Francis; Madison Chartier, Pharm D, Butler University; Lauren Jernas, Pharm D, Purdue University; Christopher Lee, BS biology, IUPUI; Jessica Menke, BS nursing, Indiana Wesleyan University; Sarah Mumma, BS nursing, Purdue University; Lauren Palmer, BS biomedical engineering, Butler University; Haley Peckat, BS biology, Indiana University; Nathan Quinlan, physical therapy, Purdue University; and Megan Rogers, BS nursing, Indiana Wesleyan University.
Second Year Auxiliary Scholarships went to Andrew Alexander, BS biology, IUPUI; Toni Jackson, BS nursing, Purdue North Central; Brina Miltenberger, BA psychology and chemistry, Hope College; and Kaityln Smith, Pharm D, Ferris State University.
Physicians Legacy Award
New to the list of scholarships this year was the IU Health LaPorte Hospital Physicians Legacy Award. “This award is special to us as it honors our retired physicians who have spent their lives taking care of the health of our community members,” said G. Thor Thordarson, IU Health La Porte Hospital President/CEO. “This year’s recipients all graduated from local area high schools, and are attending the Indiana University School of Medicine. They are all exceptional candidates, and we are excited because after completing their education, they will return to serve the residents of our community.”
The IU Health Physicians Legacy Award is given to a student who is studying to become a physician and has been accepted into an accredited medical school. Upon graduation the student will return to practice medicine in the IU Health LaPorte Hospital or Starke Hospital service area. Three students received the inaugural IU Health Physicians Legacy Award:
Samantha Armstrong graduated from LaPorte High School and from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis with a BS in biology and minors in chemistry, medical humanities and health studies and religious studies. She will be a first-year student at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Aaron Esper graduated from Knox Community High School and from Saint Joseph’s College with a BS in chemistry and biology. He will be a first-year student at the Indiana University School of Medicinel.
Tyler Miller graduated from Valparaiso High School and from the University of Montana with a BS in biology. He will be entering his second year at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Critical Occupations Award
The IU Health LaPorte Hospital Critical Occupations Award/Loan Program is given to students pursuing careers in occupational fields that are deemed to be in critical shortage now or in the near future. This year’s recipients are: Laura Beach, BS nursing, Purdue University Calumet; Bridgett Campbell, BS nursing, Grand Valley State University; Katherine Fitzgerald, occupational therapy, University of Indianapolis; and Amber Zeedyk, physical therapy, Andrews University.
Applications for 2012 scholarships will be available by Jan. 15, 2012, at www.iuhealth.org/laporte/foundation.
