New Ulm Medical Center awards $175,000 in scholarships

NEW ULM, Minn. (Aug. 21, 2024) — Allina Health New Ulm Medical Center awarded scholarships totaling $175,000 to 35 area college students, thanks to the Allina Health Foundation. The scholarship recipients are pursuing a degree in nursing or a health care-related field.

“Health care workforce shortages are well documented and are projected to impact rural communities even more in the next decade,” said Toby Freier, New Ulm Medical Center president. “We can be grateful for the generosity of local community donors who are investing in the next generation of caregivers, in fact I don’t know of another community our size anywhere that is providing health care scholarships surpassing $175,000. It’s truly amazing!”

New Ulm Medical Center continues to listen to the health needs of the community and create pathways to train future health care workers who know, love and want to serve in Brown County and surrounding areas.

“New Ulm has created a thriving rural health model for this region and through philanthropy and community partnerships like this one, we are demonstrating our commitment to continuing our success and ensuring the health care needs of this region are supported,” said Freier. “We can also be encouraged by the strong interest among the next generation of students and young adults to pursue or further a career in health care service to our communities.”

New Ulm Medical Center held a scholarship reception on Aug. 9 to celebrate the recipients before the fall semester.

Here is a complete list of the recipients:

Charlotte West Anderson* Scholarship Recipients - $5,000 per scholarship

Kay Witt Scholarship - $2,500

• Olivia Christensen (Nursing)

Dr. Marc and Lori Burkhart Scholarship Recipient - $5,000

• Madison Suess (Medical School)

Carol Ryberg Scholarships

• $7,500 – Carol L. Ryberg NP/PA Scholarship
  • Justin Bruns (Nurse Practitioner)
• $5,000 – Carol L. Ryberg BSN Scholarship
  • Elizabeth Bianchi (Nursing)