Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary awards more than $20,000 in scholarships

OWATONNA, Minn. (July 9, 2024) — The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary, through its fundraising efforts, has awarded $21,800 in scholarships to local students in 2024.

Congratulations to the recipient of the $1,800 Donald Sanford Nursing Scholarship which is awarded to someone entering or returning to nursing school:

• Abby Vetsch, attending the University of Iowa in nursing. 

Congratulations to the recipients of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships which total $20,000. These scholarships are given to people who are majoring in a health-related field:

• Abigail Beaver, attending Winona State in nursing.
• Cheyenne Fedder, attending Riverland Community College in nursing.
• Diana Foster, attending Riverland Community College in nursing.
• Brianne Hinchley, attending Augustana College in nursing.
• Madison Homuth, attending St. Mary’s University in nursing.
• Grace Jacobs, attending Missouri State University to become a physician assistant.
• Madison Lea, attending Minnesota State University-Mankato in nursing.
• Sabra Mullenmaster, attending Riverland Community College in nursing.
• Brittany Pechacek, attending Riverland Community College in nursing.
• Lauren Phelps, attending Concordia College, Moorhead in biology.

Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary volunteers have been giving back to the Owatonna community since 1957. These scholarships reflect their dedication to raise and distribute funds to support the community.

Derek Schelling is a former scholarship recipient who attended Minnesota State University, Mankato. He is now a physical therapist and supervisor of Rehabilitation Services at Owatonna Hospital.

“It was during my time at Mankato that I discovered the rigors of college and the difficulty of working while studying. Through scholarship monies such as the Auxiliary scholarship I was able to focus more on my studies without the stress of full-time work during the school year,” said Schelling.

“Derek’s journey is a testament to these scholarships and the donors who support them. We know money can be an obstacle for people wanting to pursue all careers, including those in health care. At the Auxiliary, we are grateful for our volunteers and donors who help break down these barriers to support those in our community interested in health care,” said Marcia Thompson, co-chair of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Committee.  

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.