CGH Health Foundation 2016 Scholarship Recipients
Contact: Dana McCoy
Eight area students are recipients of nine nursing/healthcare scholarships funded through the CGH Health Foundation and will receive grants totaling $15,500.
The first Foundation Nursing Scholarship was created in 2002 to assist area individuals in entering the nursing profession or continuing their studies. It has been renamed in memory of the late Althea Larson, a 15-year Foundation and 30-year CGH Medical Center Board member. Althea volunteered at CGH for most of her adult life, visiting the sick and encouraging them daily. She was held in high esteem by hospital staff.
The 2016 recipient of the $3,000 recurring Althea Larson Nursing Scholarship is Brandy Rumfelt, Morrison. She is seeking her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing, Downers Grove.
The Dr. Carmelo Interone Healthcare Scholarship was created in 2003 by Dr. Flora Interone, her family and friends in honor of the late surgeon. Carmelo began practicing at CGH Medical Center in 1973. He died unexpectedly in 2002. The memorial scholarship honors Dr. Interone's interest in maintaining excellence in healthcare services. New recipient is Gwen Strum, Dixon, who will receive $1,000 towards her BSN degree at Saint Anthony College of Nursing.
The $3,000 Sterling Rock Falls Community Trust Healthcare Scholarship was created in 2004 in partnership with the CGH Health Foundation to assist qualified individuals in pursuing nursing or healthcare careers. One of the goals of the Trust is to provide educational scholarships for new and previous high school graduates from the Sterling-Rock Falls area. An eight-person board oversees the good works of the Trust, which has been in existence since 1968. This year's winners include Katelin Durham, Sterling, accepted into the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA; and Meaghan Balsley, Rock Falls, who is getting her BSN degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Winner of the $2,000 Ed Andersen Healthcare Scholarship is also Katelin Durham, who will begin her medical studies this fall. The award was established in 2014 by the CGH Medical Center Board of Directors in gratitude for the former CGH CEO/President's exemplary career of more than 35 years.
Recipient of the $1,000 Dr. Ralph and Katherine Redmond Nursing Scholarship is Lauren Fitzwater, Erie. She is obtaining her BSN degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN. The scholarship was created in 2014 at the request of Mary Maxine Redmond, sister of the late Dr. Redmond, in honor of his long-time career as an area physician.
The Marrietta Lilly Healthcare Scholarship was established in 2006 by her family in grateful appreciation for her care received at CGH Medical Center prior to her death. This year's $1,000 award went to Megan Leaf, Rock Falls, who is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Sonography at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn.
The $1,500 Ron L. Smeltzer Nursing Scholarship was started in 2007 by his family following his unexpected death. Ron was the chairman of the CGH Medical Center Board and a member for 29 years. He was also one of the founding fathers of the CGH Health Foundation, for which he served as a trustee for 20 years. The 2016 recipient is Magdaline Egert, Sterling, who is pursuing her Associate Degree in Nursing at Sauk Valley Community College.
The Edgar and Florence Hall Nursing Scholarship was created in 2007 by their daughter, Maxine Hall, in their honor. Miss Hall, long-time Sterling teacher and supporter of continuing education, believed that a nursing scholarship in the memory of her parents would be of significant value to area students. Magdaline Egert was also chosen to receive the $1,000 scholarship.
Awarded the $3,000 Blue Sky Healthcare Education Scholarship was Nichole Mitchem, Rock Falls, who is in the Radiologic Technology Program at Scott Community College, Bettendorf, IA. The award was created in 2011 by a local family to benefit CGH Medical Center employees and their children.
Since 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $220,000 in scholarships to assist area students. In addition, over $5 million has been invested in providing wellness education and health services for the under-served since the 1987 creation of the organization.