2020-21 HFL Scholarship Recipients Announced

The Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) and La Porte Hospital Auxiliary awarded 39 students with scholarships totaling $102,500 for the 2020 – 2021 academic year. Due to the pandemic, the organizations were unable to hold a celebration for the recipients. HFL and the Auxiliary take great pride in offering scholarship awards to students that either reside or work in the La Porte community, a tradition started in 1983. These scholarships provide financial assistance to students pursuing careers in health science occupations.

Maria Fruth, President & CEO of the Health Foundation, congratulated the recipients and thanked the scholarship committees: “HFL is extremely proud to provide these opportunities for students in the county. We gratefully acknowledge the time and effort of our foundation scholarship committee members: Jane Nelson (Chair), Kathy Bernel, Katrina Langford, Michele Magnuson and Linda Satkoski. Twenty-four students pursuing a career in healthcare are receiving $86,000 to offset the cost of their studies. We also acknowledge and thank the La Porte Hospital Auxiliary scholarship selection committee: Jean Burns (Chair), Judith Klosinski, D’Ann Murray, and Ann Smith. Auxiliary awarded $16,500 to 15 students pursuing health and wellness related studies. Scholarships are an investment in a healthier future. Congratulations to all recipients.”

HFL scholarships are funded through the foundation’s endowments and contributions from Scott Siefker’s family and Radiology, Inc. HFL awards to junior, seniors and post graduate students in the healthcare field. HFL is awarding the following students’ scholarships in 2020:

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF LA PORTE SCHOLARSHIP

Christine Ake, Indiana University, Doctor of Medicine
Tessa Bauman, Purdue University West Lafayette, Master of Science, Public Health
Olivia Dybing, Aquinas College, Bachelor of Science, Biology
Susan Feldt, University of Chicago, Doctor of Medicine
Laura Fischer, Butler University, Doctor of Pharmacy
Chloee Garay, Valparaiso University, Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Thalia Garcia, Ball State University, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Karmen Halfacre, Ball State University, Bachelor of Science, Biology/Pre-Physician Assistant Studies
Emily Kasarda, Indiana University South Bend, Bachelor of Science, Social Work
Jackson Kubaszyk, Indiana University Bloomington, Bachelor of Science, Pre-Med
Katrina Machtemes, Purdue University Northwest, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Dawn Martin, Chamberlain University, Master of Science, Nursing
Audrey Ott, Indiana University Bloomington, Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Megan Rose, Indiana University South Bend, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Bethany Schuster, Purdue University West Lafayette, Bachelor of Science, Speech & Hearing Science
Timothy Tyler, North Central University, Doctor of Healthcare Administration
Abigail Vaughn, Franklin College, Master of Science, Athletic Training
Breanna Wisser, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Occupational Therapy
Abigail Zila, Indiana State University, Bachelor of Science, Nursing

RADIOLOGY, INC. SCHOLARSHIP

Olivia Huff, Indiana University Purdue University, Bachelor of Science, Radiology

MAGNUSON ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Curtis Meeks, Walden University, Master of Science, Nursing
Heidi Bickel, Purdue University Northwest, Doctor of Nursing Practice

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF LA PORTE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPLEMENTED BY ELIZABETH & EUGENE SIEFKER SCHOLARSHIP

Megan Gushrowski, Manchester University, Doctor of Pharmacy
Sara Siegmund, Purdue University West Lafayette, Doctor of Pharmacy

Partnering with the Health Foundation of La Porte, the La Porte Hospital Auxiliary awards to students who will be college freshmen and sophomores. 15 scholarships for a grand total of $16,500 were awarded. Auxiliary scholarships are funded from the sales proceeds of the gift shop at La Porte Hospital. The following students received Auxiliary scholarships in 2020:

AUXILIARY FIRST YEAR SCHOLARSHIP

Elaine Bonner, Purdue University Northwest, Bachelor of Science, Biology/Pre-Physician Assistant
Megan Boyd, Butler University, Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences
Emily Cupples, Purdue University West Lafayette, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Rebecca Eyrick, Purdue University West Lafayette, Bachelor of Science, Health Science
Petra Hemphill, Drake University, Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Abigail Kemiel. Indiana University Purdue University, Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
Jennifer Kievert, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Tristen Poe, Indiana University Bloomington, Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Angela Randon, Purdue University Northwest, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Neiha Sanchez, Indiana University South Bend, Bachelor of Science, Nursing

AUXILIARY RENEWAL SCHOLARSHIP

Brianna Dove, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences
Ashley Francis, St. Anthony Echocardiography School, Associate of Applied Sciences, Echocardiography
Elisabeth Novak, Cedarville University, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Austin Weiland, Anderson University, Bachelor of Science, Biology

HAROLD AND MARCY BOWEN SCHOLARSHIP

Mya Fegaras, DePaul University, Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry

The 2021 scholarships applications will be available online, February of 2021.

The mission of the Health Foundation of La Porte is to empower our residents to live healthy and well in and around La Porte, Indiana. The foundation’s vision is for La Porte to be among the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. You can learn more about how we support the community and get involved in our efforts at hflaporte.org or by calling 219.326.2471.