Vol 2.  Issue No. 1  Fall/Winter 2002

Austin Medical Center Auxiliary Helps Students

As college costs increase and state and federal aid decreases,students are facing greater challenges than just the coursework to complete their degrees. They must find the means to pay for school. Scholarship dollars are critical to the success of students and help them become our future nurses, electricians, teachers, scientists, and computer network specialists. The investment of scholarship dollars results in a direct investment in our community, as our students contribute to the economic growth and vitality of our region.

An organization that truly understands the benefit of supporting our future nurses and health career workers is Austin Medical Center Auxiliary. Since 1961, the Austin Medical Center Auxiliary group has awarded generous scholarships to students who reside in Mower County and are enrolled in allied health programs; more than $56,000 has been awarded for scholarships.

Recently, the organization began funding scholarships specifically for Riverland Community College allied health students. Annually, the group awards five, $1,000 scholarships to Mower County students enrolled in a Riverland medically-related program. Each scholarship recipient receives $500 the first year of study and $500 the second year of study, providing the student meets a minimum GPA requirement. Funds for scholarships are raised through donations, memorials, Shop & Share, book sales and art sales. "We realize the importance of providing the highest quality health care service for hospital patients," stated Rosalie Seltz, scholarship chairman for the Auxiliary group. "We believe our financial help encourages and helps students."

"It is very rewarding to work with organizations such as Austin Medical Center Auxiliary," said Heidi Schara, director of development and college foundations. "Scholarships are a great investment in our community and our human assets. The Auxiliary is working for a noble cause and is putting funds in the hands of deserving students."