The application period for many healthcare scholarships through the RiverView Foundation is now open. Applications for the following scholarships are due to the Foundation office by noon on April 15, 2024.
Bishop Afonya Healthcare Scholarship: In memory of his father, Bishop Afonya, Dr. Idatonye Afonya offers the Bishop Afonya Healthcare Scholarship through the RiverView Foundation. Dr. Idatonye Afonya is a retired general surgeon who served RiverView Health as a valued medical staff member. This $1,000 scholarship is given to any RiverView service area resident within a 30-mile radius of Crookston. The recipient must either be enrolled or intend to enroll in a post-secondary program in a healthcare field.
Lenertz Family Healthcare Scholarship: In recognition of the time and efforts Thomas C. Lenertz provided to establish and advance the RiverView Health Foundation, its Board of Directors established the Lenertz Family Healthcare Scholarship. As one of the RiverView Foundation’s founders in 1990, Lenertz was instrumental in all development stages of the Foundation. As RiverView Health CEO, he served the Foundation as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors until his December 2000 retirement. The $1,000 Lenertz Family Healthcare Scholarship will be awarded to three recipients from RiverView’s service area pursuing post-secondary education in the healthcare field.
June E. Shaver Healthcare Scholarship: In memory of long-time Crookston community and healthcare champion June Shaver, this scholarship is for area students who have completed one semester of college, are enrolled in a second semester, and are pursuing a healthcare degree. The scholarship is open to students from the communities of Crookston, Climax, Fertile, Mentor, Erskine, Red Lake Falls, Warren, Argyle, Stephen, Fisher, and East Grand Forks. A stipend of up to $1,000 will be awarded to each year’s scholarship recipient. Shaver was the administrator of the Northwestern Clinic in Crookston from 1953 until her retirement in 1983.
Richard Maves Healthcare Scholarship: In memory of Crookston community member Richard Maves, the Richard Maves Healthcare Scholarship is for area high school graduates who are enrolled and are pursuing a degree in the healthcare field. A stipend of up to $1,000 will be awarded to each year’s scholarship recipient. Applicants must be RiverView employees or live within the 30-mile radius of RiverView Health in Crookston. Maves’ legacy was his career as a pharmacist and successful business owner. He managed Eagle Drug in downtown Crookston for thirty-plus years.
Lynette “Pud’’ Joseph Healthcare Scholarship: This scholarship is in memory of Joseph’s dedication to the nursing profession and the countless number of patients she so compassionately cared for over the years at RiverView. Joseph spent 49 years providing patient care and training nurses and students to be their best. She passed away in 2020. The scholarship is open to residents within a 30-mile radius of RiverView. Applicants must be accepted into a LPN or initial (pre-licensure) RN nursing program (Associate or Baccalaureate). A stipend of $750 will be awarded to each year’s scholarship recipient.
RiverView/Glenmore Foundation Scholarship: The Glenmore Foundation established this scholarship to provide advanced training for professional development for those serving the therapeutic needs of individuals and families suffering from the disease of addiction. Eligible applicants must be seeking a degree and licensure in addiction studies, addiction counseling, co-occurring disorder treatment, or mental/chemical health fields. Preference will be given to candidates intending to work in the NW Minnesota region. Each scholarship recipient will receive a stipend of up to $2500.
Rongen Family Healthcare Scholarship: Established in memory of Charles and Laverne Rongen, this $500 scholarship is open to high school graduates from Crookston, Beltrami, Fertile, and Fisher. Applicants must have completed one semester of college, enrolled in a second semester, and be working toward a degree in healthcare. Chuck and Laverne Rongen were both born and raised in Fertile. In 1964, they moved to Crookston, where they were an active part of the community, serving in most service clubs. Laverne was passionate about the RiverView Auxiliary and active in RiverView’s Limited Addition Gift Shop.
Guidelines and applications are available online at https://www.riverviewhealth.org/foundation/scholarships/, by calling the Foundation office at 281- 9249, emailing Foundation Director Randy Schoenborn at rschoenborn@riverviewhealth.org, or by stopping at the Foundation office located at 721 S. Minnesota Street, Crookston.
