The Decatur Memorial Foundation (DMF) has awarded $36,000 in scholarships to nine students pursuing careers in healthcare and agriculture-related fields.
“Through these scholarships, Decatur Memorial Foundation invests in talented students who will help shape the future of healthcare, agriculture and the communities we serve,” said foundation director Paul Lidy. “We are proud to support their educational efforts and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the years ahead.”
The following scholarships were distributed earlier this spring and honor individuals and organizations whose commitment to Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) and the community continues to inspire future generations.
- The Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary awarded $5,000 scholarships to Jasmin Ballant, MacArthur High School; Symone Lee, North Carolina A&T State University; and Addison Stacey, Warrensburg-Latham High School. Established in 1954, the Auxiliary is comprised of nearly 150 volunteers who contribute more than 25,000 hours annually to support patients, families and hospital initiatives. The scholarship program was created to help foster the next generation of healthcare professionals and support staff who will care for the community.
- The Decatur Memorial Hospital R.H. Cleland Award awarded $500 to Michah Conway, a senior nursing student at Millikin University. R. Helen Cleland was DMH's first superintendent of nursing, a position she accepted in 1915. Cleland left Massachusetts General Hospital where she had been trained by a woman who was a pupil of Florence Nightingale. She delighted in the fact her nurses were "descended" from the famous Miss Nightingale.
- The Dr. Thomas W. Samuels Scholarship awarded $2,500 to Emma Collins, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Dr. Samuels was a dedicated DMH surgeon known for his compassionate, high-quality care. Recognizing the need for more nurses, he established an educational endowment fund to support nursing students and strengthen the future of healthcare at DMH.
- The Dr. Joseph Schrodt Science Scholarship awarded $3,000 to Madilyn Shonkwiler, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Dr. Schrodt was a respected orthopedic surgeon at DMH. This scholarship continues his legacy by recognizing a deserving student who is a senior at Sullivan High School who is pursuing meaningful careers in science and healthcare.
- The Dr. Richard H. Fritz Memorial Scholarship awarded $5,000 to Kylie Morris, Maroa-Forsyth High School. Dr. Fritz was a respected DMH internal medicine physician remembered for his commitment, compassion and generosity. Following his death in 2015, colleagues, friends and patients established the fund to support nursing education and continue his legacy through future healthcare professionals.
- Two students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related sciences received Decatur Memorial Foundation Agriculture Scholarships. $5,000 each was awarded to Adyson Lawrence, Central A&M High School, and Adelyn Simmons, Maroa-Forsyth High School. The scholarships are designed to support the next generation of agriculture professionals, recognizing the important role agriculture plays in the health and vitality of central Illinois communities.
The Decatur Memorial Foundation works to improve the local health and wellness of communities served by DMH. Through charitable gifts and community support, the foundation funds programs, equipment, education and initiatives that enhance patient care and community health in the Decatur area.