Announces 13 recipients of the Mary Lindquist Auxiliary Scholarship
Manhattan, KS – June 2025 –The Manhattan Community Health Foundation (MCHF) is proud to announce the 13 deserving recipients of the annual Mary Lindquist Auxiliary Scholarship. The scholarship program, established in 2008, continues Mary Lindquist’s legacy by supporting the professional development of Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan (AVCH-M) associates in health-related fields.
The Mary Lindquist Auxiliary Scholarship, established through an endowment with the Manhattan Community Health Foundation, offers up to $1,000 per calendar year to full-time and part-time associates seeking to advance their careers through additional education, continuing education, professional conferences, or related educational expenses. This initiative directly addresses the national shortage of qualified healthcare workers, reinforces support for AVCH-M associates, and fosters continued professionalism and skill development within the organization.
Andy Ellis, Board Chair, shared his sentiments on the program: “The Mary Lindquist Auxiliary Scholarship is a cornerstone of our commitment at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan. It directly addresses the critical need for qualified healthcare professionals while sending a powerful message of support to our dedicated associates. By investing in their ongoing education and training, we not only enhance their skills and professionalism but also ensure that our community continues to receive the highest quality of care. It’s a testament to Mary Lindquist’s belief in empowering those who serve, and we’re incredibly proud to carry that legacy forward.”
The 13 scholarship recipients represent a diverse range of departments and professional aspirations, all united by their commitment to providing exceptional patient care and advancing their skills.
Highlight five of the outstanding individuals:
- Jennifer Colvin, Registered Nurse, Surgical: Jennifer’s scholarship will support her tuition for Walden University as she pursues her goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She eloquently stated, “This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it is a pivotal opportunity that will allow me to pursue my career goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As I continue to work in healthcare, I have witnessed firsthand the critical need for specialized psychiatric care, particularly in urban areas like Manhattan… By advancing my education and skills… I will be better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system in Manhattan.”
- Alicia Randall, Registered Nurse, PACU – Recovery: Alicia will utilize her scholarship for tuition, certification, and testing fees for perianesthesia nursing. She believes that “the opportunity to study for and become certified in perianesthesia nursing will contribute to high-quality patient care in my department.”
- Amie Mulberry, Registered Nurse Educator, Birth and Women’s Center: Amie’s scholarship will cover expenses for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference, including registration and travel assistance. Amie shared, “Attending the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses Annual Conference will increase my education and knowledge to help me as I continue to work as the Registered Nurse Educator in the Birth and Women’s Unit.”
- Natalie Cook, Ultrasound Technologist, Radiology/Ultrasound: Natalie’s scholarship will assist with her Ultrasound Registry Review subscription and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Inteleos Registered Vascular Technologist Exam fee. Natalie reflected, “Pursuing an educational opportunity in vascular sonography has been one of the most rewarding steps in my career so far… Becoming a registered vascular technologist has deepened my commitment to lifelong learning and has broadened my enthusiasm for this profession. I am excited to bring my expanded expertise into clinical practice where it can help to support clearer diagnoses, more confident treatment decisions, and ultimately, better outcomes for the patients that we serve.”
- Kaylee Charbonneau, Forensic Nurse Coordinator, Forensic Nursing Department: Kaylee will use her scholarship for registration and hotel expenses for the International Association of Forensic Nurses conference. She commented, “I believe that the conference would be extremely valuable for me to attend and would help me to achieve our forensic nursing program goals and my professional goals. It’s a great opportunity for me to learn best practices, discover new products and solutions for our facility, and earn contact hours.”
The complete list of the 2025 Mary Lindquist Auxiliary Scholarship recipients also includes:
- Carly Beurskens, Registered Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition
- Erica Stefan, PeriAnesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse, Peri-operative Services, PeriAnesthesia Care Unit
- Jol Klein, Associate Chaplain, Pastoral Care
- Katherine Scott, Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab
- Kendra Dietz, Registered Nurse, Emergency Room Supervisor, Emergency
- Lana Platt, OB Surgical Tech, Birth & Women’s Center
- Sarah Do, Pharmacy Technician Advanced, Pharmacy
- Tara Lierz, Registered Nurse, Birth and Women’s Center
The Mary Lindquist Auxiliary Scholarship stands as a direct message of support to our dedicated healthcare workers and the patients they serve at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan. It is a testament to Mary Lindquist’s enduring legacy of caring for both employees and patients in our community.
About Manhattan Community Health Foundation
The Manhattan Community Health Foundation believes everyone deserves quality healthcare. As a catalyst for a healthier Manhattan, we improve lives by investing in innovative solutions, building strong partnerships, and championing equitable healthcare access for all community members, regardless of background or income. Visit healthymhk.org to learn more.
Contact:
Chris Spooner, Foundation Director
Manhattan Community Health Foundation
785-587-5462