ASPIRUS HEALTH FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 10TH CLASS AT 2026 SCHOLARS SIGNING CEREMONY
Last Thursday evening, the Aspirus Health Foundation held its 2026 Aspirus Scholars Signing Ceremony. The Foundation celebrated their 10th class and a great investment in the future healthcare landscape. The total award for each scholar is now $175,000, reflecting a combined $875,000 for the 2026 cohort. The Aspirus Scholars Program now includes 36 total scholars.
Developed by Aspirus Health in collaboration with community partners, the program helps to address health care concerns throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the U.P. of Michigan through supporting the development of top-tier medical providers not just for today but for future generations.
“The Aspirus Scholars Program is about investing early in individuals who are committed to serving our region and strengthening access to care for the long term,” said Lanna Scannell, Aspirus Vice President, System Philanthropy. “These scholars bring a strong sense of purpose and connection to our communities, and we are proud to support them as they prepare for careers that will make a lasting impact on patients and families across the region.”
Students pursuing careers in health care are supported by the Scholars Program through financial assistance, mentorship, and long-term engagement with Aspirus. The program’s end goal is creating a sustainable pipeline of clinicians dedicated to practicing in rural and regional communities served by Aspirus.
This year’s scholarships were awarded to:
- Cassandra Jo Schultz, Hometown: Plover, WI
- Cheefeng Lee, Hometown: Appleton, WI
- Corinn Fritz, Hometown: Sun Prairie, WI
- Parker Kuehni, Hometown: Madison, WI
- Steven Martell, Hometown: Wausau, WI
The signing ceremony formally acknowledges each scholar’s commitment to their education and future service, while highlighting the shared investment by Aspirus and its partners in expanding access to healthcare across the region.
The Aspirus Scholars Program is supported through contributions from Aspirus hospitals and community partners, including The Legacy Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, the Judd S. Alexander Foundation, the Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation, the B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation, the Dudley Foundation, and the family of the late surgeon Dr. Al Molinaro.
