Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary’s annual student scholarship applications now open

OWATONNA, Minn. (Jan. 6, 2025) — The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary’s (the Hospital Auxiliary) annual scholarship application is now open to area students who are pursuing a career in the medical field. Since 1960, the Hospital Auxiliary has distributed several scholarships annually using funds raised during its spring Festival of Tables event at the Owatonna Country Club. This year the Hospital Auxiliary plans to award $18,000. Ten area students were awarded one of these scholarships in 2024. Eligible students must:

 

• major in nursing or a health-related field at a college, medical school or vocational school
• live in Steele County or be an employee of the Owatonna Hospital, or the immediate family (spouse or dependent child) of an Owatonna Hospital employee

In addition, the Auxiliary also administers the Donald Sanford scholarship. Sanford, a former Steele County farmer, left part of his estate to the Owatonna Hospital upon his death in 1988. The Hospital Auxiliary manages this endowment and uses the interest to fund an annual scholarship. This year one student will receive $2,000 to help defray educational costs. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• major in nursing at a college or vocational school
• have completed pre-requisites and been accepted into a nursing program
• live in Steele County or be an employee of the Owatonna Hospital, or the immediate family (spouse or dependent child) of an Owatonna Hospital employee

Applicants for both scholarships must complete the auxiliary’s official 2025 application form – which requires two current letters of recommendation, plus copies of official high school and college transcripts. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 16, 2025.

"The Hospital Auxiliary’s scholarship program has been going strong since 2016, and we are excited to continue this tradition thanks to the community’s support," said Deb Buck, volunteer president of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary. "With the need for trained health care professionals in high demand, this program is important as it helps reduce financial barriers so hopefully more students can enter the health care field and follow their passion to care for people in our community."

The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary is made up of approximately 130 community volunteers. In addition to providing scholarships for area students pursuing medical careers, their fundraising efforts help with unbudgeted hospital items and amenities to provide patient care and comfort.

This year’s Festival of Tables fundraiser will be held on May 13, 2025.

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:  

• Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.  
• Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.  
• Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.  

Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.