Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary’s annual student scholarship applications now open

OWATONNA, Minn. (Jan.27, 2025) —The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary’s 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. Last year the Hospital Auxiliary awarded $18,000 to 10 area students. This year the Hospital Auxiliary plans to award $25,000. 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 for this scholarship, 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 Hospital Auxiliary’s official 2026 application form at https://www.allinahealth.org/owatonna-hospital/about-us/auxiliary (located on Owatonna Hospital’s website under Quick Links and the Auxiliary Scholarships icon). Applications require two current letters of recommendation, plus copies of official high school and college transcripts. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 15, 2026.

"The Hospital Auxiliary is excited to once again offer scholarships to help reduce financial barriers for students entering the health care field," said Deb Buck, volunteer president of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary. "For the past decade, since 2016, we’ve been able to offer this important program thanks to the community’s support at our annual Festival of Tables fundraiser. It’s so rewarding to help local students follow their passion and hopefully one day they’ll be giving back by caring for members of 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 5, 2026at the Owatonna Country Club.

About Allina Health

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. 

Allina Health Institutes are at the forefront of the mission, 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 Brain and Spine Institute – Delivering advanced neurologic and spine care through Givens Brain Tumor Program, two nationally accredited stroke centers and an elite Adult Neurology Residency Program, while earning recognition from Becker’s, Newsweek & U.S. News & World Report.

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.