06/03/2026
Six students pursuing careers in healthcare have been awarded $1,000 scholarships from the Van Diest Medical Center Auxiliary.
Recipients include recent high school graduates Sydney Gelder of Ellsworth, who plans to study nursing at the University of Northern Iowa; Alivia Burns of Duncombe, who will pursue nursing at Iowa Central Community College in Webster City; Heidi Mendoza of Webster City, who will study nursing at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge; and Janey Putney of Webster City, who plans to major in occupational therapy at the University of Northern Iowa.
Two scholarships were awarded to returning college students. Abigail Ervin of Coralville will continue her studies in physical therapy at the University of Iowa, while Jacie Crutcher of Iowa City is enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program at Michigan State University.
The Van Diest Medical Center Auxiliary awards scholarships annually to support students pursuing healthcare careers. Funds for the scholarships are raised through the operation of the Auxiliary Gift Shop at Van Diest Medical Center, as well as through various fundraising activities throughout the year. In addition to supporting students, Auxiliary fundraising efforts help provide equipment and resources that benefit patients and staff at the hospital.
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Cutline1: The Van Diest Medical Center Auxiliary recently awarded six $1,000 scholarships to area students pursuing careers in healthcare. Pictured from left are 2026 recipients Heidi Mendoza, Alivia Burns, Janey Putney, Abigail Ervin, and Sydney Gelder. Jacie Crutcher was not present for the photo.
Cutline 2: VDMC Auxiliary board members gathered recently to recognize the 2026 scholarship recipients. The six recipients – each planning a career in healthcare – were awarded $1,000 scholarships. Pictured are from the left, Lorraine Habben, Sue Anderson, Heidi Mendoza, Alivia Burns, Janey Putney, Abigail Ervin, Sydney Gelder, Debbie Jaycox, Diane Doering, Shirley Bowman and Pat Nokes.
