Aspirus Health Foundation held its 2026 Aspirus Scholars Signing Ceremony on Thursday evening, celebrating the program’s 10th class and a significant investment in the future health care workforce. The total award per scholar is now $175,000, representing a combined investment of $875,000 for the 2026 cohort.
With the addition of this class, the Aspirus Scholars Program now includes 36 total scholars. The program was created by Aspirus Health in collaboration with community partners to help address health care needs across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan by supporting the development of high-quality medical providers for today and 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.”
The Aspirus Scholars Program supports students pursuing careers in health care through financial assistance, mentorship, and long-term engagement with Aspirus. The program is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of clinicians who are committed 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 recognizes each scholar’s commitment to their education and future service, as well as the shared investment of Aspirus and its partners in strengthening access to care across the region.
The Aspirus Scholars Program is made possible through contributions from Aspirus hospitals, as well as community partners such as The Legacy Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation, B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation, Dudley Foundation, and the family of the late surgeon Dr. Al Molinaro.
More information about the Aspirus Scholars Program is available at
aspirus.org/aspirus-scholars-program.