Mercy Health Foundation Southeast awarded students within the local service area health care scholarships made possible by the Foundation and the generosity of donors. 

The Foundation awarded more than $22,000 in scholarships to 22 students who were honored for their accomplishments during the 2024 Scholarship Awards Luncheon at the Jackson Civic Center on Friday, Aug. 2. 

Katie Finder, chief nursing officer at Mercy Southeast, addressed the scholarship recipients, their families and donors, recognizing their dedication to health care. 

“Health care is not a profession. It’s a calling,” Katie said. “It requires compassion, resilience and an unyielding desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Each of you has demonstrated these qualities in abundance. These scholarships are more than just financial support. They’re an investment in your future and the future of health care. They represent the trust and confidence that we as a community have in your potential to not only lead but innovate and inspire.” 

Ryan Geib, president of Mercy Southeast communities, and Anna Lopez, chief operating officer for Mercy Southeast, presented each scholarship winner with certificates. Darah Jirkovsky, executive director of Mercy Health Foundation Southeast, served as master of ceremonies. 

Since 1962, this scholarship program has awarded more than $1.1 million to local students, supporting the education of more than 1,000 current and future health care workers in the region.