Local health sciences students receive Portage Health Foundation Scholarship

Small communities need the support of its healers. With the Portage Health Foundation Scholarship, local students are given tuition aid to encourage them to go into the health sciences and in the hopes that they will remain in or return to the Upper Peninsula for their careers.

“We are trying to help the whole community become healthier,” said Mary Jo Munch, Portage Health Foundation Grants Management Coordinator. “We are hoping to give our young people a foundation to continue caring for others.”

Each year, four Finlandia Health Studies students are chosen to be the recipients of the Portage Health Foundation Scholarship.

This years’ recipients are Patrice Lompre (senior, Nursing), Kendra Schmitt (senior, Healthcare Management), Lisa Keskimaki (freshman, PTA), Courtney Mayo (sophomore, Nursing).

“I wanted to come back to a small school where I would actually know my fellow students by name instead of just a blur of faces on campus,” said Courtney Mayo.

Mayo is transferring to Finlandia’s nursing program as a sophomore from the University of Michigan.

“These women encompass what it means to be a Finlandia student,” said Sandra Turnquist, Director of Student Financial Services. Turnquist sits on the committee that chooses the scholarship recipients each year.

“This scholarship helps me focus on my studies and I don’t have to worry about the financial burden being placed on my husband and three boys,” said Patrice Lompre.  “I am also going to be able to study in London for two weeks after graduation thanks to the scholarships I received.”

To receive this scholarship a student must be a resident of Houghton, Baraga, Ontonagon or Keweenaw counties, display financial need, be registered as a full time student and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.