Scholarships

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Investing In Our Future

The Salem Health Foundation and the Salem Health West Valley Foundation award scholarships to community members pursuing degrees in health care. 

The Foundations’ scholarship program began in 1968. Since then we have awarded over $4 million in scholarships.

Visit the Scholarship Season page for more information about the application process.

Named Scholarships

The Carter Employee Nursing Scholarship was established in memory of Nita Jo Carter, a beloved nurse manager at Salem Hospital whose 25-year career was marked by compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to patient care. Following her passing in 2002, friends, family, and colleagues contributed to the Salem Hospital Foundation to honor her legacy. The scholarship supports Salem Hospital employees pursuing nursing degrees, reflecting Nita’s passion for the profession and her encouragement of others to follow their dreams of becoming registered nurses. Her spirit of generosity and dedication continues to inspire future caregivers through this meaningful fund.

Dr. Bailey was a member of the Salem Hospital medical staff for twenty years. He was an active and engaged member of the community, holding membership in the Marion-Polk County Medical Society, Oregon Medical Association, Oregon Society of Anesthesiology, and Salem Downtown Rotary Club. Dr. Bailey left a lasting impact on his patients, peers, and loved ones. The Dr. Cass Bailey Scholarship was established to support aspiring physicians, and the scholarship reflects Dr. Bailey’s lifelong commitment to excellence in medicine, compassionate patient care, and civic engagement.

The Ethel P. McKeon Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. McKeon, a devoted educator and longtime Salem Hospital volunteer. With 31 years of service at the Oregon School for the Deaf and 20 years with the Salem Hospital Auxiliary, Ethel exemplified a spirit of compassion and community engagement. Funded by her family and the Auxiliary, the scholarship provides financial assistance to Salem Hospital junior volunteers pursuing education in healthcare-related fields such as nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and more—continuing Ethel’s commitment to nurturing future caregivers and supporting the hospital she loved.

The Jennifer Winslow Scholarship for Advanced Degrees in Allied Health was created to honor the remarkable legacy of Jennifer Winslow, whose 21-year career at Salem Health was defined by her passion for learning, excellence in nursing, and dedication to quality improvement. From her beginnings as a licensed practical nurse to her final role as a quality programs manager, Jennifer exemplified curiosity, humility, and a deep commitment to growth. This scholarship supports individuals pursuing advanced degrees in allied health fields, reflecting Jennifer’s belief in lifelong learning and her desire to help others make a meaningful impact in healthcare through education and personal development.

The Judy Manselle Nursing Education Fund was established in memory of Judith Ann Manselle, whose 35-year career at Salem Hospital was marked by integrity in practice, strength in leadership, and devotion to healing. From her early days as an operating room nurse to her roles as Director of Surgical Services and Vice President of Patient Care, Judy inspired colleagues through her dedication and pursuit of lifelong learning. In 2004, donations from friends, family, and former colleagues were used to create this scholarship fund, with the intent to support the continued education and professional enrichment of Salem Hospital nursing staff—ensuring Judy’s legacy lives on through the growth and development of future caregivers.

The Kremen Nursing Scholarship was established through the generosity of the Hattie Bratzel Kremen Foundation to honor the legacy of Hattie Bratzel Kremen, Oregon’s first elected female district attorney and a lifelong advocate for justice and community service. Funded annually since 1998, the scholarship supports aspiring nurses by providing financial assistance to those in need, in alignment with Hattie’s philanthropic vision. Her foundation continues to champion local organizations, including the Salem Health Foundation, with the specific intent that funds be used directly for scholarships ensuring her enduring impact on healthcare and education in the Salem community.

The Elmera Richardson Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established by Harold V. Richardson in honor of his beloved wife, Elmera, to support aspiring nurses in the community. A lifelong Salem resident and proud Oregonian, Harold was deeply committed to education and philanthropy. His generous contributions to the Salem Hospital Foundation, including a trust that designated the Foundation as its beneficiary, reflect his enduring dedication to helping others. Through this scholarship, Harold’s legacy lives on by empowering future generations of nurses to pursue their calling and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

The Rollin W. Haag Nursing Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Rollin Haag, a decorated Navy Air Corps veteran, successful businessman, and devoted civic leader in Salem. As CEO of A.C. Haag Co. for three decades and an active volunteer with organizations like the YMCA, Salem Hospital, and Chemeketa Community College, Rollin exemplified service, leadership, and community commitment. In his memory, his wife Dorris Haag-Cupp, along with the Salem Hospital Foundation and generous donors, created this scholarship to support nursing students in the community—ensuring that Rollin’s dedication to education and public service continues to inspire future healthcare professionals.

The Sewell Family Scholarship was established in 2009 by Dr. Dan Sewell and Karen Sewell to support high-achieving students pursuing degrees in nursing or medicine. Dr. Sewell, a respected pediatrician at Salem Pediatric Clinic for 32 years, and Karen, a dedicated educator and librarian, have both made lasting contributions to the Salem community through their professional work and volunteer service. Their shared commitment to education, healthcare, and community enrichment is reflected in this scholarship, which aims to empower future healthcare professionals to carry forward the values of compassion, excellence, and lifelong learning that define the Sewell legacy.

Over $4.1 million has been awarded in scholarships to students pursuing careers in health care fields.
$ 5000000 +
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