The Cass County Health System Foundation recently awarded three Louie and Elsie Hansen Scholarships. The recipients are Emma Mathisen, Samantha Freund, and Courtney Jensen.

Emma Mathisen is a student at Mercy College of Health Sciences in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Samantha Freund will begin her studies at Mercy, while Courtney Jensen will begin at Iowa Western Community College, both with the goal of obtaining a BSN. All are graduates of Atlantic High School and each received a $5,000 award for the 2015-16 academic year.

Kent Gade, CCHS Foundation President, said “This is the second year the board has awarded three scholarships.” The awards are based on the applications received each year.

The Louie and Elsie Hansen Scholarship was established through the generosity and careful planning of the two life-long Cass County residents. The Hansens believed in higher education, so much so that over 70% of their estate was bequeathed for that purpose, including a gift to the CCHS Foundation.  Under the supervision and guidance of the CCHS Foundation, scholarship opportunities are provided yearly.

Scholarship candidates must have graduated from a Cass County high school and be enrolled in and accepted to an accredited nursing or medical school pursuing a degree as an LPN, RN or MD.