Kathryn Swanson Receives J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship
Monday, June 07, 2021
MANKATO (June 7, 2021) — The Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded Kathryn Swanson, Mankato West High School graduate, the $1,000 J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Memorial Scholarship. Swanson will be attending Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois.
The scholarship honors J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Mankato Clinic’s beloved physician, pulmonologist and critical care specialist, who died in May 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mankato Clinic Foundation has developed the J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Memorial Scholarship for high school seniors. Dr. Sanders’ character was renowned in all aspects of his life which resulted in an unforgettable and lifelong impact on others.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must write about how character has been important in achieving their accomplishments to date, how it will be a key cornerstone of their future and how they recognize character in others.
“When we read these essays from our young people, I am deeply moved by their life experiences, lessons learned and depth of their characters. We have some great young men and women in our community. In her essay, Kathryn showed how she models her mom’s example of service and kindness to others,” said Barb Sanders, widow of Dr. J. Scott Sanders.
In her essay, Swanson wrote about the hard work, joy and tears of volunteering as a camp counselor for the summer. Every week, she was charged with a cabin of eight young girls. She wrote: Once a camper was visibly lonely, homesick and scared to participate. After days of tears and silence from her, I was finally able to have a meaningful conversation with her. I shared with her a message of hope, and by the end of the week, her attitude had visibly changed. She was having fun and was sad to leave camp.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must be a high school senior and reside within the Mankato Clinic service area, which includes Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Lake Crystal, Mapleton and nearby communities.