Recipients of 2025 Windom Area Health Foundation Scholarships Announced

Windom, MN-Windom Area Health Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s scholarships. We are so very thankful for donors who make awarding these six scholarships a possibility. This year, Theresa Kolander provided $5,000 for the Cordell Kolander Memorial Scholarship, Mary and Shirley Klosterbuer once again provided a $1,000 for the Mildred Klosterbuer Memorial Scholarship, other gracious donors who have requested to remain anonymous, as well as Windom Area Health Foundation continue to support students in this region who are committed to a career in healthcare. We had a tremendous response of highly qualified applicants.

Kenley Powers from Windom is the recipient of the $5,000.00 Cordell Kolander Memorial Scholarship. After graduation from Windom Area High School, she plans to attend Southeast Technical College to become a Cardiovascular Sonographer. When Kenley was asked what it meant to her to receive the scholarship, she stated, “Being the recipient of this scholarship is an honor. This not only provides an ease on the financial burden of seeking a higher education but also reinforces my belief that hard work and dedication does indeed pay off. This scholarship will help to keep me focused on my studies instead of the financial strain that comes with the cost of college. I am incredibly grateful to be chosen for this scholarship because it will help bring me one step closer to achieving my dreams of making a positive impact on the medical field.”

Kendyl Sammons from Windom is the recipient of the $2,500.00 Windom Area Health Foundation Scholarship. She is attending University of Minnesota School of Nursing. “I am extremely grateful to the Windom Area Health Foundation for their generous support of my nursing education, allowing me to strengthen my commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Thank you for investing in my future,” stated Kendyl.

Erica Hanson from Jackson is the recipient of the $2,500.00 Windom Area Health Foundation Scholarship. After graduation, she plans to attend Southeast Technical College to become a Cardiovascular Sonographer. When asked what it meant to her to receive this scholarship, her response was, “This scholarship is an amazing opportunity to further my education in cardio vascular sonography. With this scholarship, I can focus more on my academics and less on finances. This award is also a recognition for all my hard work throughout my high school career.”

Allison Niegen from Windom is the recipient of the $1,000.00 Windom Area Health Foundation Scholarship. She attends Minnesota West Community and Technical College to focus on becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant. When asked what this scholarship meant to her, she responded, “I am so honored to be a recipient of this scholarship. The support is helping pave the way for my future success.”

Mia Hendrickson from Lakefield is the recipient of the $1,000.00 Windom Area Health Foundation Scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota Rochester to pursue a career in Radiography. “I am grateful to the Windom Area Health Foundation for investing in my healthcare education. The scholarship will help with my costs attending the University of MN in Rochester,” stated Mia.

Sam Diemer from Windom is the recipient of the $1,000.00 Mildred Klosterbuer Memorial Scholarship from Mary and Shirley Klosterbuer. He continues his education at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine to obtain his MD. To Sam, “Receiving the Mildred Klosterbuer Memorial Scholarship is an honor and I am grateful for the generous role it will play in my medical education. I look forward to being able to give back to my hometown community in the future.”

To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be high school seniors or college students planning to pursue a healthcare related field and reside in Cottonwood County or its adjacent surrounding counties. Scholarships were awarded based on the student’s strong academic excellence, leadership, integrity, community service, and commitment to following a course of study relevant to healthcare.  

Applications were reviewed by the Scholarship Committee of the Windom Area Health Foundation. While the 2025 round is closed, the Foundation plans to offer scholarships in future years. For more information about how to give to our Education Fund, contact Katie Greener, Director of Foundation & Auxiliary: 507-831-0633 or [email protected].