CREATE opportunities. EMPOWER students!
By contributing to scholarships through our Education Empowers initiative, you are graciously supporting students’ futures in healthcare professions. Your gift will help ensure students will have access to the best educational experience for years to come.
If you are interested in establishing a named endowed fund to support scholarships at LSU Health New Orleans, please contact the Foundation at (504) 568-3712 or info@lsuhealthfoundation.org.
A minimum gift of $25,000 is required to establish an endowed scholarship fund.
March with our SECOND Line.
March with Our Second Line:
Join the LSU Health Foundation's premier donor recognition program, honoring those philanthropically minded alumni and friends who demonstrate extraordinary loyalty by giving each year to the area of their choice.
Levels of Giving:
Krewe de Bronze $1,000 - $2,499
Krewe d'Argent $2,500 - $4,999
Krewe d'Or $5,000 - $9,999
Krewe de Platine $10,000+
Meet our recipients!
DRS. WILLIAM G. '64 AND HANNELORE H. '63 GILES SCHOLARSHIP
KIYOSHI NAKAMURA
Kiyoshi Nakamura ‘22, a fourth-year medical student, proudly serves the United States of America as an Air Force medic, which inspired him to attend medical school.
“One aspect I favored about being a medic was that we had more face-time with patients compared to physicians. However, after working closely with physicians, I admired the humbler approach of the behind-the-scenes course of care planning they did for patients. I saw collegiality while they discussed how they diagnosed patients and decided on an effective course of care despite unique twists.”
THE HANSON SCHOLARSHIP FOR NURSING
MARIA LAMB
Maria Lamb is a nursing student who always wanted a career that emphasized service. She is very interested in the advanced practice of nursing.
“It is of utmost importance to me that I honor this gift with a dedication to my studies, and although I face a challenging semester, I am really looking forward to it. I hope to become a good return on your investment.”
GERMAINE AND J. JEROME SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
LUCAS VO
Lucas Vo completed his first year as a dental student this past semester and that is not something he takes for granted.
“My journey to dental school was not always easy but I am proud to say I would not have changed a thing. The experiences and education I have received here at LSU have already proved to me that the choice I made to pursue this profession was the correct one”
Receiving his scholarship award has had a lasting effect on Lucas.
“I cannot express in words how much your scholarship means to not only me but also my family. The financial support through the scholarship I have received is something we will forever be thankful for. Your contribution to helping fund my education has changed my life. I promise that your generosity will extend beyond me. I hope to one day make a meaningful contribution to the educational pursuits of a future student in healthcare just as you have helped turn my dreams into reality.”
MD-MPH DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM
NIKKA KHORSANDI
Nikka Khorsandi, an MD-MPH Dual Degree Program student, has never been more committed to making an impact as a physician by improving the public’s health than this past year. Scholarships at LSU Health New Orleans allow students like Nikka to further their education outside of the classroom.
“Having a scholarship from your university shows how invested they are and motivates you to keep going. You think, ‘wow someone cares enough to encourage me to keep doing this and knows that this is meaningful work.’”
LAURA RYAN SCHOLARSHIP IN NURSING
ELLA MELNYK
Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ella has always been a huge fan of Louisiana State University Tigers. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field early on, but the specialization of a nursing career came to light as she spent years in the hospital with her mother fighting fatal breast cancer.
“I met many different medical professionals on this battle, but the nurses were always the ones I admired and looked up to the most,” says Ella. “They constantly stood with not only my mother, but with my whole family, to be a shoulder to cry on, a friend, and an advocate. I watched the nurses fight alongside my mother, and I believe they are one of the main reasons she was able to hold on for so long. Through this, I learned nursing was the career I was called to pursue so I too can be a shoulder to cry on, a friend, and an advocate to my patients.”
MARCIA & BILLY BEER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
OLIVIA OBOT
Olivia Obot ’23 is a first-generation medical student, who is passionate about equity in healthcare, particularly in women, low-income, and homeless communities.
“There's sadly always going to be healthcare disparities wherever you go. That's something I'm passionate about and that's something I will continue to care for regardless of what type of medicine I practice.”