Fargo, N.D. – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is proud to recognize 30 outstanding students as recipients of the annual Health Profession Scholarship and one student as the Health Care Leader recipient. This is the eighth year this initiative continues to support the next generation of health care professionals in North Dakota. By investing in these aspiring students, the Caring Foundation is helping to strengthen the future health care workforce and ensure access to quality care across our communities.
Last year’s recipient Edwin Akomaning shared how the scholarship helped him focus on his studies and contribute meaningfully to public health research.
“This scholarship was more than financial assistance—it was a vote of confidence in my goals and potential. It allowed me to focus fully on my public health studies and contribute to research that improves the lives of North Dakotans.”
The following outstanding students have each received a $2,500 Health Profession Scholarship for the 2025-2026 school year:
- Abby Rivinius, Nursing at Bismarck State College
- Jessica Mwamba, Nursing at Bismarck State College
- Brittany Belgarde, Social Work at Cankdeska Cikana Community College
- Moria Parisien, Social Work at Cankdeska Cikana Community College
- Morgan Bright, Nursing at Dakota College at Bottineau
- Sarah Franklund, Nursing at Lake Region State College
- Kinsey Fjeld, Biology at Minot State University
- Raivyn Millions, Nursing at Minot State University
- Annie Gatzke, Doctor of Nursing Practice at North Dakota State University
- Ashlind Feickert, Radiologic Science at North Dakota State University
- Brock Klimek, Pharmacy at North Dakota State University
- Ella Leindecker, Psychology at North Dakota State University
- Isabella Johnson, Nursing at North Dakota State University
- Mya Neshem, Pharmaceutical Sciences at North Dakota State University
- Morgan Unurh, Doctor of Nursing Practice at North Dakota State University
- Stephanie Alucho, Nursing at Rasmussen University
- Abigail Klaman, Physical Therapy at University of Jamestown
- Haley Box, Nursing at University of Jamestown
- Jillian Hughes, Nursing at University of Jamestown
- Megan Larson, Nursing at University of Jamestown
- Breena Sand, Occupational Therapy at University of Mary
- Jaci Fischer, Exercise Science at University of Mary
- Sarah Wobbema, Occupational Therapy at University of Mary
- Callie Hase, Physical Therapy at University of North Dakota
- Joslyn Nordmark, Occupational Therapy at University of North Dakota
- Justus Bradford, Physical Therapy at University of North Dakota
- Katy Hallman, Medical Laboratory Science at University of North Dakota
- Kearyn Nelsen, Occupational Therapy at University of North Dakota
- Lauren Gendron, Nursing at University of North Dakota
- Nana Toure, Nursing at Williston State College
Elizabell Delgado, a graduate pharmacy student at North Dakota State University, was selected for BCBSND Caring Foundation’s Health Care Leader Scholarship. Delgado is passionate about expanding access to care in rural communities and advancing pharmacy’s role in public health.
The next round of scholarships will open for applications in August 2026. For more information, visit bcbsnd.com/scholarships.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support non-profit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.
