Lillian Saure Nursing Scholarship

Funder: PioneerCare Foundation (administered by PioneerCare Auxiliary)

Geographic Scope: Fergus Falls, Minnesota, US and greater community

Focus Areas: Nursing education and career advancement

Program Description

A scholarship honoring Lillian Saure, who worked first as a nurse at the hospital in Fergus Falls and advanced to become the first administrator at Pioneer to be certified by the State of Minnesota (serving 1965-1975). The scholarship helps students begin or advance their careers in nursing.

Recent Award Information

• 2023 Awards: Over $3,000 awarded to seven students
• Recipients have included CNAs, dietary aides, and others pursuing LPN and RN degrees at institutions including M State Fergus Falls, NDSU, NDSCS, and Minnesota State University, Mankato

Eligible Applicants

• PioneerCare employees pursuing nursing degrees
• Members of the greater community (Fergus Falls, Minnesota area)
• Must be planning to attend coursework in the fall

Application Timeline

• Deadline: May 15th (postmark deadline)
• Applications accepted in spring
• Awards presented in August/September

Eligible Expenses/Programs

• Full-time and part-time nursing degree programs
• RN programs
• LPN programs
• RN-BSN programs
• Healthcare-related coursework
• Associated tuition and course costs

Contact Information

PioneerCare Center
1131 Mabelle Ave. S.

Application Process

1. Complete the Lillian Saure Auxiliary Scholarship Application (online form or downloadable PDF)
2. Write a one-page essay explaining why you are pursuing a career in healthcare and how you would benefit from the scholarship
3. Obtain official transcripts from high school and any college attended
4. Secure two letters of recommendation from people who know you well (teacher, employer, counselor, clergy person, etc.)
5. Submit all materials (postmarked no later than May 15th deadline) to:
   • Application and essay: Submit via online form
   • Transcripts and letters of recommendation: Mail directly to
   • Lillian Saure Nursing Scholarship
   • PioneerCare Center
   • 1131 Mabelle Ave. S.
   • Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Required Application Information

• Full name, contact information (phone, email)
• Mailing address
• Current/most recent employment and job duties
• Previous employment history (with dates and duties)
• GPA (high school and/or college)
• High school attended and graduation date
• Post-secondary schools attended (years and GPA)
• College/school where accepted for nursing program
• Healthcare major or program name
• Tuition cost per semester and total cost per year
• Healthcare experience (paid work and volunteer, in nursing homes, hospitals, home care, etc.)
• Post-education career plans
• Other scholarships applied for and amounts
• Financial need information (optional)
• Two references (names and contact information)

Required Supplements

• One-page essay on career goals in healthcare
• Official high school transcripts
• Official college transcripts (if applicable)
• Two letters of recommendation from references

Important Notes

• Application is not complete until transcripts are received
• References must send letters directly to the scholarship address
• All materials must be postmarked by the May 15th deadline