Nearly $1.1 Million in College Scholarships Awarded by Sutter Health Program

New Permanent Endowment Means Program Will Aid Students for Years to Come

SACRAMENTO, Calif. August 1, 2006 – Almost $1.1 million in college scholarship funds has been awarded to 788 students as a part of the Sutter Health network's Van R. Johnson Sutter Scholars program. The scholarships aid students heading into their 2006/2007 academic year whose parents and grandparents are employees of Sutter Health, a Northern California system of hospitals, physicians and other health care service providers.

Students received scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 with the average award amounting to $1,352 per student. More than half of this year's applicants are first-time recipients of the scholarship award.

"The rising cost of education should not be the barrier that keeps outstanding students from having the opportunity to reach their fullest potential," said Patrick Fry, president and CEO of Sutter Health. "These scholarships not only promote academic excellence, they assist and encourage the children and grandchildren of our employees in completing their college education."

In 2006, the scholarship program also offered a first-time, optional award for students with exceptional leadership qualities. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or above were invited to apply for an additional award of up to $2,500. Fifty students were selected for this honor.

Renamed this year in honor of retired Sutter Health CEO Van R. Johnson, the awards program was created in 2003 in support of and appreciation for Sutter Health employees. Recently, the Sutter Health Board of Directors approved a $5 million contribution that permanently endows the program.

"We're very proud of this scholarship program," concluded Fry. "Since its inception, we have awarded more than 2,400 scholarships totaling $3.7 million to the children and grandchildren of our employees. I look forward to seeing the educational dreams of students come true for years to come."

The program, which is administered by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, annually awards educational grants to achieving students. Awards vary based on need and competitive review.

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Media Contact
Karen Garner
Communications Director
(916) 286-8297
garnerk@sutterhealth.org

Kami Lloyd
(916) 286-6680
lloydk@sutterhealth.org