The 14th Annual Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Scholarship & Awards Ceremony marked the first presentation of a nursing scholarship honoring former Upland Hills Health nurse, Diane Schaaf.

Diane died tragically last April in an automobile crash while working as a home care and hospice nurse on the Upland Hills Health team. Her compassionate manner and skilled care earned her the respect and affection of patients and co-workers alike. In an effort to honor Diane and her work at Upland Hills Health, the healthcare organization established a Nursing Scholarship Endowment. The income earned on the principal donation will fund future scholarships indefinitely.

Diane was connected to Southwest Technical College throughout her career—earning her nursing degree, acting as a guest lecturer on wound care, and receiving specialty certifications that served her patients.

This year’s recipient of the Diane Schaaf Nursing Scholarship was Nicole Bomkamp. Bomkamp is a 2005 graduate from Iowa Grant High School with a love of nursing and desire to become a “great nurse.”

For more information about the Upland Hills Health Scholarships established for Southwest Technical College nursing students contact Heather Fifrick from Southwest Technical College Foundation Inc. @ (608) 822-2365.