Cody Regional Health Foundation Announces Recipient of the Loretta Stapleton Scholarship

The Cody Regional Health Foundation is thrilled to unveil the distinguished awardee of this year's coveted Loretta Stapleton Scholarship. We are honored to present the scholarship to Laura Bressan, a dedicated Laboratory Assistant at Cody Regional Health.

"Laura's enthusiasm for the Nursing profession is fueled by its dynamic nature," commented NWC Foundation Director Shelby Wetzel. "Her eagerness to embark on a career that offers perpetual learning opportunities and the chance to explore diverse facets of the field truly stands out."

The Loretta Stapleton Scholarship was established in memory of Loretta Stapleton, the former Cody Regional Health Emergency Room Director, whose family's benevolent contribution ensures an enduring legacy for generations ahead. After Loretta's passing in 2021, an endowed scholarship was initiated at Northwest College by the Stapleton Family and Cody Regional Health Foundation to assist Cody Regional Health staff members aspiring to pursue nursing or emergency services paramedicine careers.

The Stapleton family's generous donation of $25,000 was matched by the Cody Regional Health Foundation, culminating in the establishment of this scholarship. These funds are primarily earmarked to support current Cody Regional Health employees aiming to advance their education in nursing or emergency services paramedicine. Nevertheless, the scholarship remains open to all candidates seeking to make an impact in these critical healthcare fields.

Reflecting on Loretta Stapleton's legacy, Doug McMillan, CEO at Cody Regional Health and CRH Foundation Board Member, fondly recalls her contributions to the hospital and community.

"In the past year, we bid farewell to an exceptional soul who left an indelible imprint on our hospital and community. Loretta Stapleton was a visionary leader who devoted over 45 years to the medical field. Her commitment to exemplary patient care, unwavering leadership, and tireless advocacy for nurses and patients' rights left an indelible mark."

Expressing her gratitude, Laura Bressan stated, "I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Stapleton family and the CRH Foundation. While I did not have the opportunity to work alongside Loretta, her lasting impact on the hospital is evident. It's an immense honor to be the inaugural recipient of this scholarship named in her honor."

Shelby Wetzel, Executive Director at Northwest College Foundation, shared, "Witnessing Loretta's legacy materialize is an incredible privilege. Her encouragement to see the goodness in people, combined with her warmth, laughter, and unwavering commitment, has left an enduring impression on all who crossed her path."

In the Park County Area, nursing and emergency services vocations continue to play an indispensable role. This scholarship is an earnest endeavor to nurture and empower the forthcoming generation of healthcare professionals.

Prospective applicants for the Loretta Stapleton Scholarship are encouraged to visit the Northwest College Foundation website for application details.

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