Donor-supported scholarships awarded to students at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine set a record for the third consecutive year.

According to OUWB Financial Services, 33 of the school’s medical students were awarded a total of $330,000 for the 2023-24 school year. The increase represents a 10% jump from the previous comparable period, and 32% from two years ago. (See box for complete list of scholarships and awardees.)

Gregory Ashe, associate director, Financial Services, said it’s simple math: an increased participation of members donating means the school's scholarship committee can award more financial aid.

Ashe was among OUWB officials and students who expressed appreciation for the donors behind that increased participation.

“Oftentimes, students write letters of thanks to donors expressing their appreciation,” he said. “Donors definitely love to hear the feedback…they see the difference it makes for the students and know the students are going to continue to find success as physicians.”

 ‘The backbone’ of opportunities

According to Ashe, M2s, M3s, and M4s are eligible to apply for scholarships using a standard application. Depending on which scholarships students apply for, there may be additional requirements, such as essays. Separately, the M1s (Class of 2027) will have an opportunity during the winter semester to apply for OUWB scholarships. Application information will be released from OUWB Financial services mid-January 2024. 

A scholarship committee consisting of faculty, clinical faculty, and staff makes the final decision on whom will be awarded. Ashe said the members of the scholarship committee are not identified publicly.

Money for the donor-supported scholarships comes through direct contributions to OUWB or via the Corewell Health Foundation.

Donations to OUWB are made individually, and/or through the annual Oakland University Fund Drive (OUFD).

Established more than 40 years ago, OUFD underscores how monetary gifts from Oakland University employees and retirees can make a difference in the academic areas they hold most dear.

Of the top performing units (large category), OUWB consistently has the most participation. For the OUFD that recently wrapped, by example, OUWB had participation of 60.2%.

“A huge thank you goes out to our incredible donors who make these scholarships possible; their support is the backbone of these opportunities,” said Claus Weimann, director, Philanthropy, OUWB.

“In the eyes of our students, less student loan debt means they can focus on making a difference in health care without being weighed down financially,” he added.

‘More time being able to focus’

Forrest Bohler, M2, said he was “thrilled, relieved, and incredibly grateful” when he learned he was one of five who received an OUWB Scholarship.

“Student loans definitely represent a financial burden in my life, and this scholarship significantly lessens that burden,” he said.

Application for the OUWB Scholarship requires students to describe their leadership experience in the areas of community service, medical education, and/or diversity and inclusion as well as clearly articulate how they would continue to fulfill the OUWB mission throughout their career as a physician.

Bohler said he plans to eventually return to his home state of Montana and practice medicine in a rural community faced with a physician shortage.

“With this scholarship, I will be able to spend less time worrying about loans and more time being able to focus on what matters most to me: helping those in rural America gain access to quality health care,” he said.

Claire Kopachik, M2, said she was “incredibly honored” to receive the Schostak Scholarship, which is awarded to students who come from and plan to practice medicine in Michigan.

“As a lifelong Michigander, it’s important to me to give back to my community by providing care for the diverse populations of Michigan, which have already enriched my life in innumerable ways,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship will help me pursue this goal.”

Similarly, Chance Stevenson, M3, said he was “very surprised and extremely appreciative” to learn he was among eight students to receive The Ann Nicholson Community Service Scholarship.

“Community service and helping others has always been incredibly important to me and underscores why I chose medicine as a profession,” he said. “This scholarship helps reinforce that community service can come in many forms and you don’t need to directly provide health care in order to make someone’s day a little better.”

For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, marketing writer, OUWB, at [email protected].

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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