Zilverberg Fund supports health care education

Angie Phillips; Henry Brucker, Riverwood Foundation board chair; and Kelsie Engholm. Not pictured: Tia Ronnenberg

In 2017, Riverwood Healthcare Center’s Foundation distributed grants totaling $9,500 from the Michael Zilverberg Heath Education Endowment Fund. Scholarships for $2,500 each were awarded to three Riverwood employees, including Angie Phillips, registered nurse; Kelsie Engholm, licensed practical nurse; and Tia Ronnenberg, surgical technologist.

Another award of $2,000 was given to Riverwood’s hospital nursing services for continuing education modules.

Kelsie Engholm, a medical assistant, is pursuing her registered nurse degree at Central Lakes College. Angie Phillips, registered nurse, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Management at St. Scholastica. Tia Ronneberg, certified surgical technologist, is pursuing a registered nurse degree at Rasmussen College.

Philips, Engholm and Ronneberg were selected by Riverwood Foundation’s Finance and Granting Committee based on a written application detailing their experience and achievements in the nursing field, and a narrative describing what they want to accomplish as a result of their education. Reference letters from their supervisors were also a key factor in the selection process.

“This is the eleventh year of Zilverberg Fund scholarship awards,” said Katie Nelson, Riverwood Foundation director. “We had a number of well-qualified applicants, and the decision was hard to make. We are extremely grateful for the Michael Zilverberg Fund at Riverwood Healthcare Center.”

The Michael Zilverberg Healthcare Education Endowment was started by Jeanette Zilverberg in 2004 to honor her late husband Michael, who was a strong community leader in Aitkin. Always supportive of education and helping others, he was especially interested in providing educational opportunities and scholarships for those working in healthcare at Riverwood. Scholarship dollars will be used for educational costs such as books and tuition.

To make a contribution to the Michael Zilverberg Healthcare Education endowment fund, contact Riverwood Foundation at 218-927-5158.