The endowment will distribute a minimum of two $1,500 scholarships every year in perpetuity. 
“We are honored to continue our partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union,” said Maraka Oltrogge, NAH vice president of philanthropy. “Our entire scholarship and awards program is based on the outpouring of support from community members and internal leaders who see the value in lifting up NAH employees and giving them every opportunity to strengthen their skills.”
The endowment will distribute a minimum of two $1,500 scholarships every year in perpetuity. Desert Financial Credit Union’s contribution supports NAH’s commitment to creating learning and professional development opportunities for colleagues so they can continue to provide the highest level of care to our patients and community.
“It is a privilege to partner with NAH by supporting the current and future health care workers who dedicate their lives to helping the community,” said Desert Financial Credit Union President and CEO Jeff Meshey. “Our organization knows how important it is to recruit and retain health care workers in our community and we are pleased that we can celebrate them at this year’s inaugural celebration.”
Desert Financial Credit Union presents NAH a $25,000 check to go toward the $93,000 endowment for scholarships for current and future NAH employees.
In addition to Desert Financial Credit Union, Swire Coca-Cola USA, Flagstaff AZ, contributed to the awards celebration and scholarship fund. At the Aug. 18 event, nine other scholarships and awards will be presented, including the Andrew Gregory Spyrow Health Care Scholarship, Dean Taylor Health Care Award, Findlay Toyota Health Care Award, Marjorie and Samuel McClanahan Nursing Scholarship, Simon Memorial Scholarship, The Loven Family Health Care Scholarship, Hunt Family Scholarship, Paul Weston First Responder Scholarship, and the Dr. Deborah Lindquist Nurse Chemotherapy Award.
NAH has received an overwhelming number of applicants in this first year. If an individual or organization would like to learn more about how they can create a scholarship or award to support health care workers in the community, please contact Maraka Oltrogge at maraka.oltrogge@nahealth.com or 928-773-2275. FBN
About Northern Arizona Healthcare: A non-profit health care system, NAH is inclusive of Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center – Sedona Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Camp Verde Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Village of Oak Creek, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group, the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Northern Arizona Healthcare Orthopedic Surgery Center, EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine, Weight Management Clinic, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group – Cardiology, Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport. We also provide comprehensive imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services throughout the region.
For more information on NAH programs and services, visit NAHealth.com. “Like” NAH on Facebook by searching for Northern Arizona Healthcare Flagstaff and Northern Arizona Healthcare Verde Valley. Follow NAH on Instagram by searching for Northern Arizona Healthcare.
About Desert Financial Credit Union: Celebrating more than 80 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state’s most trusted local credit union with over $8 billion in assets, 400,000+ members and 47 branches. Membership eligibility is open across most of Arizona with contactless solutions via eBranch, making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2021, members received $15 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus, and Desert Financial gave more than $3.8 million in donations, scholarships and Random Acts of Kindness to our members, community and team. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.
