PNWU Scholarships

JoAnne Compo - PNWU medical student

“I was born and raised on the Yakama Reservation, and my beautiful community inspired me to pursue a career as a physician, with the ultimate aspiration of settling in the Yakima Valley. PNWU scholarships have had an immense impact on my journey. I express endless gratitude to the individuals who have supported my medical education.”

– JoAnne Compo, PNWU-COM Class of 2026
Recipient of the Hyatt MAMS Supporting Your Dreams Scholarship, 2021-22; A.T. Still Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship, 2023-24; and Lawler Endowed Scholarship, 2023-24

See highlights from this year’s celebration:

Scholarships ensure we can equip medical students for success by eliminating financial barriers. At PNWU, scholarships help medical students gain the freedom to focus on their training while also enabling them to participate more fully in campus leadership opportunities, pursue advanced research opportunities, remain active in academic clubs and civic engagement.

Each scholarship also represents a strong vote of confidence in PNWU and our students that powerfully influences our ability to recruit and educate future doctors. All so they can return to the places that need them most, as trained physicians.

At PNWU, you can create a scholarship in your name or in honor of someone special to you. Endowed gifts support students in perpetuity and offer many options for shaping the criteria of your scholarship. Current gifts can be used immediately for student awards.

To learn more about establishing your own scholarship, contact Development at development@pnwu.edu or 509.952.7740

Scholarships Currently Available at PNWU

Apply for the Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund

Apply for PNWU Scholarship Application for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Alan Stephenson Boyd Diversity Equity and Inclusion Excellence Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2021 by a donation from Mark T. Boyd and Nancy Lomneth in memory of Mark’s father, Alan Stephenson Boyd. He valued inclusion, diversity, and equality. Mark’s family believes this honors his dad’s interest in creating a fairer, more just world. It also honors the Stephenson legacy of equality in education he learned from his mother Elizabeth and shared with his sister Jean.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in good academic standing. Recipients are selected in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures for awarding scholarships and fellowships.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • PNWU students active in working toward or participating in efforts to advance diversity and inclusion of historically underrepresented groups
A.T. Still Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2008 by the Osteopathic Foundation of Central Washington and was formerly known as the A.T. Still Osteopathic Foundation of Central Washington Scholarship.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to fall of the award year and will be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of the award year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Excellent academic achievement
  • Demonstrate leadership efforts in addressing the health needs of rural and underserved populations
  • Have completed noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects, and/or extracurricular activities that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to be a leader
Butler Family Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2012 by an anonymous donor in honor of Lloyd Butler, DO & Gloria Butler, pioneering individuals who assisted with the founding of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Dr. Butler served as the interim president of PNWU from the fall of 2009 to June 2012. In 2017, several members of the Butler family joined together to lead a community appeal which raised $50,000 to establish the scholarship as an endowed fund. The Butler Family Endowment will provide vital support for PNWU students into perpetuity in honor and memory of all nine Butler siblings and spouses (Clifford/Maxine, Donald, Bob/Donna, Garold/Patty, Vilas/Dawn, Charlotte (Butler)/Bob Haney, David/Janet, Lloyd/Gloria, and Larry) their children and other family members as a shining example of a shared dream, commitment to the PNWU mission and love for the community.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to the fall of the award year and will still be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a graduate of a high school in one of these rural, eastern Washington counties of Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman or Yakima
  • Must be in good academic standing and show dedication to civic involvement.
  • Previous year Butler Family Scholars are eligible and preferred for a renewed Butler Family Scholarship in following years if they meet all criteria and funding is available
Chris Tracz Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2016 in memory of Christopher Tracz, a fourth-year osteopathic medicine student who passed away in September 2016. Chris grew up and graduated from high school in Deerfield, Illinois. Chris then enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the U.S.S. Alabama, a nuclear submarine, during the Iraq War. After serving eight years, Chris returned to school, completed a master’s degree and enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. The scholarship was endowed through Giving Tuesday in 2016.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to the fall of the award year and will still be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Excellent academic achievement
  • Demonstrate leadership efforts in addressing the health needs of rural and underserved populations
  • Completed noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects, and/or extracurricular activities that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to be a leader
Cadwell Laboratories Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2016 by Dr. John and Priscilla Cadwell, of Cadwell Laboratories, Inc., to provide support for the communities of Benton and Franklin Counties. The Cadwells hope to inspire other individuals and businesses to join them in support of the PNWU mission. They understand the value of student scholarships and their impact in reducing student debt. The Cadwells are dedicated to their community through local business and philanthropic efforts supporting Benton and Franklin Counties.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to the fall of the award year and will still be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • A resident or a high school graduate of Benton or Franklin Counties in Washington
  • Excellent academic achievement
  • Demonstrate leadership efforts in addressing the health needs of rural and underserved populations
  • Have completed noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects, and/or extracurricular activities that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to be a leader
D Blair and Walter R Anyan III Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2021 by Carol Ann Anyan in honor of her sons D. Blair Anyan, a nutritionist, and Walter R. Anyan III, a physical therapist. It was inspired in part by the shared values and career experiences of both men. PNWU recognizes the importance of good nutrition and physical therapy in providing patient-centered care capable of revolutionizing community health. Both practices are central to the osteopathic principles on which the university was founded. Carol Ann’s intent with this scholarship is to support PNWU’s mission to educate and train healthcare professionals emphasizing service among rural and medically underserved communities throughout the Northwest and to provide support for an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe who is a student of PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to students who are enrolled members of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe and are students of PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy enrolled in fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled as a physical therapy student at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences during the fall of that same year
  • Enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Demonstrated leadership efforts in addressing the health needs of rural and underserved populations
Dolsen Family Endowed Scholarship
The Dolsen Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 by The Dolsen Family. Long before the construction of PNWU began, the Dolsen family leased the land where the university now sits. Bill Dolsen recalls learning to drive a truck and working cattle where our health sciences university now stands and continues to grow. The Dolsen Family endowed this scholarship to support the students who were so loved by Bill’s mother, Mrs. Ruth Dolsen, who hosted many PNWU students in her guest house during their medical training in Yakima. 

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in good academic standing. Recipients are selected in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures for awarding scholarships and fellowships.

Lawler Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2021 with a donation from Michael J. Lawler, PhD and Kimberly Lawler. Dr. and Mrs. Lawler were able to continue their education with the support of scholarships. The impact of scholarships on their ability to pursue their dreams was immense. The Lawler Scholarship recognizes students attending Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences exhibiting exemplary capabilities as a student in the medical profession.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in good academic standing. Recipients are selected in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures for awarding scholarships and fellowships.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • First generation college graduates
  • Enrolled members of American Indian or Alaska Native Tribes, and current members or veterans of the military are encouraged to apply.
Scottish Rite Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2017 in partnership with the Scottish Rite Foundation of Washington. This scholarship is merit-based to promote and foster dedicated students in their path to success. 

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to fall of the award year and will be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of the award year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Washington State resident preferred
  • Excellent academic achievement
  • Demonstrate leadership and exemplary capabilities as a student in the Osteopathic Medical Profession
  • Show dedication to community service
  • Enrolled as a full-time student for the full academic year
Seal Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2013 with a donation from the Rowland M. Seal and Elsie Seal Educational Trust in honor of Rowland and Elsie Seal. As longtime Naches residents, they were known for their dedication to coaching youth roller-skating. They were lifelong learners and recognized the importance of education.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to the fall of the award year and will still be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • First preference given to Naches High School (Naches, WA) graduates. If more than two students qualify, preference given to the two students with the highest financial need based upon a yearly FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or equivalent report, parental information required.
  • If less than two students exist from Naches High School, second preference given to a student from Yakima County. Preference given to the student with the highest financial need based upon a yearly FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or equivalent report, parental information required.
  • Third preference given to a Washington State University graduate. Preference given to the student with the highest financial need based upon a yearly FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or equivalent report, parental information required.
  • Students are required to reapply for the scholarship each year and are eligible to receive the scholarship in more than one consecutive year if the student is in good standing with PNWU.
University Parkway Apartments Endowed Scholarship
The University Parkway Apartments scholarship was established in 2020 by Mr. Byron Borton. Mr. Borton has been a long-time supporter of PNWU, most notably building over 500 apartment housing units next to campus. Mr. Borton prioritizes student’s housing needs and has generously supported university scholarships for the annual Osteopathic Golf Classic. Mr. Borton believes in the students of Pacific Northwest University and established this endowment to support students in perpetuity.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences as a student during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Exhibit exemplary capabilities as a student in the healthcare profession
  • Preference given to student from the Yakima Valley
Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund
Virginia Hislop, education advocate and member of the PNWU Scholarship Committee, established this fund in 2017. Recognizing the only option for emergency funding was additional student loans, Virginia wanted to provide an alternative option for students experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

Purpose
The Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund provides immediate financial relief to students attending Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who are committed to the mission of providing quality care to communities of the Pacific Northwest, particularly rural and underserved populations experiencing an unexpected financial emergency.

Eligibility
This fund is open to any student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who are enrolled during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate leadership efforts in addressing the health needs of rural and underserved populations
  • Experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing financial hardships
Washington Academy of Family Physicians Family Medicine Scholarship
This endowed scholarship was established in 2021 by the Washington Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. The WAFP Family Medicine Scholarship recognizes second, third and fourth-year osteopathic medical students attending Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who are committed to the mission of providing quality care to communities of the Pacific Northwest, particularly rural and underserved populations.

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first two years of studies prior to fall of the award year and will be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of the award year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • Excellent academic achievement
  • Demonstrate leadership efforts in addressing the health needs of rural and underserved populations
  • Have completed noteworthy accomplishments, awards and honors, special projects, and/or extracurricular activities that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to be a leader
  • Member of the Family Medicine Interest Group
  • Stated commitment to pursuing a Family Medicine residency in the state of Washington
Watson Family Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2017 with a donation by former president, D. Keith Watson, DO and his wife, Maureen Watson, DO. Dr. Watson led PNWU through tremendous growth and expansion for five years prior to announcing his retirement on June 30, 2018. The Watsons have always known the importance of health care in rural and underserved areas and hope this scholarship will help students who desire to practice in these communities. 

Eligibility:
This scholarship is open to any osteopathic medical student enrolled at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences who has successfully completed his/her first year of studies prior to the fall of the award year and will still be enrolled as an osteopathic medical student during the fall of that same year. All applicants must be in good academic standing.

Applicants shall meet the following criteria:

  • First generation medical student
  • Preference given to student raised in rural or medically underserved community (ideally with a population less than 10,000)

Our generous donors have made an incredible difference for PNWU students – THANK YOU!

Ways to Give
Planned Giving
Gift of Body
Donor Recognition
FAQs
Development News
The Care Package
PNWU Scholarships


Development Events

Care, Connect, Forward
Scholarship Celebration


Development Team

Adam Story
Chief Development Officer
astory@pnwu.edu
509.249.7862

Lesley Kerns
Associate Director of Development Events
and Communications
lkerns@pnwu.edu
509.249.7774

Lauri Roberson
Associate Director of Development and Advancement Services
lroberson@pnwu.edu
509.249.7874

Jennifer Hawks- Conright
Director of Development- Major Gifts
jhawks@pnwu.edu

Alexa Dodd
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
adodd@pnwu.edu
509.249.7740

Jacqueline Diaz
Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
jdiaz@pnwu.edu
509.249.7857

Sheila Sahagun
Stewardship and Development Communications Project Manager
ssahagun@pnwu.edu

Sayexi Martinez
Alumni Services Manager
sayeximartinez@pnwu.edu
509.249.7875

Natalie Rapp
Administrative Coordinator
nrapp@pnwu.edu
509.249.7739