West Shore Healthcare Foundation recently awarded a $500 scholarship to Karilyn Bufka, RN, courtesy of the Bull Scholarship Fund. Bufka is the first recipient of the endowed scholarship, which was established last year by Manistee County residents John and Karon Bull to support the continuing education of health care providers at West Shore Medical Center.
“I thought there was a need we could help fill,” said John Bull, a self-described longtime user of the hospital’s services. As an endowed fund, the principal will remain untouched in perpetuity, while the interest will be used to generate annual scholarships. The scholarship opportunity is available to any West Shore Medical Center employee seeking education to further a career in a patient care field.
The scholarship committee reviewed several applications from West Shore associates representing departments throughout the organization.
“Kari exemplifies the type of employee the scholarship was designed to assist,” said Rachel L. Estabrook, Executive Director of West Shore Healthcare Foundation. “She is a dedicated associate who truly demonstrates a commitment to compassionate care, and she plans to continue her education for the benefit of our community.”
Bufka, who recently moved from an inpatient unit to the emergency department at West Shore, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University. “Getting my bachelor’s degree is just the first stop for me,” said Bufka. “I would like to become a nurse practitioner, a goal I have had since I started my journey in nursing four years ago.”
“The scholarship is a tremendous help to me financially,” Bufka continued. “I was very excited to be selected, and I can’t thank the Bulls enough for their gift.”
“The Bull Scholarship is a wonderful resource for employees at West Shore Medical Center and a great example of paying it forward in the community,” said Estabrook. “We are extremely grateful for the Bulls’ generosity.”
Donors wishing to contribute to the John and Karon Bull Scholarship Fund or to any department of the hospital may do so by contacting Estabrook at (231) 398-1270 or visiting westshoremedcenter.org. West Shore Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established to support the financial development goals of West Shore Medical Center, and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.