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Summer is ending, and fall is just around the corner. I look forward to the cooler temperatures, fall colors and football! As the seasons change, the Foundation team and board of directors continue to focus on fulfilling our mission and honoring the legacy of those who helped build this organization through the years.
We do this in two basic ways: We connect with people in our communities and beyond to raise funds, and we deploy those funds across the CentraCare system to have a positive impact on the health of our patients, employees, hospitals, clinics and communities. A great mission—and fulfilling work!
With fall comes a new school year for the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud. Twenty-four first year medical students began their medical school journey the week of August 18. One of the highlights was the White Coat Ceremony, which you can read about below.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Community Open House and tour of the medical school on Sunday, July 27. Scroll down to learn about this amazing day!
I continue to be grateful for the support we receive from donors, volunteers, leaders and advocates. Serving CentraCare’s patients and caring for the health of those who live in our region is at the core of our mission and we are honored to have you accompany us on this worthwhile journey.
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CentraCare and the University of Minnesota thank those who attended the Community Open House on Sunday, July 27, celebrating the grand opening of the new University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus in St. Cloud.
Although the weather provided hot and humid conditions, we appreciate the many who took time to tour this state-of-the-art medical facility, meet some of the inaugural class of medical students and faculty and learn more about the future of rural health in our region. Thank you!
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New Play Spaces at Clara’s House |
Generous benefactors who contributed to CentraCare Foundation’s Lighting the Path Campaign for Mental Health in 2023, raised more than $6.2 million to expand mental health support across CentraCare. These dollars supported the development of an early childhood partial hospitalization program at Clara’s House which opened in February 2025 and the addition of new play areas.
“Adding playground equipment and a gym for children aged 3–5 at the facility was part of the plan and gives preschool-aged children the opportunity to engage in age-appropriate, active play—essential for healthy development and treatment,” said Barbara Skodje-Mack, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, RPT-S, the director of CentraCare’s Child and Adolescent Outpatient Behavioral Health and Partial Hospitalization Program at Clara's House.
A second gym for preschoolers also adds expanded play options. A tricycle track and a small rock climbing wall give preschoolers a place for movement breaks and space for staff to conduct occupational and recreational therapy sessions.
 “It’s important to know that the new playground equipment and gym offer spaces that support a wide range of therapeutic benefits for young children to engage in play that nurtures their physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth and well-being," says Skodje-Make. "They provide more than just fun—they provide therapy."
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White Coat Ceremony on August 21 |
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Class of 2029 Medical Students Received White Coats |
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Twenty-four students in the Class of 2029 at the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud received their very first white coats in an important ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 21.
This is a pivotal event for medical students before they begin their training, as it symbolizes the transition into the medical profession. Students received their first white coat, stethoscope and heard words of wisdom and encouragement from medical school leaders at the ceremony. The coats represent the trust and responsibilities they will undertake as future physicians. This celebration also marked a new beginning for the future of rural health care.
Several CentraCare leaders and team members, school staff, local and state legislators and family members of the students were in attendance for the occasion.
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Lundgren Receives the 2025 CentraCare Foundation Scholarship for Rural Medicine |
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Emma Lundgren, a first-year medical student at the University of Minnesota CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud, was awarded the 2025 CentraCare Foundation Scholarship for Rural Medicine on Thursday, July 10.
This scholarship covers full tuition for four years of medical school. Applicants submitted essays about their interest in rural medicine and goals for improving healthcare. Members of the CentraCare Foundation Board served on the selection committee. The Foundation will be awarding one full tuition scholarship for each incoming class.
Lundgren wrote in her application essay that she’s witnessed firsthand how healthcare disparities, especially in rural communities and her own family, have an impact on health and wellbeing. Her desire to become a rural physician is simple: “There is a need, and I have the knowledge, skills and passion to meet that need. That is what fuels my commitment to this work.”
Lundgren grew up in Sartell, Minn., and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Saint Benedict. As an undergraduate, Lundgren studied abroad in Chile and volunteered as a Spanish interpreter at a free clinic in St. Cloud. She said attending medical school is a purpose that intersects with her values and background. “I want to serve smaller communities not only as a provider, but also as a listener, advocate and innovator. While resource limitations in rural settings present real challenges, those same constraints create opportunities for creative, impactful solutions.”
Holly Gulden says she is proud CentraCare Foundation offered this first-ever award to medical students. “The Scholarship for Rural Medicine is a commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in underserved areas,” she explained. “By removing the burden of student debt, this scholarship empowers future physicians to choose specialties and practice locations based on passion and purpose, not financial constraints. It opens doors to careers in rural medicine, where the need is great and the impact is profound.”
Learn more about CentraCare Foundation and how to support the needs of the University of Minnesota Medical School CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud, including scholarships for students, residency programs and a rural health research institute.
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Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Chappell Central, Inc.
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