Pfeiffer Earns Diane Postler-Slattery Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Katie Pfeiffer, 2026 Scholarship Awardee
Katie Pfeiffer, a nursing student at Kirtland Community College and Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Diane Postler-Slattery Nursing Endowed Scholarship. The $2,300 award is administered through the MyMichigan Health Foundation.
Pfeiffer is currently pursuing her nursing education through Kirtland Community College and SVSU as she works toward earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“We are thrilled to support Katie in her educational journey,” said Denise O’Keefe, executive director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. “Katie has demonstrated a strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and to advancing her education in the nursing profession. We are proud to support future nurses like Katie who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.”
Pfeiffer shared that her passion for nursing is rooted in a deep commitment to caring for the whole person.
“I believe that every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and individualized attention, regardless of their circumstances,” said Pfeiffer. “Nursing is not only about addressing physician needs but also supporting emotional and spiritual well-being.”
The Diane Postler-Slattery Nursing Endowed Scholarship was established in memory of Diane Postler-Slattery, Ph.D., who served as president and CEO of MyMichigan Health beginning January 14, 2013. Prior to her tenure at MyMichigan, she held leadership roles with Aspirus Wausau Hospital and the Aspirus health system in Wisconsin.
Dr. Postler-Slattery was a passionate advocate for education. She held a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, along with both a Master of Science in Nursing/Nursing Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Postler-Slattery received many honors, including the Woman of Vision Award, the ATHENA Award, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire President’s Award, State of Wisconsin Nurse Leader of the Year, and the Great Lakes Bay YWCA Woman of Achievement, among others.
“I believe Diane would be honored to see Katie selected as this year’s recipient,” O’Keefe added. “She has a bright future ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing the impact she will have in the nursing profession.”
Those interested in learning more about the scholarship, including eligibility guidelines and the application process, may visit www.mymichigan.org/scholarships. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will be accepted from January 1, 2027, through April 1, 2027.
