RHAU Raises Record Funds for Rural Healthcare Students at 3rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

St. George, UT – The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) hit a hole-in-one with its 3rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, bringing together 61 golfers from across the state for a day of fun, food, and networking at Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah. But this event was about more than just enjoying the beautiful November weather—its purpose was to support rural students pursuing careers in healthcare.

All proceeds from the tournament go toward scholarships for students from rural Utah who are committed to healthcare careers. This year’s event marked a significant shift in the scholarship process, now open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students in healthcare training programs. Scholarships will be awarded directly by RHAU to students who have graduated from high schools in one of Utah’s 24 rural counties.

Research from the American Academy of Medical Colleges shows that students from small, rural communities are more likely to return and practice in those communities. RHAU’s dedicated board is composed of several healthcare providers who embody this principle. All of the following RHAU board members grew up in communities in rural Utah and returned to practice after completing their medical education. 

• Dr. Colten Bracken (Family Physician, Main Street Family Clinic, Enterprise, UT)

• Dr. Russell Sorenson (Clinic Psychologist, Mountain Utah Family Medicine, Richfield, UT)

• Dr. GJ Wilden (Emergency Department Physician, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Gunnison, UT)

• Dr. Glen Olson (General & Family Dentist, Olson Family Dentistry, Mt. Pleasant, UT)

• Dr. Robbie Gurr (Pharmacist, Smith’s Food and Drug)

• Revina Talker (Physician Assistant, Monument Valley Health Center, Monument Valley, UT)

• Dr. Melissa Hinton (Nurse Practitioner, Desert Edge Medicine, St. George, UT)

Thanks to the generosity of RHAU’s sponsors and participants, the tournament raised a record $5,000 for scholarships—marking the highest amount ever raised for this cause. The funds will be awarded in spring 2025.

RHAU is grateful for the support of its 2024 Tournament sponsors:

• Amazing Care Home Health Services

• Utah Tech University Department of Nursing

• Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Aspire365

• Canyon Media

• The Mars Group

• St. George Kids Dental

Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of RHAU, expressed his excitement: “Seeing these organizations come together to support our rural students is truly inspiring. This event is always so much fun, and each year it grows better. We’re thrilled to roll out the new scholarship format in Spring 2025 and can’t wait to meet the recipients and follow their journeys.”

For more information about the RHAU Student Scholarship program and to learn how to apply, visit https://www.rhau.org/student-scholarships.

RHAU Golf Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ_iHec9OGI