Franciscan Healthcare Auxiliary Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Originally founded in 1932 as the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Francis Hospital, (now known as ‘the Franciscan Healthcare Auxiliary”) the organization was officially chartered by the American Hospital Association (AHA) in 1953. The Auxiliary has provide scholarships and services to improve the health of individuals in the La Crosse area community.

For many years, fundraising was at the heart of the Auxiliary’s work to support St. Francis Hospital. One of the earliest initiatives, the Christmas Sale, launched on November 29, 1952, with proceeds going toward the purchase of a public address system for the hospital. In 1953, the organization introduced the Charity Ball, which later transitioned into the Mardi Gras celebration in 1977. That same year, a Memorial Fund was established in honor of charter member Emma Anderson Murphy, wife of Anthony Murphy, a former city health officer. Initially, the fund supported leukemia patients in need but gradually evolved into a general memorial fund providing assistance for “needy patients accounts.” Today, this initiative continues under the name “Season of Lights”.

Through the establishment of this endowed scholarship through the Western Technical College Foundation, the Franciscan Healthcare Auxiliary continues its proud legacy of compassion, community service, and support for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.