RCCF Accepting Applications for Multiple Scholarships

The deadline is June 2.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation is accepting applications for the Doris A. Brelage Nursing Scholarship, the Riley Duerstock Nursing Scholarship, the Marysue (Luhring) Knisley Nursing Scholarship, and the Corinne’s Believers Memorial Scholarship.

These scholarships honor the remarkable lives and contributions of Doris A. Brelage, Riley Duerstock, Marysue (Luhring) Knisley, and Corinne Lamping. Their families have established these funds through the Ripley County Community Foundation to give back to the community and support the educational aspirations of future professionals.

In 2008, the Batesville community mourned the loss of Doris A. Brelage, a dedicated Registered Nurse and EMS member who served Margaret Mary Health for 37 years as Director of Nursing, Manager of Surgical Nursing, and Infection Control Practitioner. Her family established the Doris A. Brelage Memorial Nursing Scholarship to honor her commitment to healthcare.

Riley Duerstock, who tragically passed away in a car accident on September 11, 2023, at the young age of 21, was a natural caregiver with a deep passion for the medical field. Even at 16, she served as a medical intern in Ghana, caring for vulnerable individuals. Her selfless nature continued through egg donation and her pursuit of a nursing degree at the University of Indianapolis, with aspirations to become a flight nurse. In her final act of generosity, she became an organ donor. The Riley Duerstock Nursing Scholarship was created by her family to celebrate her adventurous, kind, and ambitious spirit.

Marysue (Luhring) Knisley, remembered for her caring nature, generosity, and exceptional listening skills, was a highly accomplished nurse. Her passion for learning led her to earn multiple credentials (RN, BSN, MBA, MSN, CLNC) and build a successful career as a nurse and medical compliance consultant. Her leadership and mentorship left a lasting impact on countless individuals. The Marysue (Luhring) Knisley Nursing Scholarship, established in 2023 by her family, aims to support future medical professionals and continue Marysue's legacy of dedication and drive. Her parents, Joe and Judy Luhring, shared, “Marysue had a zest for life which was built upon her warm smile. By providing this scholarship, we hope that Marysue’s love for her fellow human being will inspire those just starting out on their journey as a nurse, to stay ever focused on providing quality care to all in need.”

In 2012, the Batesville community also experienced the loss of Corinne Lamping, a vibrant cosmetologist who graduated from Aveda Fredric’s Institute in 2010 and worked at Guys and Gals in Batesville. Her passion for hair and dream of owning a salon with her sister Leann inspired her family to establish the Corinne’s Believers Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship supports driven and talented students attending the Aveda Frederic Institute in Indianapolis.

HOW TO APPLY:

The application and full eligibility criteria for each scholarship are available on the Ripley County Community Foundation’s website at https://rccfonline.org/scholarships/.

The deadline to submit applications for these scholarships is 11:59 P.M. on June 2, 2025.

For any questions regarding these scholarships, please contact Phoebe Kroen, Scholarship Manager at 812.933.1098.

To learn more about establishing your own charitable giving fund and creating a lasting legacy, please contact Amy Streator, Executive Director. You can reach the Ripley County Community Foundation by telephone at (812) 933-1098 or by visiting 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006. The Ripley County Community Foundation is committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter!