UNMC Scott Scholars

Walter Scott, Jr.

Walter Scott, Jr. was a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape the future of medicine in Nebraska. Through the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, he championed education, innovation and service, values that are at the heart of the Scott Scholars Program at UNMC.

In 2024, the Foundation made a landmark $23 million investment to expand the Scott Scholars Program at UNMC and UNO, supporting scholarships, housing and experiential learning for future physician leaders. This gift ensures that students have the resources and opportunities to grow as compassionate, community-driven changemakers.

Walter Scott, Jr. believed that strong communities are built by visionary leaders. The Scott Scholars Program carries forward that belief, empowering students to lead with empathy, think creatively and make a lasting impact in healthcare.

The Why

The Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) was established through the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation’s vision to be a catalyst for meaningful change. This program represents a strategic investment in the future of healthcare in Nebraska, developing the next generation of innovative, compassionate physician leaders who will strengthen and sustain the health of our communities.

Advancing Communities

At its core, the Scott Scholars Program aligns with the Foundation’s commitments to advancing communities by elevating opportunities for youth and enhancing the overall quality of life in Nebraska. Nebraska’s healthcare landscape faces complex challenges, and meeting those challenges requires physicians who combine medical excellence with empathy, creativity and a deep commitment to service. By supporting promising medical students at UNMC, the program helps ensure that every Nebraska community has access to dedicated healthcare professionals ready to meet their unique needs.

Investing in Higher Education

The Foundation has long recognized that investing in higher education is one of the most powerful ways to drive societal progress. The Scott Scholars Program is a testament to this belief, offering comprehensive support and transformative educational experiences to the most promising medical students at UNMC. By providing these future healthcare leaders with the resources, mentorship and opportunities to excel, the program aims to produce graduates who will make significant contributions to medicine within Nebraska and beyond.

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Walter Scott, Jr. believed that the strength of a community depends on the vision and leadership of its people. This program carries forward that belief, empowering students to think critically, embrace design thinking and lead with empathy. Through a rigorous academic curriculum, experiential learning and a focus on community impact, the program equips students with the skills and mindset necessary to tackle the complex healthcare challenges of the future.

The program also reflects the Foundation’s desire to engage in philanthropic partnerships with institutions that share their core values. UNMC, with its reputation for excellence in medical education and its commitment to improving health outcomes for all Nebraskans, is an ideal partnership in this endeavor. Together, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, more vibrant Nebraska by nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Growing Future Healthcare Leaders of Nebraska

This program is more than just a scholarship; it is a strategic investment in the future of healthcare in Nebraska. By equipping medical students with the clinical expertise, empathy and design thinking skills needed to drive meaningful change, the program extends the legacy of Walter Scott, Jr. and his commitment to community advancement. It is a strategic investment in Nebraska’s healthcare future, building a pipeline of passionate, service-driven physicians and reinforcing the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation’s mission to inspire innovation, leadership and positive change across the state.