Overview

Overview

Robert D. Kruse

The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship was created by Alice Kruse in memory of her husband, Robert D. Kruse, DPE. Dr. Kruse was the Director of Cleveland Clinic’s School of Physical Therapy from 1956 to 1962 and retired as a faculty member from Cuyahoga Community College in 1986. He earned a Physical Therapy certificate from the Mayo Clinic, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Physical Education (DPE) from Springfield College.

Dr. Kruse, who was visually impaired, enthusiastically supported and encouraged all students, especially those determined to advance their education as far as they could. His goal was to ensure those students had the resources to unlock their full potential and obtain that education. The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship fund has provided scholarships to 157 students since 2005.

Students are required to submit their Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship Application online.

The application is open February 1, 2025, and close March 28, 2025.

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About the Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship Fund for Health Professions

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025

Purpose

The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship was created by Alice Kruse in memory of her husband, Robert D. Kruse DPE. Dr. Kruse was the Director of Cleveland Clinic's School of Physical Therapy from 1956-1962 and retired as a faculty member from Cuyahoga Community College in 1986. He earned a Physical Therapy certificate from the Mayo Clinic, a master's degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Physical Education (DPE) from Springfield College.

Dr. Kruse, who was visually impaired, enthusiastically supported and encouraged all students, especially those determined to advance their education as far as they could. His goal was to ensure those students had the resources to unlock their full potential and obtain that education.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a health professions program at an eligible academic institution (see Eligible Academic Institution tab). Medical and nursing students are not eligible for this scholarship.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

Applicants must be going into the final year of a health professions program to be considered (with a graduation date between December 2025 and August 2026). The final year of a health professions program is considered to be the final year of the program leading to eligibility to practice in the health professions for which the applicant is training. Applicants in the final year of a degree program that is a precursor for the professional degree/certificate program are not eligible to apply.

Although students from all health professions programs are eligible to apply, preference may be given to students from health professions programs based on the workforce needs of Cleveland Clinic.

Details

Recipients of the scholarship could receive up to $5,000. The money will be sent directly to the school and applied to meet student academic expenses (tuition and fees). Scholarship recipients will be encouraged to apply for open positions at Cleveland Clinic facilities upon completing their program.

Application Process

Submit all documents by March 28, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicant is responsible for the following:

  1. Completing the online Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship Application.
  2. Uploading FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR).
  3. Completing a one-page typewritten statement (no more than 400 words) describing the circumstances that have impacted your journey to your selected career path. Non-traditional (i.e. second career, delayed education, etc.) students are welcome to share their journey within their statement.
  4. Uploading signed recommendation waiver form.
  5. Facilitating the recommendation submission process. Applicants are required to provide their required recommendation form to the two individuals from whom the applicant wishes to solicit recommendations. The Center for Health Professions Education will not provide this paperwork on the student's behalf. Only recommendations on the required form will be accepted. Supplementary letters of recommendation will not be considered. One recommendation must come from a faculty member of your health professions program. Additional instructions will be provided during the application process.
  6. Ordering an official transcript from your college or university. Your official transcript must be emailed by your academic institution directly to CHPEOnboarding@ccf.org. If your transcript is submitted by you directly it will not be accepted. Once your transcript has been received it will be uploaded to your application by a member of the Center for Health Professions Education. You are permitted to submit both your undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable). However, both are not required. Only your most recent transcript is required for the application.

**Please note: The applicant is responsible for the completeness of their application. Applicants can check their application status and request automatic updates from the online application system if desired. If the system does not indicate a status of "complete" two weeks after the applicant has completed ALL of the required steps the applicant should follow up with their recommendation writers to confirm that they have submitted the recommendation form. If the recommendations have been submitted, the applicant may reach out to CHPEOnboarding@ccf.org for more information.

Review Process

Members of the Cleveland Clinic Health Professions’ Education Council and Mrs. Kruse will serve on the review and selection committee.

Timeline

Open application period: February 1, 2025 – March 28, 2025
Review and selection process: April 1, 2025 – May 16, 2025
Recipients notified by: July 31, 2025
Disbursement issued to schools: Fall semester
Winner Recognition Ceremony: Fall 2025 (Date TBD)

Questions?

Please call the Center for Health Professions Education at 216.444.5678 option 4 or CHPEOnboarding@ccf.org

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Eligible Academic Institutions

Eligible Academic Institutions

The Robert D. Kruse Memorial Scholarship Fund for Health Professions

Eligible Academic Institutions

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a health professions program at an academic institution listed below. Medical and nursing students are not eligible for this scholarship.

  • Ashland County West Holmes Career Center
  • Bowling Green State University
  • Buckeye Career Center
  • Canton City School District
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Perfusion Program
  • Cleveland Clinic Clinical Pastoral Education Program
  • Cleveland Clinic Dietetic Internship Program
  • Cleveland Clinic EMT & Paramedic Education Program
  • Cleveland Clinic Medical Dosimetry Program
  • Cleveland Clinic Medical Observation and Scribe Training Fellowship
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Cardiac Ultrasound
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Cytotechnology
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Imaging
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Mercy Hospital)
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Nurse Anesthesia
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Phlebotomy
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Radiologic Technology (Mercy Hospital)
  • Cleveland State University
  • Cuyahoga Community College
  • Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
  • EHOVE Career Center
  • Kent State University
  • Lakeland Community College
  • Lorain County Community College
  • Lorain County Joint Vocational School
  • Medina County Career Center
  • Mercy College of Ohio
  • NewBridge Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology
  • Polaris Career Center
  • Ross College
  • Sinclair Community College
  • Stark State College of Technology
  • Wayne County Schools Career Center
  • Youngstown State University

Follow us!

Instagram: @cleclinic_healthprofessions
Twitter: ;@CleClinicCHPE
LinkedIn: Center for Health Professions