In 1994, the L. A. Hollinger, MD Scholarship Fund was established to pay tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Dr. L. A. Hollinger, a distinguished pulmonologist, educator, and valued colleague.  This scholarship fund exemplifies his unwavering dedication to education, emphasizing continuous improvement in patient care through nurturing the next generation of nurses and respiratory therapists.

Dr. Hollinger, a Kansas University School of Medicine alumnus, made indelible contributions during his tenure at Baptist Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.  From founding and directing the Department of Pulmonary Medicine to establishing the Johnson County Community College School of Respiratory Therapy in Overland Park, Kansas, his impact extended far beyond the medical center.  Dr. Hollinger’s accolades include being honored as Physician of the Year (1977) and Teacher of the Year (1980, 1986) at Baptist Medical Center.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the scholarship empowered 19 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students with awards just under $26,000.  A testament to ongoing support from donors and AcruxKC, the fund has disbursed an impressive $380,500 to 301 nursing students. 

 Beyond nursing scholarships, the L. A. Hollinger, MD Scholarship Fund annually bestows awards equivalent to the cost of the Respiratory Therapy certification examination to outstanding graduates of the Respiratory Program at Johnson County Community College.  Dr. Hollinger’s founding role in the JCCC Respiratory Care program remains a cherished legacy upheld by the Hollinger Family.

While Dr. Hollinger has left us, the Hollinger Family has sought to perpetuate his spirit. For 30 years, the Hollinger Family faithfully worked to establish the scholarship fund through fundraising, establishing its award criteria, choosing recipients, and presenting awards. The recipients of these scholarships are entrusted with continuing Dr. Hollinger’s commitment to delivering unparalleled compassionate and professional patient care, excellence in education and teaching, service to one’s community and nation, and medical missions to the indigent.

AcruxKC continues this vital work serving nursing and respiratory therapy students with deep respect for Dr. Hollinger’s wife, Susan; son, Steve; and the many family and friends who have built this work and continue to sustain it.