EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces received a $400,000 gift to fund a new scholarship program.
The money was given to the Coalition for Osteopathic Excellence (COE) Foundation, the supporting foundation for Burrell College.
The gift, from anonymous donors, will fund the Joshua J. Baca Memorial — Four Corners Scholarship.
The scholarship will serve to remember Joshua Baca, “a beloved member of the Four Corners community whose life was defined by generosity, resilience, and service to others,” said a news release sent out by Burrell College.
The scholarship will support Burrell College’s medical students from the Four Corners region of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, who have demonstrated financial need and have overcome substantial challenges on their path to medical school.
This scholarship fund embodies hope and commitment to a brighter future, the news release said.
The donors said: “We are honored to support medical students at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine by establishing the Joshua J. Baca Memorial Scholarship, commemorating Josh’s courageous battle with cancer. Josh’s remarkable courage and compassion inspire us to offer support. By assisting talented students who will be future medical leaders, Josh’s legacy endures through helping those in need.”
The Joshua J. Baca Memorial – Four Corners Scholarship, affectionately tied to the motto “Be Like Josh,” reflects the values he lived by, according to Burrell College:
- Mentorship: Baca began mentoring youth early in life, coaching a local football team and inspiring young people to strive for greatness.
- Entrepreneurship: He took a leap of faith to start his own business, successfully running a real estate appraisal company for over 20 years.
- Community Service: Every Thanksgiving, he prepared and delivered sack lunches to the homeless in his community.
- Resilience: Even after a stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis at age 44, Baca lived each day to the fullest and inspired those around him to do the same.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and caring spirit of these donors,” said John Hummer, president of Burrell College. “Their extraordinary gift will enable our College and the scholarship recipients to honor Joshua’s legacy. Joshua Baca was a shining example of how one person’s kindness, courage, and determination can touch and inspire countless lives.”
The $400,000 endowment will fund 15 scholarships annually:
- Ten incoming first-year medical students (OMS-I) will receive $5,000 each.
- Five second-year medical students (OMS-II) will receive $10,000 each.
Eligible students must be legal residents of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, or Colorado; demonstrate significant financial need; and be in good academic standing, the college said.
“This scholarship not only honors Joshua’s remarkable life, but also opens doors for students who, like him, face obstacles with unwavering determination,” said Dr. William T. Baker, chair of the COE Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the donors for the opportunity to help future physicians ‘Be Like Josh’ in service, courage, and compassion.”
At age 44, Baca was diagnosed with stage IV Colorectal Cancer and fought hard for 18 months. To learn more about Joshua Baca and how to apply for the scholarship, click here.
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