Four Corners medical students receive scholarship from Joshua J. Baca Memorial – The Tri-City Record

The Coalition for Osteopathic Excellence Foundation, which supports the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, has received a $400,000 gift to fund the Joshua J. Baca Memorial – Four Corners Scholarship.
The donors, who asked to remain anonymous, made the contribution in memory of Joshua J. Baca, whose life was marked by generosity, resilience and service to others.
The scholarship will support Burrell College medical students from New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah who demonstrate financial need and have overcome challenges on their path to medical school.
“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,” the donors said in a news release. “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.”
Affectionately tied to the motto “Be Like Josh,” the scholarship reflects the values Baca lived by.
“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: 10 incoming first-year medical students (OMS-I) will receive $5,000 each, and five second-year 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.
“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.”

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