May 13, 2025
Kristin Melville, director of the WCA Foundation, awards Makensie Bessie, a UPMC Chautauqua staff member, with the Karen Ross Crossley Scholarship. Bessie is pursuing a degree in respiratory therapy at Mercyhurst University
The WCA Foundation awarded $720 in scholarship funds from the Karen Ross Crossley Memorial Scholarship to Makensie Bessie, a respiratory care assistant at UPMC Chautauqua. Bessie is a Respiratory Therapist student at Mercyhurst University. She will graduate in 2027.
The Karen Ross Crossley Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a degree in respiratory care. Crossley held many positions at the WCA Hospital throughout her 30 years of service. She began working in the cafeteria as a high school student before becoming an LPN in the Intensive Care Unit. She went on to pursue a degree as a registered respiratory therapist. She was well respected for her vast knowledge in her field and patient advocacy. Upon her death, Crossley’s family and hospital colleagues established the Karen Ross Crossley Memorial Scholarship Fund at the WCA Foundation.
Kristin Melville, Executive Director at the WCA Foundation presented the scholarship.
“Today Karen’s fund affords new opportunities for students following her career path,” Melville said. “Her legacy continues and supports a new generation of health care professionals at UPMC Chautauqua.”
The WCA Foundation celebrates 43 years in supporting medical care. The foundation is 501c3 non-profit organization founded by grateful patients whose sole purpose is to advance patient care throughout all departments of UPMC Chautauqua. For more information, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact the foundation’s office at 716-664-8665.
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