While she was a student at Oskaloosa High School, Shania Wilz started working in the Mahaska Drug gift department. After high school, Shania knew she wanted to pursue a pharmacy career. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology at William Penn University and continued working at Mahaska Drug. Simultaneously she earned her certification as a Pharmacy Technician and gained valuable experience working in the pharmacy.
After completing her bachelor’s, Shania earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Drake University in Des Moines. Shania, who is now a pharmacist for Mahaska Drug, said, “It was always the plan after pharmacy school to come back home and continue my career here.” She and her husband live on a farm in Southern Iowa, where they have crop ground and raise goats and sheep. Outside of work, Shania enjoys being outdoors, hunting, gardening, riding horses, and fitness.
Shania received a scholarship from the Laboratory Control Ltd. ‘(LCL) Health Career Scholarship Program. The LCL Fund is an endowed fund administered by the Legacy Foundation for the express purpose of scholarship support for individuals interested in pursuing a career in health care. “The Legacy Foundation scholarship impacted my education by relieving the financial burden that college can put on a person. With this scholarship and many others, I was able to complete my undergraduate with zero debt,” Shania said.
The scholarship program intends to invest in the education of those students that may look to southeast Iowa for employment in health care following the completion of their studies. Over $425,000 – 315 scholarships – have been awarded to students in 35 communities disbursed throughout the ten-county area.
Awards vary in size, beginning with a $1,000 minimum and increasing as funds are available. Awards may be used for educational expenses, including tuition, books, and other fees, and are paid directly to the student’s college or university. Applications are currently being accepted through March 31st, 2021. To review eligibility guidelines and to submit an application, visit https://www.ottumwalegacy.org/for-grantees-scholars/laboratory-control-ltd-health-career-scholarship-program/
