Bausch Health’s Aspire Higher Scholarship: Recognizing Resilience in Education
In a heartwarming announcement, Bausch Health Companies Inc., through its dermatology division, Ortho Dermatologics, has revealed the winners of the 2026 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program. This initiative has been instrumental in supporting students who have faced challenges related to dermatologic conditions, empowering them to pursue their academic goals.
Since its inception in 2013, the Aspire Higher Scholarship Program has awarded a remarkable 87 scholarships, totaling more than $1 million to students across the United States. This year, six outstanding recipients have been honored with scholarships of up to $10,000 each, aiding their endeavors in higher education.
Who Are the Recipients?
The diversity and determination of the recipients shine through their compelling essays, which formed part of their scholarship applications. These essays detail their educational journeys intertwined with the management of dermatologic conditions and highlight the essential support provided by healthcare professionals in their lives. Here are this year's recipients:
Undergraduate Scholar Awards:
- - Riddhi Patel – Loyola University Chicago
- - Maria Pervez – University of Southern California
- - Connor Proefrock – Purdue University
Graduate Scholar Awards:
- - Joshua Lewis – Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- - Patrick Molluso – Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University
- - Demilade Oloyede – Harvard University
These individuals have demonstrated exceptional resolve and resilience, each crafting narratives that reflect their educational pursuits alongside their dermatology experiences. For Joshua Lewis, a recipient of a Graduate Scholar Award, the scholarship represents not just financial assistance but a profound encouragement in his medical training journey. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for this incredible honor and for investing in my future. I am deeply grateful for Ortho Dermatologics' generosity and encouragement."
Commitment to Supporting Students
The outreach of Bausch Health through this scholarship program emphasizes its commitment to nurturing future health care leaders and recognizes the impact dermatologic conditions can have on students' lives. Aimee Lenar, President of US Pharma at Bausch Health, remarked, "It's always a privilege to support exceptional students as they work towards their academic goals. The stories of this year's scholars, shaped by their educational experiences and the dermatologic care they received, are truly inspiring."
The Aspire Higher Scholarship Program categorizes awards into Undergraduate and Graduate Scholar Awards, recognizing talent across different levels of higher education. This structure allows Bausch Health to support a more diverse group of students, ensuring that individuals at various educational stages can benefit from the program.
Encouraging Future Generations
With the initiation of these scholarships, Bausch Health continues to set a precedent in corporate social responsibility, particularly within the healthcare sector. Providing financial aid to students battling dermatologic issues helps them overcome financial barriers associated with their education.
As the program progresses into its next phases, the stories of these remarkable individuals, along with the mentorship and advice garnered from healthcare professionals along the way, will serve as a beacon of hope and determination for future recipients.
For further details on the Aspire Higher Scholarship Program and insights from past winners, readers are encouraged to visit
www.AspireHigherScholarships.com.
About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. is a globally diversified pharmaceutical entity that enhances lives through a commitment to delivering better healthcare outcomes. With a range of products across various therapeutic areas, including dermatology, Bausch Health seeks to be a trusted partner for patients and healthcare professionals alike. For additional information, visit
www.bauschhealth.com.
The ongoing effort highlighted by the Aspire Higher Scholarship Program showcases the critical role that healthcare companies can play not just in medical treatment, but also in fostering educational growth and resilience in the face of adversity.