Established in 1994, the L. A. Hollinger, MD Scholarship Fund honors the enduring legacy of Dr. L. A. Hollinger, a distinguished pulmonologist, educator, and colleague whose commitment to his calling advanced both medicine and education. A Kansas University School of Medicine graduate, Dr. Hollinger founded and directed the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Baptist Medical Center and established the School of Respiratory Therapy at Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Honors bestowed upon Dr. Hollinger include Baptist Medical Center’s Physician of the Year (1977) and Teacher of the Year (1980 and 1986).

The L. A. Hollinger, MD Scholarship Fund reflects Dr. Hollinger’s lifelong commitment to education and excellence in patient care by supporting future nurses and respiratory therapists. For 2025/2026, four Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were awarded scholarships, bringing total giving in Dr. Hollinger’s memory to a total of $385,000 disbursed to 305 nursing students since the fund’s inception. In lasting tribute to Dr. Hollinger’s role at JCCC, the fund also makes awards to cover the cost of the Respiratory Therapy certification examination for top JCCC graduates.

For 30 years, the Hollinger Family has carried forward Dr. Hollinger’s legacy through dedicated fundraising, award selection, and presentation of scholarships. Scholarship recipients uphold his values of compassionate patient care, educational excellence, community service, and medical outreach. AcruxKC is honored to continue this important work.

The endowment and fund stand as a testament to the enduring legacy crafted by the dedicated former colleagues and cherished family members of L. A. Hollinger.  Since 1994, the unwavering support from the friends and advocates within the nursing and respiratory therapy professions has fueled a remarkable journey of growth.  This collective effort is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Kansas City and resonating far beyond.