NEWS ROOM

The $4,000 scholarships provide financial assistance to rad techs continuing their education or expanding their credentials

The 2021 Bob Cassling Memorial Scholarships were recently awarded to two radiologic technologists through Cassling’s partnership with the ASRT Foundation.

“Our company’s mission is to strengthen community healthcare,” said Cassling CEO Mike Cassling, “and education is an essential component of that. We believe ongoing professional development and continuing education are critical to creating a vibrant healthcare community. We also know how challenging the past year has been, and we’re honored to support radiology professionals in any way that we can.”

The company created the scholarships, each worth $4,000, in memory of its founder, Bob Cassling. This year, they were awarded to Christa A. Smith, R.T.(R)(CT)(QM), Bayfield, Colo., and Rebecca Hamm, Ed., R.T.(R)(CT), Rayville, La.

Smith is a 21-year veteran of the medical imaging profession and plans to pursue leadership roles after graduating with her B.S. in radiologic sciences at the Midwestern State University – Texas. 

“My goal is to share my knowledge and experience with others to improve patient care and safety,” she said. Smith also wants to increase awareness of, and build up a passion for, the medical imaging profession through future leadership opportunities and volunteering with the ASRT.

Hamm, a mother of three, currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisiana Monroe and is working towards her doctorate at Louisiana Tech University. She also works two weekends a month at a local hospital to help make financial ends meet. The workload doesn’t allow much time for family or the academic demands of her doctoral studies.

“I have never minded working hard to achieve my goals,” Hamm said. “I raised my first daughter on my own while I was in college for my radiologic technology degree and worked several odd jobs.” But a family combined with a teaching position, side job, and the extra work of seeking an advanced degree raises the bar even for her.

“It's very stressful. This first year has been difficult to manage when time off is short,” she said. “The scholarship will take so much of that stress off my family and me.” Being able to cut back on hospital hours will help reduce stress and balance the professional, academic, and family aspects of her life. 

“Christa and Rebecca are outstanding medical imaging professionals working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities,” said Cassling. “It isn’t easy balancing professional, personal and academic lives. Their dedication to community, family and the profession is impressive, and their leadership will inspire others to do the same.”

The Bob Cassling Memorial Scholarships were among 87 awarded this year by the ASRT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee selected the scholarship recipients based on commitment, leadership, achievement and financial need. 

The application period for the 2022 ASRT Foundation scholarships, including the Bob Cassling Memorial Scholarship, will open later this year. To be notified when the scholarship period is open, subscribe to Cassling’s Knowledge Center at cassling.com/sign-up.