News & Stories

On June 13, 2025, The Cooper Foundation proudly celebrated the recipients of the Linda Brand Scholarship. This award honors the life, legacy, and vision of longtime Cooper team member Linda Brand.

Linda dedicated nearly 30 years to Cooper in non-clinical and administrative roles where she was known for her passion for mentorship and her belief in helping others achieve their highest potential. Even after receiving a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2023, Linda worked to create this scholarship fund as a lasting gift to help Cooper employees overcome financial barriers and advance their education and careers.

Thanks to the generosity of donors including Linda’s family, friends, and the community, this year’s program awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to 11 outstanding Cooper team members. These recipients represent the very best of Cooper’s commitment to growth, learning, and service. Their fields of study span healthcare management, data science, social work, business, and more. What unites them is their dedication to growing within Cooper to better serve patients and communities.

During the ceremony, Lisa Morina, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of The Cooper Foundation, shared each recipient’s story and their reasons for continuing their education while building their careers at Cooper. The event was filled with emotion and inspiration as the room reflected on Linda’s incredible legacy and the impact her vision continues to have today. The ceremony also recognized Linda’s family, whose continued fundraising efforts including the Annual Linda Brand Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament ensure that Linda’s legacy lives on.