SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital has a long history of meeting the health care needs of its community with compassion, dignity, and innovation.
In 2026, that legacy took an important step forward with the establishment of the SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Endowment Fund through the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, created to provide lasting, flexible support for the hospital’s most pressing needs – today and for generations to come.
Founded in 1951 as a memorial honoring veterans and built through the generosity of the community and the dedicated service of the School Sisters of St. Francis, SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital has evolved alongside the people it serves. From early expansions to today’s modern facilities and integrated services, the hospital remains committed to delivering high-quality, local care rooted in the Catholic healing mission.
“This endowment is both a celebration of our medical staff and an investment in the future of care in Waupun,” according to Deb Winterhack, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation director of development. “It honors 75 years of physician leadership while ensuring the hospital has the resources to respond to whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.”
Established in honor of the SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Medical Staff during the hospital’s 75th year, the endowment is designed to support areas of greatest need, offering flexibility that traditional funding sources may not always provide. Endowment resources may be used to enhance patient care and comfort, support staff well-being and professional development, assist families and caregivers, invest in new technologies and equipment, and address unforeseen needs essential to fulfilling the hospital’s mission.
“In health care, needs are constantly evolving,” Winterhack shares. “An endowment allows us to be proactive rather than reactive. It gives the hospital the ability to adapt, innovate, and continue providing exceptional care close to home.”
For the physicians who serve patients every day, the fund represents both gratitude and trust in the future.
“This endowment is incredibly meaningful to our medical staff,” according to Bryce Aul, MD, ophthalmologist at SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Medical Staff chief of staff. “It reflects the confidence our community has in its physicians and sends a powerful message that the work we do today – and the care we’ll provide tomorrow – is worth investing in for the long term.”
Winterhack emphasizes that the fund reflects the deep connection between the hospital, its medical staff, and the community it serves.
“Our physicians and advanced practice providers are deeply committed to this community – not just as caregivers, but as neighbors,” she says. “This endowment recognizes that dedication and helps ensure they have the tools, support, and environment they need to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.”
As a permanent source of support, the Medical Staff Endowment Fund will help preserve the hospital’s mission of honoring the sacredness and dignity of every person served while strengthening its ability to meet emerging community health needs.
“This endowment is helping to secure the future of SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital,” Winterhack adds. “Their generosity ensures that high-quality, compassionate care will remain available locally – today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Bryce Aul, MD, an ophthalmologist at SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital Medical Staff chief of staff, presents a $25,000 gift to Deb Winterhack, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation director of development, establishing an endowment fund.