First-year medical student Colleen Hart from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) made national headlines with her inspiring story and athletic precision, as she walked onto the field at the Big 12 Championship halftime show sporting a Dr Pepper jersey and walked off with $100,000 in tuition, courtesy of the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway.
Hart’s journey to the championship stage began with a heartfelt video submission. “I’m Colleen, I’m from Lakewood, Colorado, and I’m a first-year medical student,” she introduced herself in the video. “Last year, I lost my father suddenly to a preventable condition, and now more than ever, I’m dedicated to ensuring patients seek care early before small issues become big problems. Financial barriers should never stop someone from getting the care they need.”
Her story resonated deeply, earning her a spot among the eight finalists competing across the ACC, Big 12, SEC and Big Ten championship games. The finalists squared off to see who could throw the most footballs into an oversized Dr Pepper can in 30 seconds. Hart advanced through an intense preliminary round before competing under the bright lights of the Big 12 Championship halftime show.
“The preliminary application for the competition involved submitting a one-minute video introducing myself, explaining my current field of study, and sharing my career goals and aspirations," Hart explained. "The day before the halftime competition, I faced off against the other two finalists. From that round, the top two scorers advanced to compete at the Big 12 Championship. The halftime competition itself was an incredibly exciting and overwhelming experience. I had never competed in front of such a massive crowd before, let alone with the added pressure of the event being aired on television.”
Hart’s poise and focus paid off. In just 30 seconds, she secured victory, transforming a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity into a moment that will shape her future.
“This scholarship alleviates the financial pressures that might otherwise dictate my path, allowing me to explore various specialties and fields within medicine without being constrained by cost," Hart said. "This freedom empowers me to make decisions rooted in passion rather than financial necessity.”
Dr. Christopher Loyke, LMU-DCOM Dean and Chief Academic Officer, highlighted the significance of Hart’s achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Colleen's determination and passion, both on and off the field. Her story is an inspiring example of how our students exemplify LMU-DCOM’s mission to serve others, especially in underserved communities. Colleen's commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care is exactly what we aim to foster in our future physicians."
Hart’s path to medical school has been deeply influenced by her experiences in caregiving roles, from working as a nanny and medical assistant to serving as a home health aide. These experiences instilled in her a passion for helping others and a commitment to lifelong learning.
“I chose LMU-DCOM because of its mission to serve underserved communities and its emphasis on fostering compassionate, patient-centered care,” Hart said. “At the end of the day, it came down to the interactions I had with the administration and DCOM network. Their support and sense of community won me over, and now I have the opportunity to contribute to and grow within that community.”
Derek Dabrowski, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper, underscored the company’s enthusiasm for supporting students like Hart. “Each year, we celebrate college football and recognize students who demonstrate leadership and a passion for making a difference. Colleen’s story is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to support her journey.”
LMU-DCOM is thrilled to cheer on Hart’s victory and proud of her dedication to improving access to health care. Her story and determination shine as a beacon of hope for the future of medicine, proving that compassion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success.
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
