VCOM 2018 Annual Report

A MESSAGE FROM

Alumni & Development

THIMOTHY G. CORVIN, MA

V COM was founded on philanthropy, and our loyal alumni, donors and volunteers built this college through a rare combination of generosity and service. They give of themselves, not to receive anything in return, but to help VCOM advance the careers of medical students and the Mission of the College. We recently launched the VCOM Challenge Grant Program aimed at creating new scholarships and adding to permanently endowed ones for aid-eligible students. Every new gift of $100,00 or more (payable in five years) and designated for scholarships is qualified for the 1:1 match. This challenge is aimed to inspire individuals, foundations and corporations to support financial aid at VCOM and also reflects one of VCOM’s fundamental values: access to a medical education should never be limited by a student’s financial circumstances. It is easy to underestimate the importance of scholarships and financial aid for our students. For example, Miranda Cox, a second-year medical student from rural Bland County, Virginia, is the recipient of the Science Foundation of West Virginia Scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to become the

first person in her family to pursue a medical education. According to Miranda, “VCOM has provided resources that put me on even footing with everyone else. I can now focus my full attention on my coursework, knowing VCOM is doing as much as they can for me.” VCOM’s strength has always been our people. We thank you so much for the many ways you give back to VCOM, whether through volunteer service or your financial support of our annual, endowment and capital programs. We also invite you to join us in celebrating the extraordinary success of our students, faculty, volunteers, and donors who are working to improve the quality of life for families living in rural and medically underserved areas all across America.

Thimothy G. Corvin, MA Vice President for College Development and Alumni Relations

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