ROANOKE, Va. (Oct. 26, 2017) — On Tuesday, October 24, 2017, Jefferson College of Health Sciences hosted a gala in celebration of the college’s 35th anniversary as a degree-granting institution at The Hotel Roanoke in downtown Roanoke, Virginia.
During the program, hosted by Ms. Neesey Payne, Carilion Clinic President and CEO Ms. Nancy Howell Agee spoke to the audience of approximately 250 guests about the history of the college dating back to 1911, how Roanoke’s only downtown college has contributed to the revitalization of the area, and how the institution is attracting record numbers of students from 35 states and territories, including Washington, DC, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alaska and Hawaii.
At the conclusion of Ms. Agee’s remarks, she said that all proceeds from the gala celebration would go toward the President Nathaniel L. Bishop Endowed Scholarship, which began in 2016 with a personal contribution from Jefferson College President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop. The scholarship funds tuition, books and other expenses for undergraduate students.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be in healthcare, and frankly, in Roanoke,” said Ms. Agee. “And Jefferson is contributing mightily to both. I have been inspired and believe so strongly in the College’s mission and in Dr. Bishop’s leadership,” Ms. Agee said, “in recognition of the 35th anniversary, I am issuing a match up to $35,000 in support of his scholarship. If we raise $35,000, I will match it dollar for dollar. Thank you, Jefferson College.”
“I am humbled and honored by Nancy’s contribution to the scholarship that bears my name,” Dr. Bishop said. “Her generosity, combined with that of our alumni and friends of the college, will ensure that we can continue to prepare ethical, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals who will improve the health of our communities for generations to come.”
In addition to Ms. Agee, Jefferson College welcomed remarks from Dr. Michael Friedlander, Founding Executive Director of the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and Vice-President for Health Sciences and Technology at Virginia Tech; The Honorable Sherman P. Lea, Sr., Mayor of the City of Roanoke; Ms. Lori Viar, ’99, alumna and Member of the Jefferson College Board of Directors; and Mr. Stephen Musselwhite, Chair of the College Board. The program also included Jefferson College alumni speakers Dr. Cornelius Powell, ’11, Emergency Medicine Resident at Carolinas Medical Center; Ms. Melissa Harper, ’90 & 97’, Forensic Nurse Examiner at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital; and Mr. David Hoback, Chief of Roanoke City Fire-EMS.
About Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Jefferson College of Health Sciences is a private higher education institution that “prepares, within a scholarly environment, ethical, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals.” The College focuses on providing healthcare education and is a part of Carilion Clinic. Founded in 1914 as the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, Jefferson College now provides more than 1,100 students with opportunities to become part of the healthcare profession, serving communities from southwest Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. The school’s graduates are building healthier tomorrows in our region and across the country every day. More information is available at www.jchs.edu.