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UNLV MEDICAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN FAST APPROACHING ITS GOAL
“60 by 16” fundraising campaign raises $5.2 million in four weeks
LAS VEGAS – May 7, 2015 – In less than one month, the UNLV School of Medicine already has received commitments from local businesses, physician groups, families and community leadersto fundnearly all of the scholarships needed for the school’scharterclass.
The UNLV School of Medicine launched its “60 by 16” scholarship drive April 9 to raise $6 million to cover the tuition for all 60 students — each four-year scholarship is estimated at $100,000. The school is scheduled to accept student applications in 2016, and begin classes in fall 2017.
“Our goal was to raise money for the scholarships by 2016 but within30 dayswe already have $5.2 million committed for 52 scholarships. We only need eight more,” saidDr. Barbara Atkinson, planning dean of the UNLV School of Medicine.“The outpouring of support from the community has been remarkable. It truly underscores the commitment to make UNLV’s medical school a reality in Las Vegas.”
Recent scholarship donors include Rick and Jeri Crawford, owners of Green Valley Grocery chain, and business entrepreneur Matthew Frazier. “We sponsored a scholarship because weare passionate about enriching this community through the empowerment of students and supporting their education.The UNLV School of Medicine will provide students with the tools to make a positive impact on lives and communities,” said Jeri Crawford.
Matthew Frazieradded, “It’s important that we recruit a diverse group of students that reflect the diversity of Southern Nevada’s population. Helping the new school recruit the best and brightest students will benefit our entire state by stimulating the economy, creating more jobs, and training more physicians.”
According to Dr. Atkinson, recruiting a strong charter class is critical for accreditation and for overall program success. The school intends to target students locally and nationwide who will stay and serve Nevada.
“We’re confident we can attract talented students with ourhigh-touch, high-tech curriculum. Our students will learn how to deliver care using the most innovativeapproaches and to doso with compassion and empathy,” said Dr. Atkinson. UNLV School of Medicine students, residents and faculty will work with clinical programs across Southern Nevadato provide care to underserved patients.
The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents requested $26.7 million in startup funds from the Nevada Legislature for the next two-year budget cycle. The funds will cover operational costs such as faculty, staff, lab equipment, information infrastructure, insurance, and maintenance. Funds for capital and academic program development will come from private donations and other revenue sources. State money is expected to represent just 18 percent of total funding sources when the school is fully built out.
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UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of more than 28,000 students and 3,000 faculty and staff. Founded in 1957, the university offers more than 220 undergraduate, masters and doctoral degree programs. UNLV is located on a 332-acre campus in dynamic Southern Nevada and is classified in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.