CMedical College of Virginia Foundation

Chronicle
Of Giving
Medical College of Virginia Foundation
Summer
2015
Building on Tradition
VCUMCV Foundation
Chronicle
Of Giving
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The Chronicle of Giving is published
twice a year by the MCV Foundation
for alumni and friends of the Medical
College of Virginia Campus of
Virginia Commonwealth University.
© 2015 MCV Foundation
Contributors: Angela L. Flagg,
Nan L. Johnson, Pamela D. Lepley,
Lucy W. Mitzner, Lauren Z. Moore,
Caitlin P. Powell, Julia B. Ratliff,
and Brian S. Thomas
Design: Kevin E. Schindler
Photography: As noted
Contents
MCV Foundation
1
A Letter from Chairman Johnson
Dear Friends:
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MCV Campus News
5
Harper’s Hope
6
Pauley Heart Center Consortium
9
Top Ranked Hospital in Virginia
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11 VTCC
The MCV Foundation’s mission is
to inspire and steward philanthropy
throughout the MCV Campus of Virginia
Commonwealth University. Chartered
in 1949, the MCV Foundation works in
partnership with alumni and friends of
MCV Schools, Hospitals and Massey
Cancer Center.
We support the institution in its quest:
• To preserve and restore health
• To seek the cause and cure of diseases
• To educate those who would
serve humanity
2015-2016
June 30th marked the end of another successful year for the MCV Foundation.
By all measures, 2014-15 proved to be the year of unexpected transitions,
reconfirmation of our mission, and remarkable triumphs.
Last August our Board reluctantly accepted the resignation of Dr. Bill Kotti, who
served the Foundation as President for the past 7 years. While waiting for our Search
Committee to find our new President, we were so fortunate to have Brian Thomas
immediately serve as our Interim President. Under Brian’s able leadership and with the
support of the MCV Foundation’s extraordinarily committed staff, the Foundation has
Gail W. Johnson, R.N.
not only remained focused on our mission, we have had a very good year! Our assets
now approach $500 million!
In December we were saddened by the sudden news that Dr. Sheldon Retchin, CEO of VCU Health System and Senior
Vice President of Health Sciences, accepted a similar position at Ohio State University. Dr. Retchin, who spent 32 years on
the MCV Campus and served as Chief Executive Officer of the VCU Health Systems since 2003, left VCU Medical Center
in February. Once again, the MCV Foundation Board of Trustees rallied to show support and ensure stability during this
transition in leadership. We are so pleased that Dr. Jerry Strauss, Dean of the School of Medicine, was appointed as Interim
CEO of VCU Health System and Interim Vice President for Health Sciences. In June, the VCU Board of Visitors
announced that Dr. Marsha D. Rappley will serve as the Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health
System, effective August 15th. She has served as the Dean of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
for the past 10 years and is a tenured professor of pediatrics and human development. The MCV Foundation coordinated its
search for the new Foundation President with the Health System search. Now that Dr. Rappley has been appointed, we are
expecting the MCV Foundation President to be named by early fall.
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Strategic Operating Plan
The Foundation Board held a planning retreat in September to review and finalize our strategic operating plan. Under
the leadership of Trustees Charlie Bryan and Liz Buono, our Board approved a plan in November that provides strategic
goals and objectives for the Foundation for the next two years. Our Board will follow this operating plan until a more detailed
strategic plan is developed under the leadership of our new President. This process helped our Board identify our challenges,
reconfirm our priorities, and better define our aspirations as we move forward in spite of the transitions that came our way.
Through your donations, the MCV
Foundation provides integral support
to the dedicated teachers, clinicians,
researchers and students whose efforts
place the MCV Campus among the
world’s leading academic medical
centers providing technically superb
and compassionate care to patients.
The MCV Foundation supports the
education, research and clinical care
mission of our MCV Campus Partners:
School of Allied Health Professions, School
of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School
of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Massey
Cancer Center, MCV Alumni Association
and MCV Hospitals.
New Trustees and Officers Elected
During our May 11th Board Meeting, the MCV Foundation elected six new Trustees: Dr. George Burke, M’70,
George P. Emerson, H. Frederick T. Moore, Robert F. Norfleet, Jr., Dr. Ghulam Qureshi, HS ’71, and Dr. Kit Tucker
Sullivan, D’83. Each of these individuals brings an important skill set to the Foundation. We also approved the Slate of
Officers for 2016. I will serve one more year as Chairman of the Board, and Harry Thalhimer will fill the role of Chair
Elect. Darius Johnson will continue to serve as Treasurer and Charles Crone will continue to serve as Corporate Secretary.
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Fundraising
During the 2014-15 Fiscal Year new gifts and pledges to the MCV Campus topped $70 million and the Foundation’s total
assets reached $492 million. Massey Cancer Center successfully concluded its $100 million Research for Life Campaign on
June 30 with just over $108 million in gifts. The MCV Foundation is in the final stages of hiring a Director of Gift Planning
to assist with planned giving across the MCV Campus. The Foundation continues to work with each of the MCV Campus
schools, units, and programs on special fundraising initiatives.
Chronicle
Of Giving
Medical College of Virginia Foundation
Summer
2015
Thank You
I am looking forward to another exciting year for the MCV Foundation. On behalf of my fellow Trustees I want to
express my gratitude to all of our alumni and friends. Your ongoing support continues to enrich the lives of our students,
patients, and faculty, and has carried us through this challenging year of many transitions.
Sincerely,
Building on Tradition
VCUMCV Foundation
On the Cover
School of Medicine
The Egyptian Building in the heart of the
MCV Campus.
Cover photo: Kevin E. Schindler
MCV Foundation
Board of Trustees
Egyptian Building photo this page and Chairman Gail W. Johnson photo next page: Kevin E. Schindler
Gail W. Johnson, R.N.
Chairman
MCV Foundation Board of Trustees
John O. Beckner, R.Ph.
Katherine C. Bobbitt, Ed.D.
Roger L. Boevé
Charles F. Bryan, Jr., Ph.D.
Elizabeth Whalley Buono, J.D.
George W. Burke, III, M.D.
Charles M. Caravati, Jr., M.D.
Herbert A. Claiborne, III, J.D.
Richard M. Clary, M.D.
Judith B. Collins, W.H.N.P.
William D. Covington, D.D.S.
Charles F. Crone
George P. Emerson, Jr.
William M. Ginther
Jeffrey H. Gumenick
L. Preston Hale, R.Ph.
JoAnne K. Henry, Ed.D.
Basil Leonard Hurst, III
Darius A. Johnson
Gail W. Johnson, R.N.
Lee B. Krumbein
David A. Lyons
John W. Martin
Ronald H. McFarlane
J. Keith Middleton, CPA
H. Frederick T. Moore
Robert F. Norfleet, Jr.
Rebecca T. Perdue
John F. Philips, D.D.S.
Ghulam D. Qureshi, M.D.
James H. Revere, Jr., D.D.S.
Bertha C. Rolfe, R.Ph.
John W. Slyh, CPA
T.K. Somanath
Ellen E. Spong
James H. Starkey, III
Kit T. Sullivan, D.D.S.
Joseph M. Teefey
Harry R. Thalhimer
George W. Vetrovec, M.D.
Richard P. Wenzel, M.D., M.Sc.
Michelle Y.
Whitehurst-Cook, M.D.
Judith Forehand Woods
Harold F. Young, M.D.
Ex Officio Members:
Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President of VCU
Marsha D. Rappley, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, VCU
Health System & Vice President,
VCU Health Sciences
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
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MCV Campus News
MCV Campus News
School of Nursing Dedicates Pavilion
Photo: (left to right) Dr. Fred Shaia, Rose Shaia, Dr. John Nestler, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, Ed Shaia, Dr. Robert Centor, Chair of the American College of Physicians
Board of Regents, Marie Shaia, and Dr. David Sarrett, Dean of the School of Dentistry gather for a luncheon following the Harry & Zackia Shaia Memorial Lecture.
Photo: University Relations
Shaia Lecture Continues Tradition of Excellence
The Department of Internal Medicine hosted the annual
Harry & Zackia Shaia Memorial Lecture on March 26. The
Shaia Lecture was established at MCV by Ed Shaia and Richard
Shaia in 1965 in honor of their parents. Each year a nationally
known physician is invited to campus to participate in Grand
Rounds and deliver a lecture to students and faculty. Robert
Centor, M.D., Chair of the American College of Physicians
Board of Regents and Regional Dean, University of AlabamaHuntsville Regional Medical Campus, was this year’s speaker.
Dr. Centor’s presentation was titled “Learning How to Think
Like a Physician.” Dr. Centor completed his undergraduate work
at the University of Virginia in 1971, and graduated from the
Medical College of Virginia in 1975. He then joined the Internal
Medicine residency program at MCV, eventually becoming Chief
Resident and joining the faculty of the Division of General
Internal Medicine in 1981. Dr. Centor served as the Program
Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program
for five years, and subsequently served for five years as Chairman
of the Division of General and Internal Medicine. Dr. John E.
Nestler, Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine said,
“We are so pleased that Dr. Centor was able to join us for the
Shaia Lecture. Dr. Centor is a national leader in the medical
profession and a good friend of MCV.” Following the lecture
Ed Shaia and his wife, Marie, joined Dr. Centor; Dr. Fred Shaia
and his wife, Rose; Dr. Nestler; Dr. David Sarrett, Dean of the
School of Dentistry; Dr. Stephanie Call, Associate Dean for
Education for the Department of Internal Medicine; and
several residents for a lunch hosted at the MCV Foundation.
The VCU School of Nursing held a ribbon cutting ceremony
on May 11th for the new Younger Pavilion made possible by a donation from longtime school supporters Janet Younger, Ph.D., RN,
CPNP, professor emerita, and her husband Carter. Jean Giddens,
Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean and professor, said a structure was
needed for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy the school’s garden
during the warmer and wetter months.
“It became a goal of mine to figure out how to do something
out here, and that’s where Janet Younger and Carter came in.
This new pavilion has been built thanks to their generosity and it
will allow our students, faculty, and staff a place to come outside
and enjoy the garden,” Giddens said.
In addition to School of Nursing faculty, staff, alumni, and
friends, attendees included members of the MCV Foundation
Board of Trustees, who were at the school for an annual meeting
held earlier that afternoon, and VCU President Michael Rao.
In thanking the Youngers for their continued commitment to
VCU and its School of Nursing, Rao said, “Janet and Carter are
truly people of great wisdom. You both have been enormously
successful. You are both sensitively connected to other people,
sincerely care about other people, and you want them to have a
chance to do as well as you have, and for that reason you give.”
Janet retired as associate dean of academic affairs in 2009
after serving the VCU School of Nursing for more than 40 years.
She earned both her bachelor’s in nursing and master’s in
maternal-child nursing from VCU. Janet has made a tremendous
impact on the VCU School of Nursing, nursing education, and
the nursing profession. In fact, the school’s auditorium also bears
her name since the Youngers have been steadfast champions
of the school and Janet has exemplified nursing excellence
throughout her career.
Photo: (left to right) Gail Johnson, MCV Foundation Board Chairman, Dr. Michael Rao,
VCU President, Dr. Jean Giddens, Dean of the School of Nursing, Dr. Janet Younger, Carter Younger,
and Dr. Jerome Strauss, Interim Vice President for Health Sciences, VCU, CEO, VCUHS, and
Dean of the School of Medicine dedicate the Younger Pavilion at the VCU School of Nursing.
Photo: University Relations
MCV Foundation Staff Update
Lucy W. Mitzner was promoted from Development Coordinator to Assistant Director of Donor and Board Relations in February.
In her new role, Lucy serves as the staff liaison with the MCV Foundation Board of Trustees and oversees stewardship activities for the
Foundation. Lucy joined the MCV Foundation staff in December 2013. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the
University of Maryland and her M.S.ed in Literacy from Bank Street College of Education.
Elizabeth Bunting joined the MCV Foundation in March as Director of Special Programs. She assists the Foundation with initiatives,
events, and projects that help support the MCV Campus fundraising priorities. Elizabeth has more than 10 years of development
experience at several institutions in the Washington, D.C. area. Elizabeth earned her B.A. in Art History from Hollins University.
Maria W. Snyder was hired in April as the Executive Assistant to the President of the Foundation. Previously, Maria served in a variety
of administrative positions in operations, special events, and finance. Maria earned her B.A. in Communications from Virginia Tech.
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Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
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MCV Campus News
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MCV Society
ore than 100 MCV Society members and guests
gathered for a reception at the Maymont Nature & Visitor
Center on April 29th. Brian Thomas, Interim President of
the MCV Foundation, welcomed the guests to this annual
event and thanked them for their support. He reported that
the MCV Society inducted 12 new members during the past
year to bring the total membership up to 342. Commenting
on the impact of the MCV Society on the medical campus,
Mr. Thomas said, “I am constantly inspired by the generous
support that the MCV Foundation receives from alumni
and friends. Planned giving is an increasingly important
component of our fundraising efforts.” During the event,
Norman Burns, Maymont Foundation Executive Director,
gave an overview of the history of Maymont. Following the
reception the guests were invited to tour the Nature Center.
Gathered At Maymont
The MCV Foundation created the MCV Society in 1994
to recognize and extend gratitude to all those individuals
who have made provisions in their estate plans to support
any of the MCV Campus schools or units. The MCV
Society includes the Lawrence Society, named for Dr. Walter
Lawrence, Jr., founding Director of the Massey Cancer
Center. Planned gifts of MCV Society members make a
significant impact in supporting and improving every part
of the MCV Campus. The total impact of these planned
gifts for all of the MCV Society members tops $100 million.
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Family and Friends Tee-Off for
Harper’s Hope Fund
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On June 5th, the family and friends of Victor Harper held the
first annual Harper’s Hope Golf Tournament at the Country
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inaugural event. Following a round of golf the players joined
their spouses, guests, and other friends for a reception and
auction. Proceeds from this event will support the Harper’s Hope
Fund for ALS at the MCV Foundation.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
is a disease of the parts of the nervous system that control
voluntary muscle movement. In ALS, motor neurons (nerve
cells that control muscle cells) are gradually lost. As these motor
neurons are lost, the muscles they control become weak and
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then nonfunctional.
The Harper’s Hope Fund was established by the late Victor
Harper and his family to help cover costs of clinic expansions,
research, patient care, and education efforts at VCU Medical
Center. The Harper’s Hope Fund has four goals: 1) Expand
the VCU multi-disciplinary ALS clinic, 2) Create an Assistance
Program to support patients and their families, 3) Establish a
translational research program targeting ALS, and 4) Create
an educational and outreach program.
The Multidisciplinary VCU Neuromuscular and ALS clinics
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offer specialized care for patients with ALS, Muscular Dystrophy,
and other neuromuscular diseases. The physicians, nurses and
other health care staff are dedicated to improving the quality
If you would like more information about how you can join the MCV Society,
of care for patients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
please contact Brian Thomas, Interim President, at the MCV Foundation
diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases.
(804) 828-0067 or bsthomas@vcu.edu.
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Club of Virginia. More than 100 golfers participated in the
To learn more about the Harper’s Hope Fund for ALS, please contact
the MCV Foundation at (804) 828-9734.
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Event photos: CSI Studios
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
Photos 1: (From left to right) MCV Foundation Trustee and MCV Society Member Bertha Rolfe, VCU
School of Medicine Dean Jerome Strauss, Cathy Strauss, and Robin Partin enjoy conversation at the reception.
2:MCV Society members Dr. Victor Yanchick, Donna Yanchick, Janice Schalow, and Al Schalow take in
the lovely evening at Maymont. 3: MCV Foundation Trustee John Beckner and MCV Society members
Mary Doswell and Dr. John Doswell pause for a photo with
Gail Johnson, MCV Foundation Board Chairman and
MCV Society member and Dr. Cecil Drain, Dean of the School
of Allied Health Professions. 4: Dr. Lou Harris and Sharon
Larkins-Pederson, MCV Society members share a laugh together.
5: MCV Foundation Trustee and new MCV Society Member
Judi Woods and MCV Foundation Interim President
Brian Thomas enjoy the reception.
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Photos 1: Vic Harper’s family members gather for this event to help raise critical funds for the ALS
Clinic at VCU Medical Center, (from left to right) Kathryn Harper, Michael Derrer, Frances Derrer,
Anne Harper, Landon Harper, and Jaime Harper. 2: Landon and Anne Harper share warm memories
with Dick Fisher, longtime friend and golfing partner of Vic. 3: Trigg Brown, Maureen Gallihugh,
Pat Gregory, and Moncure Geho break for a photo on The Country Club of Virginia Tuckahoe course.
4: Anne Harper smiles with Dr. Scott Vota, VCU Chair of Neurology and ALS Clinic Director,
and his wife Kristie.
Event photos: CSI Studios
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
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MCV Campus News
VCU Pauley Heart Center Consortium
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Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
On Thursday April 23 the VCU Pauley Heart Center
are on the rise, patients will be better prepared to receive a donor
welcomed over 40 guests to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
heart and their improved health during the bridge to transplant
to celebrate the annual Pauley Heart Center Consortium event.
will support better outcomes. The seamless connection between
The evening was filled with great fellowship of supporters of the
cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery at VCU is not commonly
Heart Center and remarks about the progress and achievements
found at other institutions. Dr. Vigneshwar Kasirajan, Surgery
from the previous year.
Chairman, said, “We have the best collaboration between our
The evening began with Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, Chair of the
divisions and it is because of that connection that programs like
Division of Cardiology, sharing the Ellie Whelan story, a video
our heart failure cardiology team and our cardiac surgeons are
presentation of a teenager who collapsed on stage during drama
timing interventions properly, working together to best support
class with what was later found as a genetic heart defect. Ellie’s
outcomes, and conduct research that will improve and inform
story of recovery is incredible and showcases the breadth and
clinical care in our community and beyond.”
depth of clinical care offered by the Pauley Heart Center,
Dr. Ellenbogen shared news that a new director of the Cardiac
from therapeutic hypothermia to our nationally renowned
Catheterization Lab will be named soon, filling Dr. George
electrophysiology practice. “Ellie’s story is every parent’s
Vetrovec’s very large shoes. Dr. Ellenbogen said, “… Dr. Vetrovec’s
nightmare. Her condition was unknown prior to her arrival at
mentorship of this new leader will ensure that VCU remains
the Medical Center and we worked tirelessly to understand the
a leader in cardiac catheterization which is our steadfast goal.”
drivers behind her episode so that we could get her back to the
Dr. Kasirajan is planning to hire a new Cardiothoracic Division
life of a teenager and make sure she has a long and productive
Chair, a position he vacated when he assumed the role as Chair
life ahead of her,” said Dr. Ellenbogen.
of Surgery. Institutional leadership is also nearing the end of the
The 2015 Consortium featured presentations by Drs. Zachary
search for the new Pauley Heart Center Director, a position that
Gertz, from Cardiology, and Dan Tang, from Cardiac Surgery.
will take the research mission of the Center to the next level of
These physicians have elevated the Heart Center’s ability to serve
regional and national prominence.
patients with novel interventions for structural heart disease and
As a token of gratitude, each Consortium guest received a
heart failure. Dr. Gertz presented new and novel interventions
copy of “Every Second Counts: The Extraordinary Race to
for individuals not eligible for open heart surgery. His videos
Transplant the First Human Heart,” by author Donald McRae.
and expert descriptions of devices like the TAVR (Transcatheter
In the book, which reads more like a novel than a nonfiction
Aortic Valve Replacement) and Parachute devices wowed the
account of the race to successful heart transplantation, McRae
audience with their impact on serving patients who are not able
details the work of surgeons across the world who were working
to have open heart surgery due to a variety of factors. Dr. Gertz
diligently to advance surgical science. The Medical College of
has developed quite a testing ground for new interventions as he
Virginia is discussed prominently as McRae chronicled the work
builds the structural heart disease program that he directs. His
of MCV greats like Dr. David Hume and Dr. Richard Lower.
success in bringing these trials to the Medical Center gives more
In closing the program Dr. Kasirajan thanked the attendees
options for patients, and connects to the Medical Center’s mission
for the support of the Heart Center and urged the group to,
of clinical and translational research.
“… remember that we do not just have a history rich with
Dr. Tang spoke about the future for heart transplantation and
advancement in cardiac care, but that we are well positioned for
the pervasiveness of congestive heart failure (CHF). This disease
future advancements because of the investments that are being
impacts nearly 6 million people in the United States. This
made by the guests in this room, and the many who are with us
number is set to increase as the prevalence of diabetes and other
in spirit. On behalf of the Pauley Heart Center Team, thank you,
co-morbidities rise. The number of heart transplants at VCU has
we are more grateful that you will ever know.”
steadily risen since the early nineties with over 20 transplants last
If you have interest in learning more about the Pauley Heart Center or
year. Tang shared that as the field progresses and interventions
becoming a Consortium member, contact Lauren Moore in the VCU Medical
like LVADs (left ventricular assist devices) and total artificial hearts
Center Office of Development at (804) 828-3632.
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Event photos: University Relations
Photos: 1: Ken Wright and VCU School of Medicine Dean Dr. Jerome Strauss discuss
the annual Consortium before the program begins. 2: Chair of the Division of Cardiology
Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen shares a laugh with Hermann and Michele Buerger. 3: Charlotte Roberts
speaks with another attendee at the reception. 4: Merrill Plaisted, Paul Dresser, Director of the
Cardiac Catheterization Lab Dr. George Vetrovec, and Julie Baxter enjoy the night at Lewis Ginter.
5: Dr. Ellenbogen, Carolyn Green, Barbara Clark, and Dr. Strauss pause for a photo.
6: Ann Reed, Phyllis Ellenbogen, Charles Reed, and Muschi Fisher listen to Dr. Ellenbogen’s
riveting story. 7: Kathleen and Curtis Monk speak with presenters Dr. Dan Tang and
Dr. Vigneshwar Kasirajan, and Dr. Sucharitha Vigneshwar.
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
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Shining Knight Gala Supports Trauma Center
“When you get out of here, you owe me a dance,”
violence in our community and fund the injury
care partner Trarell White told 80 year-old Bette
and violence prevention activities of doctors,
Wallerstein as he cared for her in the Intensive Care
nurses, and social workers.
Unit of VCU Medical Center. A few weeks before,
The night’s celebration didn’t end with the
Bette was struggling to survive after a serious
harrowing patient story. During the evening, a
automobile crash. The entire passenger side of the
personal letter by Governor Terry McAuliffe was
vehicle Bette was traveling in was crushed, causing
read, lauding the VCU Medical Center for the
grave injuries – multiple fractures, head, spine, and
outstanding care that the Trauma teams provide
abdominal injuries, cuts and abrasions. But the
to patients every day. The Gala also marked the
most critical issue was her inability to breathe due
announcement of a gift from Dr. John Reaveyto massive chest trauma. Lifesaving measures were Bette Wallerstein and Trarell White Cantwell, of the VCU Neurosurgery Department,
initiated by EMS providers from Tuckahoe Rescue
and his wife Dr. Jordana Kron, a cardiologist at
Squad in the field and Mike Hanville, paramedic, notes, “There
the VCU Pauley Heart Center. Their gift created an endowment
was no question in our minds, we had to get her to VCU.”
to support injury and violence prevention programs in honor
The VCU Medical Center Trauma team went into action.
of one of Dr. Reavey-Cantwell’s former patients, Cole Sydnor.
Emergency medicine and trauma physicians, anesthesiologists,
The gift also named the Gala’s Trauma Survivor Giving Back
pharmacists, nurses, and bedside paramedics engaged in a highly
Award for Cole, a touching tribute to honor Cole’s work in injury
orchestrated effort to keep Bette alive from one hour to the next.
prevention among high school age students. The Sydnor Award
Bette recovered gradually and advanced from Intensive Care, to
will be honored annually at the Gala to a trauma survivor who
Respiratory Critical Care, to Progressive Care, and ultimately
uses their experience to educate others in the spirit of injury and
on to Westport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. More than
violence prevention.
The mission of the Injury and Violence Prevention Program
five months after the car crash, Bette walked out of the door and
went home to her loving family.
at VCU Medical Center is to reduce and prevent injuries
On May 2, 2015, Bette took the floor with Trarell for that
through ongoing education, research, and community outreach
promised first dance in front of an audience of 400 at the 2015
throughout the central Virginia region. Research has shown
Shining Knight Gala. Fifty-four Shining Knights, including a
that engaging patients during their recovery provides the best
therapy dog, were honored for their role in saving Bette’s life.
opportunity to change their lives and reduce retaliation and
The Annual Shining Knight Gala started in 2009 as a means
recidivism. Patient care goes beyond the hospital doors to make
to raise critical resources for the Injury and Violence Prevention
our community a safer place. The passionate sentiment of the
Program of VCU’s Level 1 Trauma Center. Through the event
evening was best captured by Virginia State Senator Thomas
each year, a patient’s story is highlighted and the caregivers
Norment, one of the gala’s honorary co-chairs, who said,
who made the life-saving work possible are awarded as “Shining
“I am humbled by the mission of the VCU Trauma Center…
Knights.” The event started out small in 2009, netting approxiyou have gained a friend for life.”
mately $22,000. The 2015 Gala enjoyed record sponsorship and
ticket revenues raising over $200,000. Funds raised from the
We hope to see you at the 2016 Shining Knight Gala on April 30, 2016
event support programs that are pointed at preventing injury and
at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Photo above: Bette Wallerstein danced with one of her most special care providers, Trarell White. Photo below: Over 50 Shining Knights were honored for their help in saving the life of Bette Wallerstein.
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VCU Medical Center
Ranked Number 1
Hospital in Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center has been
recognized as the No. 1 hospital in Virginia and the Richmond
metro area in U.S. News & World Report’s newest Best Hospitals
rankings. VCU Medical Center also ranks in the top 50 in
the country for orthopedics at No. 34, nephrology at 48, and
cardiology and heart surgery in the 49th spot.
“As central Virginia’s only comprehensive academic medical
center and largest safety net provider, we provide care for the
most complex patients,” said John Duval, vice president for clinical
services, and CEO, VCU Hospitals. “This special recognition
is a reflection of the hard work and compassionate care our team
of physicians, nurses and staff provides to all we serve. The Best
Hospitals rankings are a wonderful affirmation of our commitment
to achieve high reliability through advancing quality, safety
and service in academic medicine.”
For 2015-16, U.S. News evaluated
hospitals in 16 adult specialties and
ranked the top 50 in most of the
specialties. Less than 3 percent of
the nearly 5,000 hospitals analyzed
for Best Hospitals were nationally
NUMBER 1
ranked in even one specialty.
IN VIRGINIA
In rankings by state and metro area,
U.S. News recognized hospitals that
perform nearly at the level of their
nationally ranked peers in one or more specialties, as well as hospitals that excel in multiple common procedures and conditions.
“Being an academic medical center means providing the
highest level of safe, quality care through research, technology
and education,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU
and the VCU Health System. “While modern health care faces
enormous challenges, this recognition is an indication that
VCU Medical Center delivers on its mission each and every
day, regardless of the changing climate. I am very proud of
the entire team at the medical center.”
“VCU Medical Center delivers exceptional clinical care.
We are a leader in safety, quality, and innovative research”
said Jerome F. Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D., interim vice president,
VCU Health Sciences. “It is a privilege to be included on this
prestigious list. More importantly, this recognition validates our
quest for excellence across the full spectrum of care.”
The specialty rankings and data were produced for U.S. News
by RTI International, a leading research organization based in
Research Triangle Park, N.C. U.S. News used the same data, as
well as the new Best Hospitals for Common Care ratings, first
published in May, to produce the state and metro rankings.
Event photos: University Relations
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
Photo: Kevin E. Schindler
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
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Navigating the Seas of Mental Health
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MCV Campus
10th Annual Endowed Scholarship Brunch
On February 22nd, the MCV Foundation hosted its 10th Annual
MCV Campus Endowed Scholarship Brunch at the Jefferson
Hotel. More than 320 donors, scholarship recipients, and special
guests attended this event. MCV Foundation Interim President,
Brian Thomas, welcomed the guests and shared his gratitude for
the tremendous support that the MCV Campus has received for
endowed scholarships. Since last year, 35 new scholarships were
endowed, bringing the total number of endowed scholarships on
the MCV Campus up to 325. The total payout for FY2015 for
endowed scholarships and awards exceeded $1.8 million. During
the brunch VCU President Dr. Michael Rao shared his gratitude
to the many donors and guests. He spoke about the crucial role
that scholarships play in attracting top-caliber students. Fourth
year medical student Benjamin Lindsey spoke about the impact
of the scholarship he received while attending medical school,
and how it has inspired him to endow a scholarship in the
future. Ben is the recipient of the Kinloch Nelson Scholarship.
Dr. Joseph DiPiro, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, and his
wife, Cecily, recently endowed a scholarship at the School of
Pharmacy. Dean DiPiro spoke from a donor’s perspective
about the importance of giving back to help ensure that the
MCV Campus Schools continue to attract the very best students.
Photos 1: (Standing left to right) Scholarship recipients Amber Richardson, Amelia Bazzi, and Elizabeth Letchworth take a break from the brunch to pose for a photo with (seated) Pia Jordan, of the Louise Lomax Winters
Scholarship Fund and scholarship recipient Patty Parker. 2: Drs. Melissa and Kinloch Nelson of the Kinloch Nelson Scholarship Fund flank student speaker and Kinloch Nelson Scholarship recipient Ben Lindsey during the brunch.
3: Russell Fiske Scholarship recipients Melinda Ellis, Ashley-Nicole Carmichael, Lauren Fruhling, and (seated) Lauren Shelley converse with Eric Fiske and Judy Fiske of the Russell H. Fiske, Sr. Scholarship in Pharmacy.
4: Nurse Anesthesia Chair, Dr. Michael Fallacaro, Bernie Kuzava, and Col. Herbert Watson catch up at the pre-brunch reception. 5: MCV Foundation Lifetime Honorary Trustee Dr. Jeffrey Levin and his wife Bobbi, both
of the Dr. Jeffrey Levin and Barbara K. Levin Scholarship in the School of Dentistry smile with the recipient of the Scholarship, Lisa Doan. 6: (Standing) School of Allied Health Professions Assistant Dean for Development
and External Affairs Jessica Gurganus and Dr. T. Winston Gouldin enjoy the brunch with (seated) Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education Dr. Shawne Soper and Mrs. Eleanor Gouldin, of the Cindy
Gouldin Memorial Scholarship in Physical Therapy.
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Event photos: CSI Studios
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
Martha Estes Grover knows firsthand what it’s like for a family
to find itself lost at sea after a mental illness diagnosis. At age
20 her brother, Michael, was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
She was 13 years old and the family needed a life raft but didn’t
know where to turn.
Their search took them to the Virginia
Treatment Center for Children (VTCC)
on the MCV Campus of Virginia
Commonwealth University, a nationally
renowned child and adolescent psychiatric
facility serving families throughout the state.
VTCC is the pediatric division of the
Department of Psychiatry in the VCU
School of Medicine.
Since 1956, the VTCC has made a
profound difference in the lives of families,
like the Estes’, searching for help with
mental health issues. Addressing depression
and autism spectrum disorder, to anxiety
and behavioral problems and more, the center has provided
inpatient and outpatient clinical care, research programs, and
teaching opportunities.
“When we lost Michael at age 49, I knew I wanted to give back
to the mental health arena,” Grover says. She became reacquainted with the VTCC not long after her brother died and has been
involved in fundraising efforts to build a new facility ever since.
She and campaign committee co-chair, Eva Teig Hardy, are
dedicated not only to raising money, but working to erase the
stigma of mental illness along the way.
“We’ve raised roughly $64 million of the $75 million goal,”
Grover says. “A huge part of that funding has been legislative, but
there’s still a crucial need for private funding. Mental illness isn’t
very flashy, but when there’s a personal attachment to the story,
that helps.”
Grover watched her family struggle after her brother’s diagnosis.
They didn’t know what to do or how to talk about it.
“It wasn’t something that people talked about, so my parents
were left to navigate a process very much alone. There weren’t
support groups or people talking about mental illness back then,”
she says. “My hope is to give back. I firmly believe in giving
back to communities and I was so delighted to reconnect with the
VTCC not even knowing it would result in a capital campaign.”
But the need goes beyond the initial campaign, Grover explains.
There’s an ongoing need for outreach and programming.
A lot has changed since 1956. There are more and more
families looking for assistance, more children ages 3 to 17 in need
of services, and more ways to deliver compassionate clinical care.
The current facility outgrew its ability to accommodate the
growing need for mental health programs dedicated to children
and adolescents.
The new facility at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond
at VCU Brook Road Campus is expected to be completed
Virginia Treatment Center for Children
by fall 2017 and includes a 32-bed inpatient
acute pediatric psychiatric unit, outpatient
offices for behavioral health, a Children’s
Mental Health Resource Center, and the
Commonwealth Institute for Child and
Family Studies, the Department’s child
psychiatry research institute.
“My brother struggled his adult life and
during that time I was especially intrigued
with early detection and resources for families,” Grover says.
“Mental health management has changed so much over the past
40 years, but the stigma is still very dangerous. Mental illness
knows no boundaries. It touches all of us in every sector including
pediatrics. That’s where my heart is. That’s where I came from.
I want to help people and parents get the tools and resources they
need. Along the way we’re building awareness and helping remove
the stigma. I tell the story one day at a time over coffee, over
lunch, over dinner…whatever it takes to say, ‘here’s what we’re
doing and here’s why it’s important,’ it’s incredible.
There’s been so much support and I’m grateful.”
And VCU is grateful for
Grover’s commitment.
“Martha has been a
dynamo by telling her
story in the community
and encouraging
others to support our
work,” notes Dr. Joel
Silverman, professor
and Chair of the
VCU Department
of Psychiatry. “Her
message that mental
illness must be
acknowledged and
treated, rather than
Martha Grover
hidden, is life saving.
She is a wonderful partner. We need more advocates
like Martha to advance the science and the treatment.”
VTCC Artwork: Cannon Design / Martha Grover photo: Kevin E. Schindler
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
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Discovery Series
MCV Foundation Board
Honors Dr. Sheldon Retchin
sparks education gift
When Judy and Harry Wason attended a MCV Foundation
Discovery Series program focusing on the VCU Massey Cancer
Center in Williamsburg in April 2014, Judy’s main motivation
was to reconnect with and be supportive of her friend Becky
Massey, longtime Massey Advisory Board member and benefactor.
The two had become friends when Judy lived in Richmond and
was Director of Development at
the Maymont Foundation and
Becky Massey was on the board.
But Harry wanted to attend the
event for a different reason: cancer
ran in his family and he’d had
prostrate cancer many years before.
He was more than aware of the
disease in many of its forms, but
it wouldn’t hurt to learn more.
When radiologists noticed a
shadow during a colonoscopy
Harry had scheduled not long after
the Discovery Series event, they
suggested a second opinion.
“The first person I thought of
was my godson Jay Kuemmerle,”
he says.
Kuemmerle, Chair of the
Division of Gastroenterology,
Hepatology, and Nutrition at
VCU Medical Center, referred
Wason to his colleague Brian
Kaplan, M.D., a surgical oncologist
and director of the General
Surgery Residency Program at
Harry and Judy Wason
VCU’s School of Medicine.
Wason was diagnosed with two malignant tumors in the back
of his stomach, which Kaplan removed.
“Hopefully, that’s the end of that,” Harry says.
But that wasn’t the end of the Wasons’ appreciation for
Dr. Kaplan’s care as well as their appreciation for the MCV
Foundation’s Discovery Series program, an initiative launched by
the Foundation to provide event guests with immediate access to
the work of scholars, researchers, and clinicians.
“It’s a wonderful outreach program,” Judy says. “People came
from all over Williamsburg. It’s a great concept. The setting is
informal and comfortable where you can personally talk with
doctors one-on-one, which is a wonderful way to do it. You don’t
always want to bring up a question in front of an audience.”
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The experience left such an impression with the couple, that
in March they contributed $100,000 to Massey Cancer Center’s
training and education program advancing the careers of
promising scholars. The Wasons’ gift will fund one predoctoral
position for two years.
“Cancer was in my family. My mother died of cancer, my
father died of cancer and my
brother had a brain tumor so I
had an interest in cancer before I
was ever diagnosed,” Harry says.
“Massey is on the cutting edge
and I thought I’d like to help
someone in the future. Maybe
even me. You don’t know in life.
I thought this was a natural thing
to do in my situation.”
People of the Wasons’ age, they
say, are concerned about health
and mortality. The Discovery
Series event made them aware of
the depth and breadth of the latest
cancer research, which helped
put their mind at ease. And they
were eager to spread the word.
“We were very, very impressed,”
Judy says. “We’ve told our own
doctors here in Williamsburg
about the program and all are
just as interested as we are. We’re
extraordinarily pleased about that
because these are doctors who
can make referrals [to Massey].”
The Wasons hope their gift is
an example for others, especially in the Williamsburg area, site
of the first Discovery Series event.
“We offer the challenge to inspire other people to join us in
helping Massey find the answer and the cure for a disease that
effects every family” Judy says.
“Harry and Judy Wason’s extraordinary generosity is a huge
boost to our training and education fund,” says Gordon Ginder,
M.D., VCU Massey Cancer Center director and Lipman Chair
in Oncology. “Ensuring there is a next generation of physicians
and scientists who will continue the progress and advancements
that have been made is essential to our mission of eradicating
death and suffering caused by cancer. I am grateful for this
investment, and the inspiration I know it will spark in others.”
Wason photo: Kevin E. Schindler
Chronicle of Giving Summer 2015
The MCV Foundation hosted a reception in February to honor
Dr. Sheldon M. Retchin for his outstanding service to the MCV
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Campus, the VCU Health System, and VCU. During this event,
the Board announced that the Foundation will launch a special
fundraising effort to endow a professorship in Dr. Retchin’s
name. The Retchin Professorship will serve as a tribute to
Dr. Retchin’s legacy across the MCV Campus.
Dr. Sheldon M. Retchin, chief executive officer of the VCU
Health System for more than a decade, announced in December
his decision to leave VCU to take a similar post at Ohio State
University’s Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Retchin assumed the
post as executive vice president of health sciences and chief
executive officer of the Wexner Medical Center on March 2.
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Dr. Retchin first came to VCU, then Medical College of Virginia
Hospitals, in 1976 as an internal medicine intern after earning
his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill. He returned to UNC from 1980 to 1986, holding several
positions, before returning to VCU in 1987. Dr. Retchin served
as CEO of the VCU Health System since 2003. He also served
as senior vice president for health sciences, with responsibility for
the schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and allied
health professions.
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Photos 1: VCU President Dr. Michael Rao, departing Senior Vice President of Health Sciences
and CEO of VCU Health System Dr. Sheldon Retchin, and MCV Foundation Board Chairman Gail
Johnson remark on the years of Dr. Retchin’s service to the University. 2: Marcia Thalhimer, Lindsay
Wortham, and Tracy Retchin smile as they share memories of Dr Retchin’s tenure. 3: Coley Wortham,
Dr. Retchin, and MCV Foundation Trustee Austin Brockenbrough discuss the announcement of the
Retchin Professorship. 4: Dr. Retchin, Alexander Kay, and MCV Foundation Trustees Dr. Charlie
Bryan and Harry Thalhimer wish Dr. Retchin well at the reception. 5: Alice Goodwin and
Ken Wright pause for a photo as the evening comes to a close.
Event photos: Kevin E. Schindler
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VCU
MCV Foundation
Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical College of Virginia Campus
P.O. Box 980234
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0234
Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1182
Richmond, Virginia
chool of Medicine
Photo: Kevin E. Schindler