LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11, 2017 : Roseman University College of Medicine today announced a USD10 million pledge gift from the Engelstad Family Foundation to help advance the opening of Nevada's first private, non-profit, MD-granting medical school in Summerlin.
The donation, the largest in Roseman University's history, kicks off "Breakthrough in Medicine!," a USD66 million fundraising campaign that will ensure the College of Medicine fulfills its mission to improve the health of the communities in southern Nevada by providing funding to hire the critical faculty and staff needed as it continues through the rigorous accreditation process. The College of Medicine is currently an applicant with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and has a goal to achieve accreditation to enroll its first class of 64 students in the summer of 2019."In addition to the institutional resources provided by Roseman University, this pledged gift is a significant step in our effort to raise the USD66 million needed to establish a premier private, MD-granting medical school that will help Nevada communities overcome the chronic shortage of physicians and improve healthcare outcomes," said Mark A. Penn, MD, MBA, founding dean of the Roseman University College of Medicine.
"As a non-profit, private medical school, built without the support of state funding, we are extremely grateful for the generosity and support of the Engelstad Family Foundation and the many business and community members who have also embraced our mission and vision, and supported the College with philanthropic gifts. Additional support is needed as we work towards our goal of raising USD66 million," added Penn.
In making the donation, the Engelstad Family Foundation stated, "The Engelstad Family Foundation applauds the work of Roseman University College of Medicine and their endeavor to raise USD66 million to ultimately improve healthcare in Southern Nevada through their 'Breakthrough in Medicine' campaign for Roseman University's medical school in Summerlin - the first of its kind in Nevada."
According to Roseman University President Renee Coffman, PhD, in making this landmark pledge gift, the Engelstad Family Foundation will help transform the healthcare landscape in Nevada. "Roseman University and the Engelstad Family Foundation have a shared vision for our state's future - a Nevada where every resident has access to high-quality primary care and medical specialties," said Coffman.
