AnMed Health Named Philanthropist of the Year

CONTACT: LINDA ELLIOTT, EXT. 2145

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/5/2001
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- AnMed Health has been named the 2001 Philanthropist of the Year by the Tri-County Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees.

"Words alone do not convey our real appreciation," said Tri-County President Don C. Garrison as he presented a Paul Revere bowl to John Miller, president of AnMed Health. "You've been a partner of the College since 1989. Over the years, you have sponsored 42 students' educations in the associate degree nursing program. That is a huge statement about your foresight into this country's nursing shortage. The results are that our ADN graduates repeatedly have scores that rank higher than the state and national averages," he said.

Heather Smith, a recipient of one of the scholarships, said, "I wanted to work with people in the health care field. I chose Tri-County based on its reputation and the success of its grads. The department was helpful, informative, and very conscientious." Smith holds a degree from USC and worked at Clemson University's Genetics Institute prior to entering the associate degree nursing program at Tri-County.

"AnMed's contributions made a significant difference for me. The AnMed scholarship covered my tuition. Thank you for supporting the school and its educational goals. I look forward to working at AnMed Health should I be offered a position," she said.

"We are delighted to be able to help students find their way to the health care profession. It's a great partnership, and we look forward to continuing it," said Miller.

Several years ago, the hospital named the fourth floor of the Health Education Building (the AnMed Nursing Education Center), providing professional growth endowment monies for almost all departments in the Health Education Division. Tom Baxter, department head for Respiratory Care at the College, is the recipient of monies for professional development. "I'm a respiratory care student because the profession continues to grow," he said, adding that it is imperative for educators to continue to attend professional development seminars to keep up to date with equipment and procedures.

"I've been teaching for 20 years, and I've been learning Respiratory Care for 20 years. Through your help and generosity, I've been able to continue my education," said Baxter.

In addition, AnMed Health contributes to Tri-County through service on the college's advisory boards, said Dr. Garrison. Currently AnMed has 22 employees serving on advisory committees for both the curriculum and continuing education programs at the College.
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