A History of Excellence 
Celebrating 125 Years of PCOM

January 26, 2024

Steeped in a rich history of healing, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) marked the start of its 125th year on Thursday, January 25, with a grand celebration of its past, present and future.

President and CEO Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, served as master of ceremonies to a large assembled crowd, leading off the celebration by announcing a transformative eight-figure philanthropic commitment—the largest in the College’s history—from Howard Hassman, DO ’83. Hassman, chief scientific officer and principal investigator at the clinical research organization CenExel HRI, had previously made a $5 million commitment, then the largest PCOM’s history, now surpassed by his own continued generosity to his alma mater.

Feldstein also announced that two buildings on the Philadelphia campus will be named in honor of members of the Hassman family. The academic building Evans Hall will now be known as the Howard A. Hassman, DO ’83 Academic Center. Additionally, Family Medicine at PCOM, the College’s healthcare center on City Avenue, has been renamed the Joseph M. Hassman, DO ’65 Family Medicine Center in honor of Hassman’s father.

“What began as a fledgling medical school,” Feldstein said, “has evolved today into an institution that is nationally recognized for training the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

“Not all educational institutions survive 125 years,” added Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas J. Gravina. “The 125 years of PCOM’s existence are a testament to the enduring values that underpin our educational mission and its potential to change lives and impact the health of humanity.”

The ceremonies, simulcast to students, faculty, and staff on the PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia campuses, culminated with the presentation of a time capsule. “This symbolic treasure trove,” Feldstein said, “will encapsulate the memories and aspirations of our community. The items included in it reflect the diverse and vibrant tapestry of our College’s life.”

Included in the time capsule were items representing PCOM’s past, present and future with representatives from various parts of the PCOM community contributing items one by one. Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, MBA, FACOFP, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, placed a brick from the remains of the former City Avenue Hospital, which was dedicated in 1967 and demolished in 2002. The hospital was for many years a clinical teaching site for PCOM students.

Joseph Tran (MSPH ’24), president of the PCOM Student Government Association, contributed a letter to future students offering advice and wisdom. “Although time separates us from the past and future, what remains timeless for all students is our passion for service and deep commitment to contributing to the health and well-being of humanity,” he said.

Representing PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia, trustee Wayne Sikes placed a coin created in celebration of the Suwanee campus’s 10 years of impact in Gwinnett County and the state of Georgia and a ceremonial shovel from the 2018 groundbreaking of PCOM South Georgia.

Feldstein, last in the line of contributors, placed a group of items, including a signed poster from the PCOM community and a personal letter to the PCOM community of the future.

“Our hope is that when this capsule is opened many years from now,” he said, “it will serve as a window into our lives, our values, and the spirit of this momentous occasion.”

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