Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) marked a momentous occasion in its history with the burial of a time capsule on November 13, 2024, commemorating the institution’s 125th anniversary.
The ceremony, held in front of the PCOM seal on the Philadelphia campus, served as one of the culminating events of the College’s year-long anniversary celebrations. With a nod to the future, the capsule—packed with keepsakes from students, faculty, staff, and alumni—will remain sealed until PCOM’s 200th anniversary in 2099.
“These items represent more than various functional areas that make up our College,” said PCOM President and CEO Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81. “They represent our history and aspirations. They reflect the diversity of life at PCOM—who we are and what we stand for in this moment and, hopefully, for generations to come.”
Remarks from Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Gravina reflected on the College’s rich history and its commitment to the future of healthcare education. Krish Kondisetti (DO ’27), President of PCOM’s Student Government Association, added a student perspective, emphasizing the collective dedication to advancing PCOM’s mission and values. His message from students to PCOM faculty and staff: Thank you.
“You not only educate us but you also teach us how to be clinicians and healthcare professionals who care deeply about our patients,” Kondisetti said. “And let me make it clear, it’s not just your PowerPoint slides we remember. We also learn from you how to carry ourselves as human beings. So every smile you give, every time you wish us good luck or encourage us, I guarantee every single student remembers your kindness, and we learn from your example.”
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, guests enjoyed thematic treats like dirt dessert and left with PCOM-branded 125th anniversary giveaways, reinforcing the day’s spirit of connection and remembrance.
The event not only served as a culmination of the year-long 125th anniversary celebrations but also as a moment of inspiration, as PCOM continues to honor its past while looking toward the future of medical education and patient care.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
Ally Wengel
Public Relations Manager
Email: allywe@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6325
© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine