A PCOM alumnus who recently made the largest philanthropic commitment in the 125-year history of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and the Philadelphia-based health insurer Independence Blue Cross (IBX) have been honored as the inaugural Ignite Award recipients during the A Night to Ignite Gala on April 27.
Organized by PCOM Institutional Advancement, the gala supported United & Ignited, a comprehensive fundraising campaign that launched publicly in January and has surpassed $50 million of its $65 million goal. Campaign priorities include accelerating academic excellence, expanding clinical opportunities, and enhancing student experiences.
Howard A. Hassman, DO '83, chief scientific officer of the clinical research organization
CenExel HRI, recently made a record-setting eight-figure commitment to PCOM that not only advances PCOM and its strategic priorities but also serves as the cornerstone commitment of United & Ignited.
In recognition of Hassman's dedication to philanthropy at PCOM, a primary academic building was renamed the Howard A. Hassman, DO '83 Academic Center and Family Medicine at PCOM, the healthcare center on City Avenue, was named the Joseph M. Hassman, DO '65 Family Medicine Center in honor of Hassman's father.
“We’re honoring Dr. Hassman not only for the resources he has shared but for the lives that will be touched and the dreams that will be nurtured,” said PCOM President and CEO Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81. “His philanthropic spirit serves as a catalyst for change, reminding us all that one person's generosity can indeed make a significant impact.”
IBX is the leading health insurance company in the Greater Philadelphia region and
is a champion for health equity and positive social change. A loyal supporter of PCOM
for over 30 years, IBX helps to fund wellness programs, research and community outreach.
Since 2018, IBX has served as the title sponsor of PCOM's Community Wellness Initiative and its predecessor event, Wellness Fest. This past year, CWI hosted nearly 90 community
events, engaged over 150 PCOM students, served nearly 5,000 people at PCOM food pantries,
and screened and educated 6,000 community members. IBX Blue Crew employee volunteers
have participated in various PCOM-led activities.
“As we considered recipients for the Ignite Award, Independence Blue Cross was an obvious choice,” Feldstein said. “Independence Blue Cross has been a continuous and generous sponsor of PCOM and has been a true partner with us in advancing the health of communities in and around Philadelphia.”
Independence Blue Cross President and CEO Gregory E. Deavens accepted the award.
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.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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