“Bob and Wanda want others to be aware of the ongoing needs in the community and help individuals follow their educational dreams when it might not be possible otherwise,” said Jim Moore, chairman of The Medical Center Foundation. “The Medical Center would not be what it is today without highly educated and trained clinical staff. The Swoszowskis’ gift is not only vital to the continued success of NGMC, but to the overall health of the community as well.”
Five nursing and allied health students are already reaping the rewards of being selected for The Swoszowski Scholarship. The story of one recipient, Sandy Ada, was shared during today’s dedication.
“I am a single mother of two, and, without the scholarship, I would not have been able to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse,” said Ada. “I am a certified medical assistant at NGMC now, and I’m excited about working toward my nursing degree. This scholarship is a godsend.”
The community as whole is already benefitting from The Fraser Resource Center, located in NGMC’s North Patient Tower. It opened in 2009, and the donors who gave the signature gift to make the center possible – the late Grady and Lillian Fraser – wished to remain anonymous until their passing. A new sign at the front door today bears their name and tells the Frasers’ story of their decision to create a destination of knowledge for the community.
“The Frasers were strong in their faith, humble and unassuming,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System. “With servants’ hearts, they experienced no greater joy than sharing with others the same abundant blessings of love and kindness bestowed upon them. We are grateful for the Frasers’ generosity and the very special legacy it created.”
The Fraser Resource Center is a health sciences library open to the public and staffed by two full time medical librarians. One position is funded by an endowment also created by the Frasers’ gift. The librarians are specially trained to help people research diagnoses and find answers to their healthcare related questions. The center also gives physicians, providers and staff access to important data and research.
“Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘love requires that true education should be easily accessible to all and should be of use to every villager in his daily life,’” said Moore. “I think Bob and Wanda embrace this thinking, as did the late Grady and Lillian Fraser. I believe the Fraser’s legacy set the stage for continued gifts of education like the scholarship the Swoszowskis have now made possible.”
For more information about these gifts and other opportunities, please contact Maggie James, signature gifts officer of The Medical Center Foundation, at 770-219-8120 or maggie.james@nghs.com.