Many organizations across the country celebrate diversity, but Touro University California is committed to not only celebrating its already diverse student population but also paving the way to a future of diversity in the healthcare and education fields overall and resolving healthcare needs in those in underserved communities. As 2016 has progressed Touro has been dedicated to those efforts.
Winter and early spring saw milestone moments and the launch of cutting-edge studies, such as those working to link diabetes detection and prevention, to fingerprints especially in varying predisposed ethnic groups. Clinics, taking place throughout Vallejo and surrounding cities, will further this study and others to narrow the risk of diabetes. The campus, which sits on historic Mare Island, celebrated many more pivotal moments as the warmer weather moved in.
In early May, smiles, tears and laughter filled the Farragut Inn Ballroom at Touro as several students from the College of Education and Health Sciences (CEHS) became proud recipients of this year’s diversity scholarships only available to students within that program. Maintaining its commitment to the promotion of health and well-being of local and global communities through education, service, and research, the CEHS department provided a total of $12,000 in scholarships to students in each of the CEHS programs.
Over the course of several days ending May and kicking off June, the higher learning institution celebrated the graduation of 449 total degree candidates at the 2016 commencement ceremonies, which included 133 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine (Doctoral Degree); 96 from the College of Pharmacy (Doctoral Degree); 30 from the School of Nursing Program (Master’s Degree); 38 from the Physician’s Assistant Program (Master’s Degree); 57 from the Master of Public Health; 15 from the Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences; 15 from the Master of Science in Medical Health Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences; and 60 from the Graduate School of Education (Master’s Degree).
“Our students are great examples of people who take what they have learned and combine it with their own talents to become the best prepared healthcare providers and educators,” said Shelley Berkley, CEO and Senior Provost of Touro Western Division.
On June 9th the institution held its inaugural campus-wide diversity scholarship fundraising event, which encouraged the local community to get involved, in addition to those on campus already making strides. The goal of these scholarships, which are open to students from all university programs, is to retain and support underrepresented minority students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as to encourage scholarship recipients to use their degrees to improve the health and educational status among poor and underserved communities locally and abroad. Great food, music and coveted silent auction items set the scene as guests raised needed funding for student’s futures.
“Touro University California’s commitment to underrepresented communities is steadfast,” Marilyn Hopkins, PhD, Provost and Chief Operating Officer of Touro University California, said. “It is important that the future of healthcare and education here in California and across the country is diverse. To be able to provide an opportunity for a student who has overcome obstacles to be here, or one whose obstacle is strictly financial, is our ultimate goal with these events and fundraising opportunities.”
Touro University California has the vision of educating caring professionals and providing quality educational programs in the fields of health care and education in concert with the Judaic commitment to social justice intellectual pursuit and service to humanity.
Despite the scholarship fundraising event having passed, the community can get involved on a continual basis and help to support the dreams and aspirations of a student by visiting www.tu.edu or by contacting the Touro University California’s Office of Development at 707-638-5460.
