Deepening Impact on Health Care in Hampton Roads
Posted By HR Partnership on October 5, 2009
A rendering of the EVMS education and research building as seen from Colley Avenue in Norfolk.
from Doug Gardner, Eastern Virginia Medical School
EVMS breaks ground on new education, research building
Governor Tim Kaine and several members of the Virginia General Assembly joined Eastern Virginia Medical School September 17 as it broke ground for a new education and research building that will deepen the school’s impact on health care throughout the region.
The legislature’s 2008 higher education bond package included $59 million to help EVMS pay for an $80 million project that includes the new building and extensive renovations to an adjoining building. The “virtual” groundbreaking included a floor-by-floor description and an animated fly-around of the new building. The 100,000-square-foot, four-story structure will give the school badly needed space to expand its educational programs to forestall a physician shortage. The school will increase enrollment 30 percent in the MD program and 60 percent in the Physician Assistant program.
The groundbreaking was the centerpiece of the school’s annual State of the School address. In their joint presentation, EVMS President Harry T. Lester and Dean Gerald J. Pepe, PhD, lauded the efforts of EVMS physicians and scientists as well as students and staff for the benefit of the people of Hampton Roads.
President Lester applauded Governor Kaine and lawmakers for their assistance with the school’s new building and he asked the government and the community for continued support.
“I think we’ve proven ourselves to be a worthy investment,” President Lester said. “We’ve evolved from a small school of 28 students to an organization with an economic impact on the region that exceeds $700 million annually.”
Gov. Kaine praised EVMS for its contributions to the state’s health care workforce. He told a capacity audience of 400 faculty, students, staff and supporters of the school that among the state’s medical schools, EVMS has the highest percentage of graduates practicing in Virginia.
The governor cited the $1.6 billion bond package as an example of broad cooperation within state government. He said the package is helping to fund construction across the state during a critical period for the economy and at a time when many individuals are returning to school to enhance their skills and knowledge.
EVMS President Harry T. Lester and Governor Timothy M. Kaine talk prior to the EVMS groundbreaking ceremony.
Local and state lawmakers were in the audience as Eastern Virginia Medical School broke ground for its 100,000 square foot education and research building. A significant portion of funding for the new building is coming from the 2008 higher education bond package. From left are Delegate Algie T. Howell, Jr.; Rose Pruden (representing Senator Yvonne B. Miller); Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim; Delegate Paula J. Miller; Senator Ralph S. Northam, MD (a graduate of EVMS); Delegate Johnny S. Joannou; Senator Kenneth W. Stolle; Speaker of the House William J. Howell; and Governor Timothy M. Kaine.
Gov. Kaine speaks at the EVMS groundbreaking ceremony.
Governor Kaine speaks with EVMS students at a reception following the groundbreaking.
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