HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Officials with the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine announced today the creation of a $15,000 endowed scholarship by Dr. Robert A. Hess, a 1984 graduate of the school. His son, Dr. Jonathan A. Hess, is a 2012 graduate of MUSOM and currently a resident physician in family medicine at Marshall.

The scholarship, known as the Dr. & Mrs. Robert A. Hess Scholarship for the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, will be awarded to a first-year medical student who is also the first in his or her immediate family to attend medical school.  The recipient will be selected by the School of Medicine Scholarship Committee, in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Affairs.

“Jannell and I are grateful to Marshall University for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a physician,” Hess said.  “For one of two out-of-state students accepted in 1980, Marshall’s tuition was affordable compared to other schools around the country. We realize that for many, the cost of obtaining a medical degree is still a major obstacle. It is our privilege to endow this scholarship that will allow future students the chance to realize their dreams.”

Linda Holmes, director of development and alumni affairs at the School of Medicine, said gifts from graduates like Hess are greatly appreciated.

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of gifts from our graduates,” she said. “We are very grateful to the Hess family for their generous contribution to our scholarship fund.”

Date Posted: Friday, January 25, 2013