FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Jan. 29, 2018
Contact: Leah C. Payne, Director of Public Affairs, Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, 304-691-1713

Marshall School of Medicine kicks off 40th anniversary year

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine which was officially recognized by Huntington Mayor Steve Williams in a proclamation declaring today “Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Day” in Huntington.

The mayor met with Marshall University President Jerry Gilbert, Ph.D.; School of Medicine Dean Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D.; former Dean Charles McKown, M.D.; and Marshall University Vice President for Research John Maher, Ph.D., for a short presentation Monday afternoon at the school.

Forty years ago this month, under the direction of then-President Robert Hayes and Dean Dr. Robert Coon, the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine opened its doors to 24 pioneering medical students. The dedicated students agreed to attend classes during the summer of 1978 in order to graduate on time three and half years later. After years of arduous planning that included difficulty with funding and political obstacles, classes began on Jan. 3, 1978, followed by a convocation a week later on Jan. 10.

This year, the school of medicine has planned several activities including regular social media posts and a special recognition at the 2018 Investiture. 

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Photo: From left,  Marshall University President Jerry Gilbert, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Dean Dr. Joseph Shapiro, former Dean Dr. Charles McKown, and Vice President for Research Dr. John Maher accept a proclamation from Huntington Mayor Steve Williams (center) declaring Monday, Jan. 29, as “Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Day” as part of the school’s 40th anniversary.

Date Posted: Monday, January 29, 2018