New scholarship to honor memory of former MUSC faculty member
The Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Foundation announced a $100,000 philanthropic gift that will enable MUSC’s College of Health Professions (CHP) to establish an endowed scholarship in memory of Frank DeMarco III who died of cancer last January.The HCA-DeMarco Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in the college’s residential masters in health administration (MHA) program, which trains administrators in the planning, organization and direction of hospitals, public health agencies, physician-based practices and other health care organizations.
Frank
DeMarco
DeMarco worked with the MHA program during the final three years of his life. His overall career in health administration spanned more than 30 years, including 15 years as CEO of Charleston’s Trident Health System and five years as president of HCA’s Southeast Division. It was his service to HCA that motivated the HCA Foundation to honor DeMarco’s memory with an endowed scholarship.
“Frank had a passion for developing talent, and he personally mentored many young health care executives throughout his career,” said Michael P. Joyce, president of HCA’s Southeast Division. “We are proud to help ensure that Frank’s legacy continues through this wonderful scholarship at MUSC.”
CHP's
Dr. Danielle Ripich, from left, joins Karen DeMarco, Meredith Sanders and
Michael P. Joyce at a reception announcing the formation of an endowed
scholarship in memory of former CHP administrator Frank DeMarco. Sanders,
a second-year MHA student, received one of this year’s two scholarships.
As the first endowed scholarship in the CHP’s MHA program, the HCA-DeMarco Endowed Scholarship will provide students with much-needed financial support, said Dean Danielle Ripich, Ph.D.
“The HCA-DeMarco Endowed Scholarship is an investment in all of our futures,” Ripich said. “We are in the business of educating future health care leaders who will serve the needs of this community, the citizens of South Carolina, the region, and yes, the nation. This was the passion of Frank DeMarco.”
Moreover, she said, the scholarship would serve as an enduring tribute to a talented hospital administrator and dedicated educator who had a major influence on public health policy in South Carolina.
Nashville-based Hospital Corporation of America is one of the world’s
leading health care providers, with 190 hospitals and other health facilities
in 23 states, England and Switzerland.
Friday, Sept. 24, 2004
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