Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center illuminated the new sign atop the now 50-year-old facility Oct. 14, part of a ceremony marking the anniversary of its first half century.
“Our vision and mission remain rooted in the legacy of Milton S. Hershey and his commitment to improve quality of life, alleviate human suffering and develop deep ties within our community,” said Deborah Berini, president of Hershey Medical Center. “I thank everyone who has been part of the Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine story.” Berini then led guests in a countdown to the lighting of the new sign.
The Medical Center began providing patient care to the people of central Pennsylvania on Oct. 14, 1970. The 564-bed facility is Penn State Health’s flagship teaching and research hospital. It has four missions: patient care, education, research and community service.
View a photo gallery from the 50th anniversary event
Nancy Nightwine, who was Hershey Medical Center’s first-ever patient, was on-hand to witness the lighting of the sign, along with state lawmakers, Hershey Medical Center Board Chair Dennis Brenckle and Bruce McKinney, former Hershey Medical Center board member and former chairman and CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.
Officials from Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine and the M.S. Hershey Foundation spoke at the event.
“Penn State Health is continuing that commitment to enhance access and convenience through our expansion across the region,” said Steve Massini, CEO of Penn State Health. “And when patients need more complex care, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is right here, close to home.”
View a gallery of photos from the 50-year history of Hershey Medical Center
Dr. Kevin Black, interim dean of the College of Medicine, spoke of the College’s unique approach to teaching and care. “Our founders understood that to advance medicine, we needed robust research and scientific discovery in collaboration with the care and education underway at the Medical Center,” he said.
Don Papson, president and executive director of The Milton S. Hershey Foundation, pointed out the significant connections that exist between two of Milton S. Hershey’s major philanthropies, the Hershey Medical Center and the Milton Hershey School. He spoke to the entities’ missions to improve lives and the sense of community that serves as the foundation to both.