The John Crain Kunkel Foundation is helping to ensure the future of health care with a new $100,000 scholarship at Penn State College of Medicine, utilizing a scholarship match from the College of Medicine.
“The John Crain Kunkel Foundation’s gift to endow a scholarship allows us to open doors of opportunity for future health care leaders, and also helps us to broaden the diversity of our student body, which enriches future patient care. We are incredibly grateful for the foundation’s generosity,” said Dr. A. Craig Hillemeier, dean, Penn State College of Medicine; CEO, Penn State Health; and senior vice president for health affairs, Penn State.
By 2030, the Association of American Colleges projects a shortage of up to 105,000 physicians. Philanthropic advocates like the John Crain Kunkel Foundation help to remove barriers for aspiring physicians and solve the most pressing health challenges in our world.
The John Crain Kunkel Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all individuals within Pennsylvania. The foundation supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and primarily within Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Perry and Juniata counties.
The scholarship will advance "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. To learn more about specific opportunities to support medical students, graduate students or faculty, visit engage.pennstatehealth.org.
John Crain Kunkel was a former Dauphin County commissioner, nine-term congressman, long-time director of the Harrisburg Hospital (now UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg), a founder of the Harrisburg Bridge Club and an avid supporter of the Tri-County United Way.
Dr. A. Craig Hillemeier, dean, Penn State College of Medicine, chief executive officer, Penn State Health, and senior vice president for health affairs, Penn State met with trustees of the Kunkel Foundation to discuss the scholarship agreement.