University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) President Dr. David Hall announced today that former Board of Trustees member Donald Sussman, a noted philanthropist, financier, and St. John homeowner, has made a $6 million, landmark donation to establish a medical school at the University.
This project will become only the fifth historically black medical school in the United States and its territories, subject to receiving approval by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.
“This is an exciting milestone for our University and, more importantly, our entire community. The S. Donald Sussman School of Medicine will improve the quality of education and health care across the Virgin Islands, and this donation reinforces Donald’s passion for and belief in the transformative power of both,” said Dr. Hall. “Donald has long been a supporter of the University, and his incredible gift is the foundation upon which we build moving forward.”
Sussman, the founder of Paloma Partners, was a member of the UVI Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2012. This gift follows a previous gift from Sussman for the naming of the medical school classroom building in honor of his scientist father, William.
“UVI embodies all that I love about the Virgin Islands - its beauty and resilience, and the incredible strength and warmth of its community. The establishment of a medical school will serve to further enhance those qualities and ensure that more young people will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and live here,” said Sussman. “Moreover, this medical school will have a tremendous impact on the physical and mental health of residents, and I am proud to be a part of this critical, ongoing effort to improve overall quality of life on the islands.”
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website-www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link.