This fall, PCOM Georgia hosted its A Night to Ignite Soirée to celebrate the progress of the United & Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign and to honor the donors whose generosity, commitment and passion continue to strengthen the campus. Nearly $125,000 was raised during the event—all of which will be awarded as scholarships to students from Gwinnett County and the surrounding region.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ignite Awards to Clyde and Sandra Strickland, as well as to the Osteopathic Institute of the South (OIS), accepted by its president, Barry A. Doublestein, DSL.
The Stricklands were recognized for their $1 million gift supporting scholarships for doctoral students in the osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy programs—the largest outright gift to PCOM Georgia during the United & Ignited campaign. Combined with their previous contributions, the Stricklands are now the largest donor-endowed scholarship contributors across all three PCOM locations.
OIS was honored for its instrumental role in advancing osteopathic medicine in Georgia in the early 2000s. In 2022, the organization selected PCOM as a recipient of its foundation’s support, resulting in the creation of the OIS Endowed Student Emergency Fund. This fund assists students facing urgent needs such as food, housing and transportation.
The soirée also celebrated many additional supporters, including East End Advisors, the PCOM Alumni Association, Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, Jackson EMC, Metro Waterproofing, Northeast Georgia Health System, Studio Usher, the Atlanta Braves, CCS Fundraising, Georgia Gwinnett College, Primerica Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Lawrenceville, Trane, Vantix Electric and Warren Averett, LLC.
“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, we have raised vital funds to empower the purpose, practice and passion of PCOM Georgia students,” said Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81, president and CEO of PCOM. “We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making A Night to Ignite a success.”
PCOM’s United & Ignited campaign continues to inspire generosity across our community, with more than $57 million raised toward its $65 million goal. These gifts are transforming the student experience by supporting scholarships, academic innovation, campus improvements and initiatives that prepare students to thrive as healthcare leaders.
At PCOM South Georgia, faculty and staff recently came together to create an on-campus fitness trail—an inviting, restorative space designed to support movement, mindfulness and connection. Winding just steps away from classrooms and study areas, the trail offers a natural pause in the rhythm of academic life, giving students, faculty and staff an accessible way to reset and recharge.
For many, it has already become an essential part of their day.
“The trail is my favorite thing on our campus,” said Emily Reagin (DO ’27). “On days when it feels like studying is endless, it gives me peace of mind and lets me get movement in when there’s little time for a real break. Mental health is so important—and this trail has helped me tremendously.”
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