As Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) kicks off its 125th anniversary, the institution has received the largest philanthropic commitment in its history.
The eight-figure commitment by Howard A. Hassman, DO '83, not only advances PCOM and
its strategic priorities but also serves as the cornerstone of a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
In recognition of Hassman's dedication to philanthropy at PCOM, the academic building known as Evans Hall will be renamed the Howard A. Hassman, DO '83 Academic Center. To continue the legacy of H. Walter Evans, DO 1917, a former professor and chair of Preventive Medicine, the second floor of Hassman Academic Center where the Provost's Office is located will now be known as the H. Walter Evans, DO 1917 Administrative Suite.
Additionally, Family Medicine at PCOM, the healthcare center on City Avenue, will be named the Joseph M. Hassman, DO '65 Family Medicine Center in honor of Hassman's father.
“As a tight-knit educational and clinical community, PCOM is often described as a family. The Hassmans are a significant part of the PCOM family, and PCOM is a big part of theirs,” said President and CEO Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81. “PCOM has transformed the lives of the Hassman family and, through their clinical practice and research, they have improved the health and well-being of countless people. We're deeply grateful for Howard's commitment to helping ensure that future generations of PCOM students benefit from similar opportunities to pursue their passions.”
In addition to Joseph Hassman, who founded a private family medicine practice in Berlin, New Jersey, more than 60 years ago; and Howard Hassman, chief scientific officer and principal investigator at the clinical research organization CenExel HRI (formerly Hassman Research Institute); Howard's sister, Elissa F. Hassman, DO '86; and brothers David R. Hassman, DO '91; and Michael A. Hassman, DO '94, are all PCOM alumni. Elissa, David and Michael also work with their father at Advocare Berlin Medical Associates.
“I know my family is forever indebted to PCOM,” Howard Hassman said. “We need physicians to go into medicine because they want to make a difference and help people. I'm hoping that people look at life and say, ‘Why not give to the place, the institution, that gave me that opportunity?’”
In 2020, Hassman's $5 million commitment to benefit the Hassman Family Endowed Scholarship was then the largest in PCOM history. His latest philanthropic commitment is the foundation of PCOM's just-announced United & Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign, for which Hassman serves on the advisory committee. With a $65 million fundraising goal, the campaign is focused on accelerating academic excellence, expanding clinical opportunities, and enhancing student experiences.
Hassman said he hopes his charitable giving, as well as his family's commitment to patient care and clinical research, inspires the PCOM community. When reading his biography in Hassman Academic Center or his father's in Hassman Family Medicine Center, perhaps “it will shape their vision of what they want to become, what they want to do with the rest of their lives, how they can help others, and how they can give back,” Hassman said.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312 | Cell:
717-371-0609
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