Lending early support to CMSRU
CMSRU has gained early and enthusiastic support from several donors
It will be another year before 50 aspiring physicians will join Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) as members of the school’s charter class. But the medical school already has gained early and enthusiastic support from individuals who believe in CMSRU’s mission—and in the future of Rowan University.
In fall of 2009, just a few months after CMSRU’s formation was announced, Rowan University alumnus Dr. Marque Allen, a physician in Texas, became the school’s first benefactor. Allen and his wife, Yvette, pledged $100,000 to establish the Dr. Richard Meagher Medical Scholarship for CMSRU students.
In establishing the scholarship, Allen credited Meagher, a retired biological sciences professor, with putting him on the path to medical school. Today, Allen is a partner in Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio and is board certified in foot surgery and ankle and reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
Earlier this year, a generous gift from Haddonfield physician Dr. Michael Renzi and his family established The Renzi Family Clinical Simulation Rooms at CMSRU. Renzi is managing partner for Advocare Heights Primary Care in Haddon Heights.
The clinical simulation rooms, which will be located in the new, $139 million medical school building in Camden, will provide CMSRU students with cutting-edge technology as they learn the science—and art—of practicing medicine. Students will use computerized simulation mannequins and standardized patient actors as they hone their treatment skills.
The gift from the Renzi family was the first for the new medical school building.
Gifts to CMSRU give donors the chance to be part of something truly special—in the field of medicine, at Rowan and in South Jersey, according to R.J. Tallarida, assistant vice president for development and acting executive director of the Rowan University Foundation.
“It’s great to see Dr. Allen, a Rowan alumnus, take a leadership role in giving to Cooper Medical School. It’s equally exciting to see Dr. Renzi, a leader in the medical community, also show a commitment to our school and its mission,” says Tallarida.
“There’s a lot of excitement in South Jersey about the medical school. Now that our building is taking shape—and we’ll soon begin recruiting students—we expect that more people will show their support for the medical school.”
For information about giving to CMSRU, visit www.rufoundation.org and the CMSRU website.