Campaign Updates
- Hillcrest Hospital Breaks Ground on Major Campus Expansion Plan, Unveils Significant Gift
- Campaign for Cleveland Clinic Reaches $1 Billion
- The Race
- KeyCorp and Cleveland Clinic Celebrate Diversity, Minority Scholarship
- Campaign Archives
Campaign Goal
Donations to Date
KeyCorp and Cleveland Clinic Celebrate Diversity, Minority Scholarship
As 23-year-old Donelle Cummings stood before KeyCorp and Cleveland Clinic executives in a crisp white coat, a single student’s story of aspiration and opportunity epitomized the group’s collective hope for enhanced diversity.
Scholarship Supports Dream
On January 15, Mr. Cummings detailed his early passion for science and his inner struggle as to whether he should pursue his dream of going to medical school in consideration of financial constraints.
"There are plenty of people like me out there – minorities who seek the best this country has to offer – a good education, a rewarding career, and the simple pursuit of happiness," the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine student said. "What sets me apart however, has been the generosity of academic institutions such as my undergraduate alma mater, non-profit organizations like Cleveland Clinic and private enterprises such as KeyCorp."
Mr. Cummings is the first recipient of the Key Foundation Minority Scholarship. KeyCorp and Key Foundation leaders presented the final installment of a $1 million endowed scholarship gift to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine as part of the celebration.
CEOs Discuss Diversity
At the event, Henry L. Meyer III, Chairman and CEO, KeyCorp, and Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Delos M. Cosgrove, MD, engaged in a conversation about how diversity has positively impacted their educational and professional pursuits.
"With the right work force that’s inclusive and diverse, we can provide better solutions and answers for our clients," says Mr. Meyer, who recounted how the range of creative solutions to a business case from his Harvard Business School peers had opened his eyes to the value of different life experiences and perspectives and inspired him to make diversity a priority at Key.
Dr. Cosgrove acknowledged a national struggle attracting minority students to medical school, which results in a disproportionate representation in healthcare practice.
"Diversity is increasingly important, and this scholarship represents an opportunity to attract students," he said.
As an endowment, Key’s support will provide full, 5-year scholarships to minority students in perpetuity.
Andrew Fishleder, MD, Chairman, Education Institute, also discussed the future impact of scholarship support for today’s promising minority medical students.
"Such support helps make sure we foster diverse perspectives and supports the need for future role models and enhances minority access to care and research," he said.
View photos from this and other events in our photo gallery.