Middleton scholar is dedicated to paying it forward

When Kethelyne Beauvais learned she received the Dorothy Middleton Memorial Scholarship at EVMS, she was working at her job in a physician’s office. “I was so excited that he gave me the day off,” she says.

Now a first-year medical student, Ms. Beauvais is grateful that EVMS’ only full-tuition MD scholarship means she can work toward her dream of being a family-medicine physician without incurring overwhelming debt.

“It’s more than financial aid,” she says. “I think it’s a legacy of paying it forward because I, too, want to give back to the community one day and help others fulfill their dreams even when they face adversity. Finances can make or break whether someone can attend medical school.”

Born in Haiti, Ms. Beauvais grew up in Northern Virginia and received a full scholarship to Randolph-Macon College, where she earned dual degrees in biology and French. While an undergraduate, she returned to Haiti to do volunteer work. “When I was volunteering at the free clinic,” she remembers, “I noticed the powerful impact that doctors have, not just on health but in the community.”

EVMS was a good fit for her, she says, because of its focus on community service. “As physicians, we have to be part of the community and understand people’s needs and struggles, and I really appreciate that about EVMS.”

Becoming a physician combined both of her passions: helping people and learning about the biology of the human body. But it’s a career she might not have been able to pursue without a scholarship.

The Middleton Scholarship, first awarded in 2011, is funded by an endowment bequeathed by the late Dorothy M. Middleton of Norfolk. It is EVMS’ only full in-state tuition scholarship and is awarded annually to one EVMS medical student from Virginia, based on academic excellence and financial need.

“It’s people like Dorothy Middleton who’ve helped me get one step closer to fulfilling my dreams,” Ms. Beauvais says. “Although I’ve worked hard, there are certain things that are not attainable without a little bit of help from those who came before us. I’m so thankful for that. I hope to continue Mrs. Middleton’s legacy and do her proud by giving back to my community.”

Fine family establishes first professorship in otolaryngology

Brothers Andrew and Morris Fine are longtime community leaders who have led or served on on the boards of some of Hampton Roads’ best-known nonprofits. Yet EVMS holds the biggest place in their hearts.

“EVMS is the highest philanthropic priority in our family,” Andrew Fine says. “I can’t think of a better philanthropic investment."

Andrew Fine served on the EVMS Board of Visitors from 1991 to 2007 and served as Board Rector from 1994 to 1996. Then the EVMS Foundation Board of Trustees selected him to join their ranks in 2008; he now serves as Board Secretary.

That ongoing dedication is why Andrew and Morris Fine, in conjunction with the Fine Family Fund at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, just established the Fine Family Professorship in Otolaryngology, the first academic honor created in EVMS Otolaryngology.

Endowed chairs and professorships ensure that EVMS is able to attract and retain faculty leaders. These academic honors are created to recognize faculty members for their achievements and provide support and encouragement for their continued accomplishments.

An EVMS faculty member will be appointed to the Fine Family Professorship next year.

EVMS has a huge concentration of intellectual capital,” Mr. Fine says, “and it provides a major economic benefit to the region. It’s been very satisfying to see it grow.”

When it comes to philanthropy, Liberty Tax Service has devised a simple plan: You give, they give.

Starting March 1, for every gift made to the EVMS Fund, Liberty Tax is giving $100 up to $50,000. The challenge continues through April 15, 2016. In 2014 and 2015, Liberty Tax issued similar fundraising challenges.

“Liberty Tax Service is honored to be part of the EVMS fundraising opportunity,” says Martha O’Gorman, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Over the past two years, we have been very impressed with the level of donor participation for our challenge. We are happy to participate again in 2016 because EVMS provides an important resource to our community.”

Businesses that partner with EVMS on a fund drive benefit by being recognized as good corporate citizens for supporting an important community asset. If your business would like to elevate giving at EVMS, please call EVMS Development at 757.965.8500.

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