Dr. Chiaramonte’s Private Cash Donation Largest Ever in College’s History
Recognized as a community leader and champion of quality healthcare for residents in the state of Maryland, Francis P. Chiaramonte, M.D., FACS, founder of Southern Maryland Hospital Center (SMHC), has contributed $1 million to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Foundation. The gift is the largest private cash donation to the college in its 50-year history.
“Healthcare and education are the pillars of our community’s well-being and I have, therefore, dedicated my life to those values. I am pleased to help the College of Southern Maryland fulfill its vital mission of educating our future workforce,” said Dr. Chiaramonte.
“As an employer of graduates of our nursing and allied health programs, Dr. Chiaramonte has a keen understanding of the important role that colleges play in helping to provide the community with outstanding healthcare. The Southern Maryland Hospital Center and the College of Southern Maryland have worked effectively together for many years, and we are honored that Dr. Chiaramonte has made this generous investment at CSM and in our students,” said CSM President, Dr. Brad Gottfried.
As part of the CSM Foundation’s $5-million “Campaign for the Next 50 Years: Envision the Potential-Make a Difference,” this donation brings the college’s first-ever major gifts campaign to $3.7 million raised in cash and pledges. In addition, the college has been successful in securing $3 million in grants that relate to the campaign initiatives.
“Dr. Chiaramonte has a long history as a community leader, a strong supporter of healthcare education, and a dedicated advocate for quality healthcare services. Through this generous gift to the College of Southern Maryland, Dr. Chiaramonte is providing a legacy that will benefit our students, and ultimately our community and local workforce, well into the future,” said Besche Oil CEO Michael A. Besche, chair of CSM’s “Campaign for the Next 50 Years.”
In recognition of Dr. Chiaramonte’s gift, the newly renovated Science and Technology Building at the La Plata Campus will be named “Francis P. Chiaramonte, M.D. Center for Science and Technology” during a dedication ceremony at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Founded in 1977, SMHC is a 350-bed full service hospital located in Clinton and serving Southern Maryland. Additionally, SMHC operates a state-of-the-art 24-bed subacute unit. In June, SMHC achieved full, three-year accreditation, the highest awarded, from the Joint Commission as a result of its demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission’s nationally recognized healthcare standards. The Subacute Care Center at SMHC also received a three-year accreditation. The hospital cares for more than 65,000 emergency patients and 19,000 admissions each year. For information, visit www.southernmarylandhospital.com/.
CSM, founded in 1958, is the fifth largest community college in Maryland. In its 50-year history, the college has grown to be the centerpiece of Southern Maryland, becoming an integral part of the community it serves with campuses in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and more than 21,000 annual enrollments. From a first graduation class of four in 1960, the college has celebrated more than 15,400 graduates.
The CSM Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization governed by a corporate board of directors. Established in 1970, the mission of the Foundation is to promote academic excellence, growth, progress, and the general welfare of the college. The Foundation raises and manages funds, and provides support to strengthen and develop the college, and its objectives. The Foundation is raising funds through the “Campaign for the Next 50 Years” to support an Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (ISTEM), and a Regional Center for Trades and Transportation; address local nursing and healthcare workforce shortages; focus on educational excellence, and endow a student scholarship fund for access and success. For information, visit www.csmd.edu/foundation or call 301-934-7649.