When Mrs. Ivy V. Parsons Polk, who lives in New York City, first heard about Meharry Medical College and its mission to educate and train health care providers to care for the underserved, she was moved by the College's dedication. She established the Ivy V. Polk Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2007, given annually to medical students who have shown outstanding academic achievement. Several medical students have received the award since its origin.
On April 15, 2015, Mrs. Polk was present at a dedication ceremony in her honor, as she became the first donor to present a naming opportunity to establish the Ivy V. Polk Student Lounge housed in The Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education, Meharry's newest building on campus. The next evening, she was presented with the prestigious Circle of Friends award and it was announced that Mrs. Polk had recently named Meharry as the beneficiary of her estate.
Mrs. Polk says Meharry is a great joy in her life. "There's a special place in my heart for Meharry. I truly love being associated with an organization that is faithful to the fulfillment of their mission."
In the photo above, seated with Ivy V. Polk, center, at the 2015 Circle of Friends Gala are recipients of the Ivy V. Polk Endowed Scholarship Fund: At left, Teethena Cooper, M.D. '09, first recipient of the scholarship, and, at right, Adan Omar, the 2015 recipient and a 2015 graduate of the School of Medicine. Ms. Polk was presented with 2015's prestigious Circle of Friends Award for her significant generosity.
