Guests of MBKU’s fifth annual gala enjoyed a night of Hollywood-themed glamour, big band fun and philanthropic giving in support of the university’s mission to educate caring, inspired health care professionals who are prepared to deliver collaborative, patient-centric health care in an interprofessional environment.
“MBKU’s gala brought together nearly three hundred health care industry leaders and philanthropists from across Orange County and beyond to celebrate individual, corporate and organizational efforts that make our community better and improve lives,” said University President Kevin Alexander, O.D., Ph.D. “As the university continues to grow with our newest building in Anaheim, Ketchum Health, and the addition of our planned College of Pharmacy, it’s great to see the Orange County community help us achieve our mission through direct support of our university.”
Guests arriving at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library walked up a red carpet and into the main foyer where they were welcomed by MBKU students and staff. They had the opportunity to place bids on over 80 silent auction items. MBKU’s students greeted guests into the “technology room” where they could learn more about how to help fund forward the purchase of new equipment that will play instrumental roles in the interprofessional curriculum at MBKU.
The gala raised funds for an Anatomage Table, the most technologically advanced anatomy visualization system for anatomy education and Eyesi Direct and Eyesi Indirect Ophthalmoscope Simulators which will help MBKU students learn essential diagnostic skills through the use of virtual technology. Erin Tomiyama, MBKU Student Association President exclaimed, “I’m excited for this new equipment to arrive and to learn alongside the PA students, and soon, pharmacy students. I believe that this will really enhance the interprofessional learning already taking place on campus.”
The gala also featured the fifth annual V-Awards, which recognized pharmaceutical leader Alcon, a Novartis company, Richard D. Jones, J.D. & Family and Blind Children’s Learning Center for their many contributions to community health, wellness and well-being.
“The V-Award has become one of MBKU’s most prestigious awards for charitable and volunteer service benefiting the greater community,” said Paul Stover, M.Ed., Vice President for University Advancement. “The Vita (Latin for life or a way of life) Award, or V-Award, symbolizes the impact that our honorees have on their fellow humankind, doing good work and showing compassion and support for others.”
The evening concluded with dancing and merriment as guests celebrated a successful evening of fundraising in support of the university.