2017 annual report - Florida State University College of Medicine

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
52
MORCOMS ARE LONGTIME FSU SUPPORTERS
Russ and Genie Morcom’s name is emblazoned on Florida
State’s Aquatics Center. It’s woven into the name of an
endowed chair in the Department of Psychology. It’s revered
among the Seminole Boosters, where Russ was chairman for a
rare double term. No one would have thought twice if they had
rested on their FSU laurels and sat on the sidelines awhile.
But they didn’t – and as a result, a number of FSU medical
students each year will get a scholarship boost from the
Morcoms’ latest gift.
It’s called the Morcom Endowment for Excellence, and it’s
designed specifically to assist College of Medicine students
who have a financial need, strong academic and patientcentered
skills, and a commitment to provide primary care.
“Genie and I have followed the growth of the FSU College
of Medicine with great interest for several years,” Russ
said. “Over that time we feel that we have gotten a good
understanding of the college’s mission to address the physician
needs of rural communities. We’re hopeful that this gift will
provide financial assistance for outstanding students whose
career goals enhance that mission.”
Russ earned Florida State bachelor’s and master’s degrees
in engineering science and was an executive with Intersil
Corp., a semiconductor manufacturer with headquarters in
California. Genie never attended FSU, but in Russ’ last year
in grad school they lived in Alumni Village. She graduated
from Tallahassee Community College and later completed
her bachelor’s in elementary education at what is now the
University of Central Florida. After Russ retired, they settled
in Tallahassee and quickly committed to improving FSU’s
academic and athletic programs.
It was actually their family doctor, Sandeep Rahangdale,
who introduced the Morcoms to the College of Medicine and
its mission to serve the underserved. Rahangdale, an internist
who has been on the med school’s faculty since 2003, now
is dean of the Tallahassee Regional Campus. It’s one of six
campuses across the state where College of Medicine students
devote Years 3 and 4 to hands-on clinical instruction.
Rahangdale is something of an evangelist when it comes
to this school. He fervently believes in its mission, and he’s
not bashful about encouraging others to support it. He’s even
been known to match their donation with one of his own.
“This medical school is one of the most innovative in
the country,” Rahangdale said. “Our students are getting
invaluable hands-on experience caring for patients. The
Morcoms saw that immediately, and thanks to their
generosity more of our students will get relief from the burden
of academic debt and be more likely to practice primary care
in Florida. We’re thrilled to have the Morcoms’ support.”
Russ and Genie Morcom