Maverick Field Becomes Community Hospital Unity Field After a Million Dollar Gift to the Health Sciences
On a sunny Sunday in early November, CMU student-athletes and health science majors had something to celebrate: The gift of community. Thanks to Community Hospital and their generous $1 million contribution, soccer and lacrosse fans now get to cheer on the Mavericks at Community Hospital Unity Field, while students in the physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs (PA/PT/OT) will soon have a place all their own.
The gift will help with building the St. Mary’s Medical Education Center, which is currently in the finishing stages of construction, and will house the PA/PT/OT graduate and doctoral health sciences programs. The education center will further build symmetry between the disciplines and enable unique inter-disciplinary opportunities while providing the space and resources needed to train the region’s future healthcare practitioners.
“In partnership with Community Hospital, we’re meeting the needs of the healthcare industry by working together to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s healthcare leaders,” said Colorado Mesa University Vice President of Development and Foundation CEO Robin Brown. “Now when you go to a soccer or lacrosse game, you’ll be reminded of that.”
"We see it as an investment, not a donation," said Chris Thomas, president and chief executive officer for Community Hospital. “Our contribution to help support the new PA/PT/OT program is an investment in the education of individuals looking to go into the healthcare field. Western Colorado has a growing need for healthcare professionals and Community Hospital is proud to be a part of this endeavor.”
Aside from a much-needed building, Community Hospital’s investment further positions CMU as a university leading in health education, which is important when it comes to meeting the healthcare needs of rural America and western Colorado.
“With the support of our community partners, we’re fixing problems in our own backyard,” said President John Marshall. “This new facility will help us educate and train qualified physician assistants, occupational therapists and physical therapists to meet the needs of the region.”
On Nov. 7, Community Hospital joined President Marshall, PA students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, the Maverick Stampede, CMU's mascot Rowdy and other community partners at the Community Hospital Unity Field unveiling on campus; and on November 13, the Colorado Mesa men's soccer team was the first to capture a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament title on the newly named Community Hospital Unity Field.
“Serving western Colorado and the people who live here is what these partnerships are all about. We’re fortunate to have the support of Community Hospital and are excited to watch our student-athletes compete on the new Community Hospital Unity Field,” said Marshall.
The St. Mary’s Medical Education Center was made possible by Community Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and the City of Grand Junction.