With an event designed to celebrate 75 years of educating health care leaders, the VCU College of Health Professions Health Administration Celebration Dinner delivered a clear message: the program’s enduring success is driven by its people.

^{Relive the magic of VCU Health Administration’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Dinner.}

From one staff member's heartfelt singing to another's captivating saxophone performance, the department organized a gathering with a personal tone – all to share that students, faculty, alumni, supporters and staff have been – and will continue to be – the difference makers behind its national prominence and its vision for the future of health care.

“As we planned this event, we asked ourselves, what would success look like? And we knew the goal was for people to come together, and leave tonight feeling connected, inspired and generous,” said Paula H. Song, Ph.D., Richard M. Bracken Chair and Professor of Health Administration at VCU College of Health Professions. The Health Administration program announced that it is undertaking a $5 million fundraising initiative, a kickoff coinciding with the 75th anniversary celebration. Community members are invited to join the college in making their vision for the future a reality.

^{VCU College of Health Professions Health Administration faculty and program leaders pose outside Altria Theater before the program’s celebration dinner, including Beth Williamson Ayers (front row, fourth from left), director of outreach and professional affairs and recipient of the Honorary Alumna Award, and Paula H. Song, Ph.D. (front row, fifth from left), Richard M. Bracken Chair and professor of Health Administration.}

The dinner, held at the Altria Theater, drew more than 250 attendees, including alumni from across the decades. Among them was a proud representative from the class of 1959, which was a decade that marked a critical turning point for the program as it graduated its first cohorts of health administration professionals. 

“We’re proud to have alumni here from almost every decade, representing all of our degree programs,” Song added.

The evening featured remarks from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., who, as a faculty member in the Health Administration program, emphasized the university’s rise as a top public research institution.

“What happens with our graduates is incredible,” said Rao. “What I see is some of the strongest, most innovative, precipitous, and empathetic – empathic – mission-centered leaders that I find in the world.”

He and Song also welcomed Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., dean of the VCU College of Health Professions, who recently joined VCU from The Ohio State University, where she served as director and vice dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. 

“It’s the alumni at Virginia Commonwealth University, or The Virginia Commonwealth University, that are shaping the health care landscape,” Rao quipped as a nod to Darragh’s former university.

Milestones and contributions for the country’s third ranked health care management program were highlighted throughout the evening. Perhaps the most salient: since its founding in 1949 with just seven students, the Health Administration program has now graduated more than 2,800 health care leaders. 

“The impact that we’ve had across health systems throughout the country, we are so proud of that,” Song said.

Beth Williamson Ayers, director of outreach and professional affairs, received a standing ovation for her contributions to the department as a recipient of the Honorary Alumna Award, which was presented by 1977 graduate Jess Judy. 

Said Ayers, “My dad graduated from our MHA program in 1952. Standing here tonight, 75 years later, reflecting on this incredible history, this department, that all of you – former faculty, current faculty, staff, alumni,  and many more – make this place so special.”

“I think we all realize the tremendous impact this program has had on thousands.”

Michael Elliott, Pharm.D., chief operating officer and Master of Science in Health Administration program graduate who spoke on behalf of Presenting Sponsor VCU Health, reflected on the ongoing relationship with the leading health system. “VCU Health has had a long-standing history of taking VCU students into our administration residency program,” Elliott said. 

He then acknowledged the progress made since its inception, adding, “1949 to 2024, a lot has changed around the world and in our country. I have to tell you, the kaleidoscope of diversity that I see in this room that was likely not possible then, that is now, is an amazing thing.” This commitment to inclusion continues to grow, illustrated by the introduction of the Graduate Certificate in Health Equity. It strives to prepare students to manage the social and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities in the U.S.

A tribute to department leadership included a musical performance by Stephan Davis, D.N.P. Davis played saxophone, while Malorie Burkett, director of communications and marketing, College of Health Professions, was joined by the band “The Sweet Potatoes,” for a stirring rendition of “Rise Up” to celebrate the journeys of current students.

^{Students share their heartfelt gratitude to alumni, faculty, staff and leaders, accompanied by a musical presentation with College of Health Professions staff member Malorie Burkett.}

^{Department leaders have played an integral part in shaping the VCU Department of Health Administration throughout its 75-year history. This special musical tribute, accompanied by Dr. Stephan Davis, was presented during the 75th anniversary celebration.}

In her closing remarks, Song urged attendees to continue to redefine health care. “Our future is bright because of you,” Song said. 

“VCU is setting the standard for the next generation of health care leaders. They will be bold, brave, innovative and compassionate, and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.”

“Together, we are shaping the future of unparalleled success, leadership and innovation.”

View more photos from the 75th Anniversary event on Flickr.

By Dan Carrigan