Launch of HCAA Annual Campaign

This Fall, Trinity University’s Health Care Alumni Association and the Health Care Administration Department launched its first-ever campaign for ongoing and annual financial contributions to the Health Care Administration Program. We need your help in making this campaign a success.

As you may know, the program celebrated its 50th Anniversary in grand style last October. A gala held at the San Antonio Country Club attracted over 250 participants and generated more than $180,000 in donations that will go toward scholarships and other investments to keep our program strong. This spectacular event celebrated decades of significant contributions to the health care industry.

During the event, Chuck Spicer ‘95,FACHE, President and CEO of OU Medical System, summarized his feelings about the HCAD program. He stated that while there is loyalty owed to his undergraduate program for all the obvious reasons, he owes his career to Trinity University’s program in Health Care Administration. If we were to take a poll of the over 1,800 graduates from our program, it’s a safe bet that over 95% would agree whole-heartedly with Chuck’s sentiment. There is a value to our degree that is largely immeasurable but highly influential. The value is tied to brand, reputation, and the general market recognition that our program churns out exceptional leaders and has been doing so consistently for decades. The value is reinforced by incredible leadership at the department level that consistently raises the bar in student selection, curriculum development, and the ability to prepare residents to be significant contributors as early careerists. 

So why do we need an Annual Campaign for consistent and ongoing financial contributions? While the program receives core support from the University, a significant portion of the extra activities that have helped distinguish our program and promote its visibility have relied on alumni contributions and department fundraising. These extras include sending students to the ACHE annual meeting, student participation in national case competitions and related events. With the department’s capital campaign complete and alumni dues suspended, we are shifting our focus to an Annual Campaign that will enable us to both continue and build upon our great tradition of support that separates our program from all the rest.

The Annual Campaign is tied to the Trinity fiscal year which starts June 1 and goes through the end of the following May. Our initial emphasis will be on participation, and the goal for this first year is 30% participation from our alumni. As this effort unfolds, we are as much interested in the percentage of alumni making donations as the actual dollar amount. Any level of contribution will be appreciated. Our intent is to also promote engagement so that more of our alumni can feel connected to our program, help educate the next generation of health care executives, and make tangible steps to promote the value of their academic credential for both current and future alumni.

An outstanding group of alumni have agreed to serve on the Annual Campaign Steering Committee:

Kevin Ormand ’98, Past President of the HCAD Alumni Association, and Professor Mary Stefl are serving as Campaign Co-Chairs.

All of us have an interest in keeping Trinity one of the top health care administration programs in the country. Please consider donating today, which can be done via this link. After you enter a gift amount, select “give to an area of my choice” and then “Health Care Administration” to ensure your donation goes to the appropriate account.

Any questions or comments can be addressed to Kevin (kormand@chartis.com) or Mary (mstefl@trinity.edu).