By Aaron Frey, Coordinator of marketing at Sandburg College
Carl Sandburg College on Tuesday announced the naming of the Graham Health System Science & Technology Center Atrium following a $500,000 commitment by Graham Health System in support of student success.
The announcement was made Tuesday morning with members from Sandburg, Graham Health System and the Galesburg Chamber of Commerce in attendance. The atrium is part of the $27 million Science & Technology Center, which opened last year on the college’s Galesburg campus.
“This atrium — now the Graham Health System Science & Technology Center Atrium — serves as a vibrant and enduring symbol of Graham’s belief in Sandburg’s mission that welcomes students, guests and alumni,” said Eric Johnson, Sandburg vice president of advancement. “It serves as a daily reminder of what is possible when community partners invest in education, workforce development and opportunity.”
Graham’s total commitment came in two parts. The initial portion was a $250,000 pledge in January 2024 to fund the Graham Scholars program, which covers all educational fees for students in select health, career and technical programs encompassed within Graham Health System.
An additional $250,000 commitment made during Tuesday’s announcement will support the Graham Healthcare Scholars program, which is designed to assist students pursuing a nursing or other health professions career.
“This level of commitment reflects a partner that stays engaged and invests strategically in the long-term needs of District 518,” Johnson said. “Graham Health System has consistently supported students’ emergency needs, helped strengthen the nursing program and assisted students as they persist along their career pathways. It leads directly to jobs in our communities and helps strengthen our workforce.”
With its most recent $250,000 contribution, Graham also helped the Sandburg Foundation sail past its goal of raising $350,000 during its Giving Tuesday campaign.
“Your support of our institution is a promise to the future,” Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “It’s a promise to those students who are not yet born, and it is a promise and a belief in the future of our community. It is, as I always say, an act of faith in the future. We are on the cusp of a new age in medicine and a new age in science and technology, and Carl Sandburg is happy to have these facilities here to advance those new adventures in the future.”
Graham Health System provides patient care through its hospital in Canton and 12 medical group clinics across Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough and Peoria counties.
“As a prominent health care provider within the area, we recognize our unique responsibility to support the institutions which prepare future clinicians in our communities,” said Allison Sours, president and COO of Graham Health System. “Through this gift, hundreds of students will have the necessary support and access to high-quality educational resources to ensure their future success.”
Graham Medical Group’s Center for Ambulatory Care on North Seminary Street in Galesburg is slated to open an ambulatory surgery center next year that will support multiple specialties. Eric Rahn, director of Graham Medical Group’s western region, said that expansion will significantly increase Graham’s need for skilled clinical staff, nurses, medical assistants, imaging technicians and other professionals.
“This is why this partnership with Carl Sandburg College is so important,” Rahn said. “You are a phenomenal pipeline to high-quality health care in this region. By investing in Sandburg and its students, we are investing in the future of Graham Medical and strengthening the workforce that will care for our community for the years to come.”
To learn more about how you can contribute to Sandburg, contact the Sandburg Foundation at 309.341.5349 or foundation@sandburg.edu. You can also donate to the Sandburg Foundation at any time at sandburg.edu/givenow.
