How to Give

Overview

One goal of the Society of Smith Scholars is increasing scholarship funds for medical students. In 1952 when the scholarship started the average cost of medical school for a year was around $1,000, including room and board. Today it is around $40,000, including living expenses. In-state tuition in Virginia is $28,000 and up.

In 1952 most Smith scholarships averaged close to $1,000 a student. For most recipients, they covered the cost of medical school. Today, the average award for students is $5,474 a year. Scholarships continue to be renewable for up to four years of medical study.

There are many ways you can financially help enhance the legacy of Florence L. Smith:

• Donate to the Florence L. Smith Medical Scholarship Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Gifts of all sizes are welcome.
   

• Arrange for a future legacy gift to the Smith Scholarship Fund through your will or trust.
   

• Create your own scholarship fund through the Foundation – this option lets you support medical and other scholarship interests.

Please contact Nan C. Edgerton, vice president of development at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to discuss giving options that may work best for you.

Megan Shandelson, a Smith Scholar in the VCU School of Medicine Class of 2011 writes:

“I am honored to be named as a recipient of the Florence L. Smith Medical Scholarship. As I rely on financial aid to finance my education, this scholarship will assist me in my future education and career. As you may know, medical students may feel pressured to enter certain fields following medical school to pay back their accumulated student loans. Scholarships such as (this) allow me to think freely about my future as a physician. It is a gift that will continue to help me throughout my career. Thank you.”