Mary Washington Healthcare Recipient of Virginia Community College Systems 2025 Chancellor’s Award by Germanna Educational Foundation

Fredericksburg, VA (April 15, 2025) – Mary Washington Healthcare is proud to announce its nomination for the prestigious 19^th Annual Award for Leadership in Philanthropy by the Germanna Educational Foundation. This recognition underscores MWHC’s ongoing commitment to bridging education and healthcare, enhancing community health, and supporting student success at Germanna Community College.

For many years, MWHC has been a steadfast supporter of Germanna in strengthening its nursing programs and expanding educational opportunities. MWHC’s advocacy for healthcare education has helped develop skilled professionals and significantly contributed to the local healthcare workforce; positively impacting the entire community.

“As a growing healthcare system, we are deeply committed to connecting education with clinical practice, investing in student success, improving learning environments, and expanding healthcare services,” said Christopher Newman, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare. “This recognition is an honor for us, and we remain dedicated to supporting Germanna students and the broader community.”

MWHC made significant financial contributions to Germanna’s Stafford County Center, a 74,000 square-foot complex designed to address pressing workforce needs in healthcare, cybersecurity, and information technology. MWHC funded essential building renovations and aided in purchasing equipment for classrooms, labs, and the Dr. Patti Lisk Virtual Hospital. These contributions have helped create state-of-the-art learning spaces, enhancing educational experiences for students and preparing them for successful careers in healthcare.

“Mary Washington Healthcare has championed Germanna's mission, expanding career pathways for future healthcare professionals and improving healthcare access across the region—most recently through their financial contribution to Germanna's Stafford County Center. Their actions exemplify philanthropic leadership, making them more than deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Dr. Janet Gullickson, President of Germanna Community College.

One of the key ways MWHC has supported Germanna is through its partnership with the Earn While You Learn program. This innovative initiative offers nursing students the opportunity to gain practical experience while earning an income. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, this program allows students to transition smoothly from their educational studies to professional practice. MWHC's investment in this initiative has been critical in strengthening the local healthcare workforce while helping students achieve their educational and career goals.

Recognizing the importance of maternal and infant health, MWHC has also supported the expansion of Germanna’s Doula Program, which launched in August 2024. This program trains doulas to provide vital support to expectant mothers, enhancing birth experiences and improving outcomes for families.

Dr. Gullickson continues to say, “For these reasons and more, Mary Washington Healthcare is an outstanding candidate for the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. Its dedication to bridging education and practice, investing in student success, enhancing learning facilities, and expanding healthcare services exemplifies true leadership in philanthropy.”

Each year, the Virginia Community College System honors one recipient from each of the state’s twenty-three community colleges for its outstanding contributions. These honorees are recognized at a special event in Richmond, attended by the Chancellor and other dignitaries. In honor of MWHC’s contributions, a scholarship will be established in its name to support a local student pursuing healthcare education.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.

About Germanna Community College

Established in 1970 as part of the Virginia Community College System, we are a comprehensive community college providing quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford and for online learners everywhere.