91ÇÑ×Ó

One strategy for retaining and building on the quality is the implementation of a new fund named after the late Charles E. Ruff, the professor who taught biology 1946-1965 and pioneered 91ÇÑ×Ó's reputation for turning out quality health professions graduates.

"Alumni have told me that when Charles Ruff called medical schools to tell them that he had a candidate for their program, they were almost always accepted," said Connie Rasmussen, director of the 91ÇÑ×Ó State Foundation. "91ÇÑ×Ó's health professions program has continued that incredible legacy by turning out successful health professionals year after year."

Rasmussen said the new fund is being initiated to honor not only Ruff, but all of those who have been active in developing 91ÇÑ×Ó's Health Professions Program.

One such visionary is the late Jay Druecker, the 91ÇÑ×Ó professor who was instrumental in starting the Rural Health Opportunities Program at 91ÇÑ×Ó. RHOP is the collaboration between 91ÇÑ×Ó and the University of Nebraska Medical Center which addresses the needs of rural Nebraska by encouraging rural residents to pursue health care careers. If selected to the program, students obtain early admission into participating UNMC colleges upon completion of studies at 91ÇÑ×Ó State.

The story about how 91ÇÑ×Ó is helping meet the high demand for health professionals in Nebraska's small communities is not new. Of course, 91ÇÑ×Ó often attracts students from rural backgrounds in all of its programs, and those students often aspire to have a career in a small-town setting.

A report from the 91ÇÑ×Ó Health Professions Office shows that more than half of students who have completed the Rural Health Opportunities Program at 91ÇÑ×Ó are taking jobs in rural communities after they complete their studies.

In all, 83 students are enrolled in RHOP at 91ÇÑ×Ó, and about 460 more are studying health professions outside of the program. Thirty-seven students were inducted to 91ÇÑ×Ó's RHOP this spring. Of the program's nine disciplines, however, only medical and dental students are guaranteed scholarship assistance.

91ÇÑ×Ó's health professions students outside RHOP also have been highly successful. Statistics show 78 percent of that contingent has been accepted to professional school after completing studies at 91ÇÑ×Ó.

Rasmussen said the Ruff fund will be used largely at the department's discretion, including scholarships, student support, travel and equipment. Perpetual support will be given in the form of an endowment.

Dr. Twila Fickel, the 91ÇÑ×Ó faculty member who directs the health professions program, said that recruiting pressure from other colleges and universities is becoming increasingly intense. Few other institutions, though, have developed a reputation like 91ÇÑ×Ó's, she said. In order to gain financial support, letters are being sent to 91ÇÑ×Ó health professions alumni and community health professionals.

Rasmussen noted that the Ruff endowment isn't the only opportunity for health professions alumni to contribute to the program that was instrumental to their success. She encourages people who wish to contribute financial assistance for the program to contact the 91ÇÑ×Ó State Foundation. Almost 20 funds have been designated for health professions students.