Community
LECOM has never shirked from its time-honored credo: “not for ourselves, but for others.” The magnanimous gift to the Erie County government is yet another example of the integrity of a college true to its motto. LECOM remains an inspiration for all - not only for the purpose of charity during challenging economic times, but for leadership both in public and private life.
The Blasco Library will receive the remaining $150,000 to upgrade computer equipment used by library patrons to access the Internet, to search library catalogs, and to educate children. Additionally, LECOM is funding the creation of the Dr. John M. Ferretti and Dr. Silvia M. Ferretti Family Learning Center. The new area located in the library computer lab will provide early childhood learning computers and software that parents and children can explore together. The LECOM contribution also will allow the library to replace all 34 of its computers in the Internet lab and to transform the online catalog into a user-friendly search engine. “For years, LECOM has contributed to the quality of our community by providing outstanding education programs that focus on the health and safety of our residents,” recognized County Executive Grossman. Previously, LECOM agreed to support educational activities by providing $620,000 over five years to the School District of the City of Erie. Attorney Michael Visnosky, Chairman of the LECOM Board of Trustees, worked on the plan with county officials and he secured approval of the agreement with the Trustees. In a separate arrangement, LECOM will provide
Todd Geers, Erie County Director of Public Safety, demonstrates lap-top computers that will link emergency vehicles directly to the 9-1-1 dispatch center.
$55,000 per year to the City of Erie and help pay for a traffic light near the main campus. “We think it is the proper approach for LECOM to contribute this way,” said Attorney Visnosky. “We try to tailor our projects where they meet our mission.” Thus, the decision was made to promote emergency services and to improve education. LECOM President, Dr. John Ferretti, noted that LECOM has embraced the principal of service from the very inception of the College. LECOM is a cornerstone of the Erie community and as such, the College is committed to assisting the county during these economically challenging times. “The College remains solidly in the vanguard in its duties to serve,” affirmed Dr. Ferretti, “whether as a good corporate citizen, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars in educational and community grants to the city, county, and school district, or as a major sponsor of numerous charitable and cultural events, or most importantly, through the volunteerism of our faculty, staff, and students in donating countless hours to improve the life of the less fortunate and those in need.”
It is exceedingly apt that the Family Learning Center at the Blasco Library will be named in honor of Dr. Silvia Ferretti and Dr. John Ferretti. For they are nothing less than the standard-bearers of exceptional community leadership rooted in service and economic development. They are exemplars of the pledge to family and to an ever-burning lamp of learning. As LECOM celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is a time to reflect upon the many accomplishments that LECOM has achieved in only two short decades. The school has provided untold economic benefit to the Erie community with students and scholars making the Erie county region their home. The presence of a medical college and related health care operations has consistently insulated the Erie region from experiencing “brain drain” – as many LECOM graduates remain within the area to establish thriving practices that treat and care for thousands of its neighbors. LECOM has built the luxurious 31 million Health and Wellness Center and it has developed programs that reach into the most underserved areas of the Erie community. It is – without question – the proud parent of a growing community and one whose foundation of purposeful service has formed the core of all that is LECOM.
july 2012 / lecom connection 25