BUCOM Building Commemoration & Beam Signing Event

A milestone moment for the Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) was celebrated on June 23, 2023 with the BUCOM building commemoration event and signing of a steel beam to be installed in the BUCOM building. 

Betty Sue McGarvey, Ph.D., R.N., President of Baptist Health Sciences University, welcomed and thanked guests for gathering for an important moment in the BUCOM construction project. McGarvey spoke upon the significance of the building of the College of Osteopathic Medicine to Baptist Health Sciences University and the medical community.

"This is a significant development for our College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the mission and future of the University," says McGarvey.

    

    

  

Jason Little, President and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care, highlighted the importance of the connection between BHSU and Baptist Memorial Health Care, and how that will result in high-quality medical training for osteopathic medical students and greater access to care for Mid-South communities.

"At Baptist, osteopathic medical students will have unparalleled access to medical specialties, providers and training opportunities, putting Baptist at the center of medical excellence for all health care disciplines from nursing to physicians," said Little. 

Peter Bell, Vice-Provost and Dean of Medical Education of BUCOM, introduced the College of Osteopathic Medicine founding faculty and staff, and thanked our building partners, supporters of the BUCOM academic progress, and remarked upon the building features that will soon host our inaugural class of medical students in 2024.

"I am grateful to witness this milestone, and I’d like to express my gratitude to our construction partners and faculty and all they’ve done to help get us to this point. I’d also like to recognize our peers at supporting institutions in the area. Together, we can help increase access to medical care and make the Mid-South healthier," says Bell. 

Chris Harmon, Senior Project Manager for CBRE Healthcare, spoke about the excitement and collaboration with all partners on the BUCOM project. 

The highlight of the event was the commemoration of the BUCOM building. Karen Smith, Director of Faith & Service and Chaplain at Baptist Health Sciences University, presided over placing a Bible in a capsule in the foundation of the BUCOM building with a significant verse highlighted. John 7:38 reads “Whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow within them.”

"Jesus talked a lot about the living waters of life. Jesus is the living water. 'Come to me and you will never thirst again.'  And as we commemorate this building, may we commit to bringing the living waters to all who are touched by these future physicians," says Smith. Once the building is complete, artwork will grace her walls as a gentle reminder of this verse. Smith says, "Today we are placing a Bible with the verse highlighted in the foundation. It is our prayer the living waters of healing will flow abundantly upon those who will study and teach in this building," 

The event ended with a collective signing of a steel beam that will grace the BUCOM building. 

      

BHSU would like to extend a special thank you to our partners in this project; Turner Construction Company, Baker Barrios, Inc., and CBRE Healthcare. 

The BUCOM building is estimated to be completed by the end of 2023.