More than 400 gather to celebrate 50 Years of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

More than 400 guests gathered for the 50th anniversary gala of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Hilton Columbus at Easton.

At one table, medical students quietly debated how best to introduce themselves to a prominent physician they admired. Across the room, another student, visibly starstruck, marveled at the number of accomplished doctors in attendance. Moments like these reflected the spirit of the evening, bringing together generations of physicians while inspiring those just beginning their careers.

The April 25 celebration marked five decades of impact on Ohio and beyond for the Heritage College. 

“We have come together to celebrate fifty years of vision, grit and purpose—fifty years of caring for Ohio and shaping the future of medicine,” said Andrew Eilerman, D.O. (’03), president of the Ohio Osteopathic Association, as he opened the evening.

In remarks to attendees, Kenneth Johnson, D.O., vice president for health affairs and senior strategist for health partnerships at Ohio University, reflected on the college’s enduring legacy and the strength of its alumni network. The college has more than 5,000 graduates.

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“When we sat down to plan the gala, there was a moment of uncertainty. We wondered whether the connections built over five decades would be strong enough to draw our community back together in one room,” said Johnson. “Looking out at this room tonight filled nearly to capacity, we have our answer. We have physicians from nearly every graduating class with us tonight. That kind of representation does not happen by accident—it reflects an enduring bond that our alumni share with the college and with one another.”

Johnson also emphasized the event’s impact on future physicians, noting that scholarship support raised through the gala will help ensure the next generation of students can pursue careers in medicine and serve communities in need.

During the program, the Heritage College Society of Alumni and Friends presented several awards recognizing excellence in medicine and service:

• Alumnus of the Year: Jules Sumkin, D.O. (’80), honored for a career defined by leadership and impact as a nationally recognized authority in breast imaging.
• Distinguished Service Award: Joan McDonough, D.O. (’85), recognized for 35 years of service in internal medicine and contributions to the alumni community. 
• Medal of Merit: Jeffrey Hutchison, D.O. (’86), honored for his leadership directing the Doctors Hospital Ophthalmology Residency Program for 23 years. 
• Honorary Alumni Award: Connie Lawson-Davis, recognized for her impact on mentorship, recruitment and alumni engagement, including her role in founding the Ebony Bobcat Network. 

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Lori Stewart Gonzalez, president of Ohio University, also presented the Phillips Medal of Public Service to the Joe Burrow Foundation. The award, first established in 1976, is the college’s highest honor and recognizes extraordinary service aligned with its mission.

It was accepted by Jimmy Burrow and Robin Burrow on behalf of the foundation, which was recognized for its work addressing food insecurity and mental health through community-centered initiatives.

The gala was supported by 22 sponsors, led by presenting sponsor the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation. Additional major sponsors included Brentwood Foundation, OhioHealth, OrthoAlliance, Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Nationwide Children’s, Kettering Health and Cleveland Clinic Primary Care Institute.

Honorary chair Terri Donlin Huesman, president and CEO of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, joined alumni leaders and a 28-member table host committee in guiding the event. Alumni Gregory Hill (’86), Jeffrey Stanley (’82), and Elizabeth Yoder (’06), were instrumental in planning efforts and encouraging strong alumni participation.

Huesman closed the evening, reflecting on the significance of the milestone and the continued partnership between the Foundation and the college.

“What a wonderful evening this has been,” she said. “We are proud to support this milestone and offer our sincere congratulations on an extraordinary 50 years.”