Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts marked global *Giving Tuesday 2021 by giving to those closest to home. On Tuesday, November 30, the institution awarded Microsoft Surface tablets to more than 127 deserving students institution-wide. Recognizing the impact of COVID-19 and a shift toward distance education, Gurnick Academy acknowledged the situations many students face finding the resources to continue their education.
Students and faculty from each campus were afforded the privilege to nominate one student facing financial hardships or other obstacles, affording the technology to continue their online coursework. Nominators submitted students’ names and statements about why students deserved to receive a tablet.
In all, there were more than 278 nominations with 127 names. The Corporate Office announced the lucky recipients on Tuesday, November 30, and staff at their respective campuses distributed the tablets over the next several days.
“We were not convinced that it would turn out to be such a success,” said Zara J. Gourji, Gurnick Academy’s Chief Process Officer of the initiative. “Gurnick’s favorite season has always been winter, and in this spirit of the holidays, we wanted to help our students with something that’s both practical and useful for learning,” continued Gourji. “When we received the nominations, we were thrilled and excited that many students would benefit tremendously from this event.”
“We are constantly looking for unique ways to support our students. At the same time, we recognized excellent contributors inside our school and thoughtful ambassadors for Gurnick in the healthcare community,” said Burke Malin, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Chief Operating Officer.
“Gurnick Academy believes in giving back to the communities it serves,” said Danielle Palengat, the organizer for the effort and the Academy’s Corporate Registrar and Student Services Manager. “Our students are the heart of our community, and we want to ensure they’re always set up for success.”
There were multiple deserving nominees, and many worthy individuals rose to the top. Andrea Frias, an RNBSN student from the Concord campus, was repeatedly mentioned as a candidate. One commented, “I have worked with Andrea for several years, and I am confident she will be a wonderful nurse. I have watched her manage work and home life while studying incredibly hard to learn everything she can. Andrea gives so much of herself to her friends and family, and she deserves to get something for herself.”
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*Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement.
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Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private, post-secondary school offering quality allied health and nursing programs on campuses within California.
