Giving

What started as a crowdfunding project to honor the memory of Susan West Marmagas, who was director of Virginia Tech’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program and an associate professor of practice in the Department of Population Health Sciences, has evolved into an endowment. Marmagas’ brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Deborah West, pledged the difference between what was raised in the campaign and endowment level to create a new permanent scholarship.

The Susan West Marmagas Public Health Endowed Scholarship Fund began as part of a Virginia Tech campaign spearheaded by friends and colleagues to honor the memory of Marmagas, who died on Dec. 23, 2018. The Wests wanted to honor the intention behind the campaign and the dedication and passion of Marmagas, so they created a permanent fund in Marmagas’ memory.

Marmagas was passionate about improving health in rural Appalachian communities while championing her public health students both professionally and personally. The first endowed scholarship in the Department of Population Health Sciences will support underrepresented students in the program. Based on Marmagas’ desire to improve access to public health in Appalachian communities, students who grew up in the region, or are from families in Appalachia, will receive priority for the award each year.

Marmagas’ career focused on engaging health professionals and scientists in strategic discussions with the goal of implementing evidence-based protective public policy. This scholarship will lead to new champions for this important goal.

To maximize support for our public health students, we hope to continue to grow this endowment for years to come. Use the link above to make a gift to the Susan West Marmagas Endowed Public Health Scholarship and become a part of the Public Health Program's mission to protect, improve, and promote population health in Southwest and Southside Virginia, the Commonwealth, Central Appalachia, the Nation and the world by training future public health leaders through learning, discovery, and engagement in public health.

The Department of Population Health Sciences, in partnership with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, offers the Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate program.

The MPH program is grounded in an interdisciplinary “One Health” approach, which recognizes the dynamic interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.

Your support will help this program grow and excel.