PA Gala celebrates Class of ‘15, announces scholarship

Campbell University's Physician Assistant program recently hosted its annual PA Winter Gala at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, bringing together alumni, students, faculty and supporters for an evening of celebration, reflection and giving.

This year's gala honored the PA Class of 2015, recognizing their contributions to the profession and continued engagement with the program.

The event was led by PA program alumnus and assistant professor, James Hampson ('20 MPAP), who oversaw event planning and coordination. "Planning this year's PA Winter Gala was particularly meaningful," said Hampson. "Seeing students, alumni, preceptors, and other program supporters celebrating the accomplishments of the PA program that played such an important role in my life reinforced the sense of community and shared purpose that continues to define Campbell PA."

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A highlight of the evening was the student-led silent auction, organized by MacKenzie Larsen, a student leader in the Wallace Student Society, alongside fellow student Zoë Janicki, which raised funds in support of PA program initiatives. The auction showcased the leadership and dedication of current students in giving back to their program community.

The gala was made possible through the generous support of event sponsors CommWell Health and WakeMed, whose partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare education and access across North Carolina.

The program featured remarks from Heatherly Smith ('15 MPAP, BS), a member of the PA Class of 2015, who served as the alumni speaker and reflected on the impact of the program on her professional journey. Mary Beth Dobbins, a current PA student in the class of 2026, delivered the student address, offering insight into the experiences of today's learners and the importance of alumni support.

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The PA Winter Gala is the program's annual fundraiser in support of the PA Alumni Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to PA students each year. While the endowment reached its initial funding goal of $25,000 following Giving Day 2024, boosted by a matching gift challenge from PA alumna Julia Niemi ('23 DHSc, '17 MPAP/MSPH), continued contributions allow the scholarship to grow by increasing annual award amounts and expanding support to multiple students. Proceeds from this year's gala further strengthened the scholarship's long-term impact.

During the evening, the Jessica Schavone PA Memorial Endowed Scholarship was formally announced. The scholarship was established by her husband, Nick Schavone, their family and friends to honor the memory and legacy of Jessica Schavone ('21 MPAP) and will support future PA students pursuing their calling in healthcare. Attendees were invited to contribute, and donations to the scholarship remain open for those who wish to support PA students through this meaningful fund.

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The PA Winter Gala continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the program, strengthening connections between alumni and students while celebrating excellence in physician assistant education.

Those interested in donating to the Jessica Schavone PA Memorial Endowed Scholarship are encouraged to do so to help support future generations of PA students.

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