A major gift is opening the door for future doctors from Hall County.
The Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation has pledged $1.1 million to create the M. Douglas Ivester Scholar at the University of Georgia School of Medicine — the first seven-figure donation under the university’s new scholarship initiative. With matching funds from the UGA Foundation, the commitment grows to $2.2 million, making it the largest scholarship gift in the medical school’s history.
Beginning with the inaugural class, the scholarship will be awarded each year to students from the Ivesters’ hometown of Hall County, helping local students pursue careers in medicine without leaving their roots behind.
“Two of Mr. and Mrs. Ivesters’ great passions, Hall County and the University of Georgia, collided together, creating the opportunity to support UGA’s School of Medicine,” said Lynn Darby, president of the Ivester Foundation. “It seemed like a natural fit for our foundation, and one which we hope provides great paths for those Hall County students who want to become doctors.”
University leaders say the impact will be felt for generations.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Ivester Foundation for their remarkable gift,” said Shelley Nuss, founding dean of the School of Medicine. “Their generosity will impact and empower countless students as they begin their medical education.”
Giving back to their beloved Hall County
The new scholarship builds on the Ivesters’ long record of investing in local students. The family previously contributed more than $1 million to establish 10 Georgia Commitment Scholarships through the Howard E. Ivester Scholarship Fund, providing need-based aid for Hall County students attending UGA.
Their support reaches beyond Athens. The family has funded study-abroad opportunities through the Deer Run Global Fellows program, supported local elementary and high schools, helped construct the Howard E. Ivester Early College, and contributed scholarships at Lanier Technical College.
