Wayne D. Bottom Giving Society

The Legacy of Wayne D. Bottom

Wayne D. Bottom. Photo by Mindy C. MillerWayne D. Bottom dedicated more than 40 years to advancing the physician assistant profession. As retired associate dean and director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies in the University of Florida College of Medicine, he left behind a legacy that will impact faculty, staff, students and patients for years to come. In 1996, he directed the program’s upgrade to one that offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies, or MPAS, degree and helped double enrollment of physician assistant students. In addition, he spearheaded efforts to recognize the PA program as a school — granting the PA director the same rights and privileges as other chairs in the College of Medicine. He was responsible for several milestones in the evolution of the School of PA Studies, serving as an advocate, educator and beloved mentor.

What is the Wayne D. Bottom Society?

The Wayne D. Bottom Society was established to honor a leader in the PA field and to recognize those who generously give to the School of Physician Assistant Studies. Alumni, friends, faculty and staff may join the Wayne D. Bottom Society with a gift at the Lifetime, Gold or Silver level.

“I believe this is a way for me to give back to my school, which has enabled me to be successful in my career. My donation can help do the same for future physician assistants while honoring Wayne’s contributions to our profession.” — Ralph W. Rice, BHSPA ’91, DHSc, PA-C

Opportunities for Membership

A pledge of $25,000 in your estate plan (Lifetime), $5,000 payable over five years (Gold level) or $2,500 payable over five years (Silver level) to any of the funds listed below qualifies you for membership:

Wayne D. Bottom Physician Assistant Scholarship Fund

The Wayne D. Bottom Physician Assistant Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 by several donors to support promising scholars in our program. Contributions to scholarships not only create a lasting source of funding to meet the needs of students who might not otherwise make it to our door, but they also reward current students for academic excellence and achievement. Support of this scholarship will impact PA students for generations to come.

PA Alumni Fund

The PA Alumni Fund was established to increase awareness and connections among the alumni base and PA professionals. Contributions support alumni networking events, national- and state-level conference sponsorships, and continuing medical education opportunities. This fund not only helps us preserve our relationship with current and future PA graduates but also helps us gain traction within the larger UF community.

Medical Education Building Construction Fund

The George T. Harrell, MD, Medical Education Building brings under one roof the School of Physician Assistant Studies’ teaching areas, lecture halls and administrative offices to create a more cohesive, efficient learning environment. Housing circular learning studios with advanced technology to accommodate team-based learning, two floors dedicated to simulation education and a cutting-edge experiential learning theater to highlight real-life scenarios, the facility further distinguishes our program as a leader in innovative teaching techniques.

Levels of Membership

Silver:

  • $2,500 that may be pledged over five years to designated funds

Gold:

  • $5,000 that may be pledged over five years to designated funds

Lifetime:

  • $25,000 or more commitment to designated funds in your estate plan
  • Accepted gifts include: cash, securities, property, a documented bequest or a life insurance policy. A planned gift to the Wayne D. Bottom Society offers estate tax charitable deduction, helps lessen the burden of taxes on your loved ones and leaves a lasting legacy.

*All levels of membership qualify for an invitation to the annual Wayne D. Bottom Society dinner.

Gifts for membership in the School of Physician Assistant Studies Wayne D. Bottom Society are made through the University of Florida Foundation, Inc. The foundation is the university’s principal nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization and is responsible for receiving, administering and investing all private support for the University of Florida.

Gifts to the University of Florida are tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. Representatives of the School of Physician Assistant Studies and the UF Foundation will be happy to discuss the advantage of these gifts under current tax laws.

Why Join?

Your gift helps the School of Physician Assistant Studies continue to build on Mr. Bottom’s legacy of evolving PA practice and study. External support boosts the school’s ability to recruit top students, purchase the latest equipment and offer a patient-centered, innovative curriculum. It is this private funding that elevates an adequate education to an exceptional one and ensures that current and future PA students continue to excel.

“I give in honor of Wayne’s work for the physician assistant program and profession — also in appreciation to the program for the many opportunities afforded to me. Being a family of three PA program alumni, I am especially grateful to the University of Florida for its gift to us.” — Brian Palmer, BSMD ’79

 

“I have always appreciated and never taken for granted the opportunities that being a physician assistant have given me throughout my career, thanks to the UF PA program and its excellent faculty. It’s a real pleasure and privilege to give back to the PA School that gave me so much.” — John Byrnes, BSMD ’79

For more information, contact:

University of Florida College of Medicine
Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
P.O. Box 100243
Gainesville, FL 32610-0243
352-273-7986