Chattanooga State Community College formally completed the “We have the fever!” health science capital campaign by announcing that the college’s largest fundraising undertaking raised more than $3.03 million, exceedingly its planned goal of $3 million. The campaign also marked an historical milestone for Chattanooga State by generating the largest numbers of charitable contributions the college has ever received.

The “We have the fever!” health science capital campaign complemented a grant award of $28.5 million from the State of Tennessee. All funds-those provided by the State of Tennessee and those raised during the campaign-directly impacted the health science program at Chattanooga State. The signature project was the construction of Chattanooga State’s Health Science Center, the second largest health science educational facility in Tennessee. Chattanooga State anticipates expanding the enrollment capacity for the college’s health science program to more than 1,000 students a year.

Chattanooga State received a major charitable gift from Amedisys Home Health Services to support the college’s “We have the fever!” capital campaign. As an advocate for quality health care education, Amedisys Home Health Services presented Chattanooga State with a $100,000 contribution, which catapulted the capital campaign beyond its goal of $3 million and ensured a successful conclusion to the community-wide endeavor.

Amedisys designated its gift to a scholarship fund that provides financial support to students studying for a career in health care.

Dr. James Catanzaro, president of Chattanooga State, noted the significance of the generosity expressed by Amedisys Home Health Services. “This endorsement from Amedisys propelled the 'We have the fever!' campaign to more than $3.03 million in gifts and pledges. We are profoundly appreciative for this investment in the future of Chattanooga State.”

Jill Cannon, senior vice president of operations for Home Care and Hospice at Amedisys Home Health Services, commented, “Amedisys is honored to be a part of the education and development of nurses and other allied health professionals for the future of health care delivery. Nursing is the core service of home care and the nursing shortage facing our industry is most concerning to us. Chattanooga State offers opportunities for education to people in many of the locations we serve in the Tri-state area. We are excited to be affiliated with Chattanooga State Community College.”

Chattanooga State Foundation Board Chairman, Archie Meyers, Jr., said the pledge made by Amedisys Home Health Services illustrates “the outstanding support we have received from those who understand the need for well-trained healthcare professionals. Grady P. Williams and W. Leonard Fant, general co-chairmen of the campaign, have done an exceptional job for Chattanooga State in reaching out to the community, and we are especially grateful to Amedisys Home Health Services for providing the scholarship support needed to help us exceed our goal.”

Acknowledging the commitment of the campaign volunteers, Dr. Catanzaro, underscored the exceptional leadership provided by W. Leonard Fant and Grady P. Williams, general co-chairmen of the campaign. “Guided by the energy and dedication of Leonard and Grady, the campaign thrived,” said Dr. Catanzaro. “Their commitment to higher education and their talent for engaging the community were the essence of this campaign, ultimately distinguishing “We have the fever!” as the leading and most successful fundraising pursuit in Chattanooga State’s history.”

Joining Mr. Fant and Mr. Williams as volunteers were Archie Meyers, Jr., Roberta Tillery Miles, Vicky B. Gregg, John F. Germ, Harry L. Fields, III, Joseph F. Decosimo, Joseph P. Donnovin, Jr., Edna E. Varner, Robert L. McDowell, C. Duffy Franck, Jr., James L. Brexler, Scott Mattice, Knox Farmer, Katie Bailey, Katye Jones, Jed Mescon, T. Hicks Armor, Thomas A. Caldwell, Herbert G. Adcox, C. Ray Childers, Tom Edd Wilson, Dr. Phyllis Miller, Dr. Bill Rowe, Dr. Mike Leazer, Lois Killebrew, Rhonda Catanzaro, Mark Huth, Mickey Robbins, David Pope, Stephanie Crowe, M.K. Bowen, Maxine B. Alper, Cynthia Nesson, Sandra Lowery, Dr. Larry Miller, Cynthia Rix and Jackie Wynn.

Guiding the appeal that targeted the Chattanooga State family were Dr. Howard Yarbrough, Marilyn Brown and Sandy Townley, all Chattanooga State employees. Other Chattanooga State employees involved in the campaign were Debbie Adams, Linda Bales, Larry Bray, Joyce Campbell, Dr. Angela Everett, Jean Gammon, Yolanda Green, Hennie Gunter, Lucy Hampton, Dr. Bill Johnson, Susan Joseph, Denis Kiely, Sandy Kluttz, Vicky Leather, Dr. Patricia Ochoa, Dr. Merrill Parker, Dr. Mike Ricketts, Susan E. Ruta, George Ryan, Betty Shuff, Kay Thurman, Jim Walker, Dr. Dorothy Weathersby and Anne Marie Wilkins.

For information about the “We have the fever!” capital campaign, contact the Development Office at 697-2656 or contact Tammy Sawyers at 697-3359 or by email at tammy.sawyers@chattanoogastate.edu.