By Joy Deibert
SUWANEE, Ga. | The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia (PCOM) has received a $1 million gift from Clyde and Sandra Strickland of Lawrenceville, noted philanthropists and entrepreneurs from Gwinnett County, to support doctoral students in the College’s osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs.
The gift marks the largest outright contribution to the United and Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign, is the largest gift to PCOM Georgia during the campaign and, when added to their previous gifts, makes this the largest donor endowed scholarship at the institution across all three locations of PCOM.
PCOM President and CEO Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, says: “We are grateful to the Stricklands for their continued contributions to PCOM Georgia and for their commitment to providing more opportunities for Gwinnett County students to pursue advanced degrees in healthcare. This gift will empower future healthcare leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve academic excellence while limiting financial burdens.”
Five years ago, the Stricklands established the Clyde and Sandra Strickland Endowed Doctoral Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to aspiring doctoral students from Gwinnett County Public Schools who attend PCOM Georgia. Their relationship with PCOM began in 2014 and deepened over the years as they learned more about PCOM Georgia’s programs, faculty, and students. This connection was further strengthened when their granddaughter recently decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant and enrolled as a student at PCOM Georgia.
Five students have been awarded the scholarship, some of whom have received funds over multiple years.
Sandra Strickland says: “Whenever we give, we make sure we ask God. In 1 Timothy 6:18, ‘Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.’ By assisting these aspiring healthcare professionals with tuition expenses, we can help pave a smoother path for them and, hopefully, contribute to a healthier Georgia.”
In recognition of their commitment to PCOM and their philanthropy in support of PCOM Georgia, the Stricklands will be honored with the Ignite Award at the “A Night to Ignite Soiree” on October 24, 2025 at Gas South District.
David McCleskey, a long-time friend of the Stricklands and a member of the PCOM Board of Trustees, says: “Clyde and Sandra’s financial support exemplifies the spirit of giving that is so integral to the growth and success of PCOM Georgia. Their generosity, based on their faith, will not only strengthen our programs and the student experience at PCOM Georgia, but will hopefully also inspire others to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.”
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