Kansas City University Receives Generous Scholarship Honoring Alumna Capt. Rebecca deVillers

A Landmark Scholarship for Future Osteopathic Leaders

In a commendable gesture of recognition and support, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation has established a remarkable $500,000 endowed scholarship at Kansas City University (KCU), honoring its distinguished alumna, Capt. Rebecca deVillers, MC, USN, DO. This generous scholarship is a tribute to deVillers' exceptional career and ongoing commitment to the osteopathic medical field, particularly reflecting her recent accolade of the prestigious Star Spangled Medallion from the KCU Alumni Association.

The Foundation's scholarship aims to serve as an impactful resource for future osteopathic medical students navigating their educational journeys. The creation of this fund aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Foundation, which seeks to elevate health and well-being through dedicated education and service. According to Terri Donlin Huesman, president and CEO of the Foundation, "We are pleased to recognize Dr. deVillers' years of service, leadership, and commitment to osteopathic medicine and community health with this endowed scholarship."

The fund is designed with broad eligibility criteria, ensuring that various types of KCU osteopathic students can benefit from it. This flexibility is particularly important, as it allows for support to those facing diverse challenges or opportunities. Capt. deVillers expressed her gratitude by stating, "Being an osteopathic physician has been one of the greatest blessings of my life." Her aim for the scholarship is to extend the doors of medical education and opportunity to future physicians.

In a remarkable show of commitment, deVillers has also personally contributed $25,000 to the scholarship fund, pushing the total amount to a whopping $550,000. "If this gift helps even one student focus more on learning and less on financial stress, then it’s worth it," she remarked, emphasizing how pivotal her education at KCU has been in her life and career.

KCU President and CEO Marc B. Hahn, DO, echoed deVillers' sentiments, stressing the significance of the scholarship for future generations of osteopathic medical students. He praised both the Foundation and deVillers for their visionary approach, stating that this scholarship not only honors a celebrated career but also extends an important legacy into the future of osteopathic care.

Capt. Rebecca deVillers is not only a retired, board-certified family medicine physician, but she also boasts an impressive background that spans decades. After graduating from the KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1976, she began her illustrious career as a naval flight surgeon and eventually retired as a captain in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Navy in 2006. Following her military service, she continued her medical education at Doctors Hospital and spent nearly forty years in private practice across various regions in Ohio. Before her recent retirement, she actively contributed to physician leadership within OhioHealth’s southeastern Ohio markets.

Apart from her extensive clinical work, deVillers has played an influential role in leadership positions at the OhioHealth Doctors Hospital medical staff and engaged with health-related boards at state and county levels. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation since 2012, she has championed the foundation’s mission and vision.

The establishment of this scholarship highlights the enduring impact of the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, which is committed to enhancing community health and well-being through education and strategic funding initiatives. The Foundation’s mission integrates values of service and compassion into the educational framework, preparing the next generation of physicians for the varied and complex challenges of modern healthcare.

KCU itself has a long-standing tradition of producing quality healthcare professionals. Founded in 1916, it serves as a significant hub for health sciences education with accredited programs in Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences, and Dental Medicine. With a reputation for excellence, KCU leads the nation in graduating physicians who practice in primary care within underserved communities and rural areas across Missouri.

As future KCU osteopathic students benefit from this newly established scholarship, they will not only receive financial assistance but can also draw inspiration from Capt. deVillers’ remarkable journey and commitment to the values of osteopathic medicine. With this philanthropic investment, the foundation further solidifies its role as a catalyst for positive change within the realm of medical education and community health.