Alumni Donate Cardiac Defibrillators to Alma College
One of four sets of cardiac defibrillators donated by Stephen '80 and Susan Humphries '83 Meyer.The donated defibrillators will be located in Cappaert Gymnasium in the Hogan Physical Education Center, Stone Recreation Center, Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts, and Tyler-VanDusen Campus Center.
"This is an important and greatly appreciated gift on many levels," said Robert Murray, director of planned giving at the College. "Here's something that we hope we’ll never have to use, but if we do, the defibrillators will be readily available to assist anyone suffering a health emergency. It's a wonderful, visionary donation by the Meyers."
The donation is an expression of the fond memories Stephen and Susan Meyer have of their experiences as students at Alma College, said Stephen Meyer, executive vice president for Welch Allyn Inc.
"I am fortunate to be a part of an enterprise that develops and markets medical diagnostics and therapeutic products for health care on the front line," said Stephen Meyer. "Cardiac defibrillators are part of our portfolio. I was able to purchase these devices as a part of a program that we developed for our employees who wish to extend this front line care reach to their own families. I consider Alma College a part of my extended family."
Cardiac defibrillators are used to assist any individual whose heart is not operating properly or has suddenly stopped, often as a result of shock, trauma or cardiac arrest, said Joe Gelina, director of health services at Alma College.
"We will need to do some training on campus, although we already have several individuals who are certified to use the defibrillators, including most of our coaches and athletic training staff," said Gelina, who plans to install the defibrillators in glass cases, much like fire extinguishers, for easy access.
Stephen '80 and Susan Humphries '83 Meyer reside in Skaneateles, N.Y.
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Posted: Thu, December 22nd, 2005 at 11:07AM
