Dr. Jim Haven makes it clear: his 30+ year career as an orthopedic surgeon would never have happened if it weren’t for a scholarship.
Alongside wife Jan, Dr. Haven sat down to discuss the impact of generosity on opportunity, the power of a singular focus, and the Haven’s new scholarship, which aims to pay a life-changing opportunity forward to PNWU’s Student Doctors.
Stepping onto the campus of Pacific Northwest University, Dr. Jim Haven nodded proudly. A longtime PNWU supporter, he had spent nearly two decades promoting the growth of the University, from arid dirt-lot dream to a six-program hub for mission fulfillment.
With over 1,300 PNWU graduates now delivering care – just as Dr. Haven had as an orthopedic surgeon in Yakima for over 30 years – his unwavering belief in the potential of PNWU was paying off, and he was eager to extend his immeasurable commitments.
“I was blessed to be in involved in this right from the very get go,” said Dr. Haven, who first learned of plans to develop a health sciences university in Yakima as Board Chair of Yakima Memorial Hospital in 2004. “It’s a blessing to be able to give back today.”
Having witnessed the impact of PNWU’s singular focus on rural and underserved health for nearly two decades – and having cared for the Yakima community for nearly double that – Dr. Haven, alongside wife Jan Haven, established the Dr. Jim and Jan Haven Endowed Scholarship, which supports PNWU College of Osteopathic Medicine students with financial need.
“PNWU students truly go on to help others,” explained Jan Haven, who glowed as she discussed their new scholarship fund. “We’re thrilled to establish something that will help people pursue their dreams of caring for others and making a difference.” If it weren’t for such generosity, she explained, she and Dr. Haven may have never had the opportunity to do just that.
During his first semester of medical school, Dr. Haven came to a heart-wrenching realization: he didn’t have enough money to graduate, let alone finish his first semester. Uncertain of his future, he sat down for lunch in the school’s cafeteria, wondering “what now?” As he lifted his head, the dean of the college sat across from him and listened to his story.
“Usually, a freshman can’t get any kind of scholarships because you must prove yourself,” explained Dr. Haven, “but he said, ‘I have this scholarship that you should apply for.’” Expressing his desires to serve others, he won over the selection committee, and earned the financial support he needed to make it through year one – an achievement few imagined possible he admits. Inspired, his uncle reached out to offer to finance the rest of his medical school education.
“Without the generosity of others, we may never have made it here,” said Jan. “Our community really has something special in PNWU, and now that we’re in a position to give back, we couldn’t imagine doing so at a better place.”
“Being on PNWU’s Scholarship Committee for a number of years, I’ve had the honor of reading the stories of these students,” Dr. Haven explained. “Their commitment to the health of others inspires us, and we’re proud to know that we can offer them a chance to pursue those dreams – to be at home, go to school here, train here, and return here to deliver much-needed care. The impact of PNWU’s singular focus is truly good, and we’re blessed to be able to support it and the amazing students who bring it to life.”