Xavier University receives $100K gift for new health center

Xavier University has received a $100,000 gift that will go toward construction of the new McGrath Health and Counseling Center, part of their 20-acre Xavier Square project.

The gift comes from the estate of Wilma McGrath, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 90.

McGrath worked as a registered nurse at the center for many years, and her husband, Dr. Edward J. McGrath, worked at the center as a cardiothoracic surgeon.

"Mrs. McGrath ran the health center in a very professional and disciplined manner, but cared a great deal about the students," says Dr. James Konerman, McGrath Health Center medical director.  "Over the last 10 years as I cared for her, she frequently asked about the Health Center. She continued her caring by donating a large amount of money to aid our future improvements."

The McGrath Health and Counseling Center offers primary care and pharmacy services in addition to offering professional psychological and counseling services to the campus community.

In the late 1960s, the Health Center was located on the first floor of the then newly-constructed Kuhlman Hall.

In 1998, the center moved to its current location on Cleneay Avenue.

Xavier Square, a privately-funded partnership between the university and the Corporex Companies, will also include a hotel, student apartments, market-rate housing, a fitness center, and office and retail space when completed in 2010.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Media release