The long-standing tradition of giving to Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) began in 1919 with philanthropist Moses Taylor Pyne’s donation of a farmhouse and nine-acre site that served as Princeton’s first hospital.
Throughout PHCS’s history, donor displays have captured the rich history of giving that has been so vital to our success. In an effort to preserve the record of philanthropic support represented by those plaques, stunning new history and memorial donor walls were installed at the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) to honor all individuals and families previously acknowledged on a plaque at University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP).
Recognizing that each original plaque at PHCS was of personal significance, the PHCS Foundation contacted as many donors as could be located to offer their return. The remaining plaques will be fused together into a single art piece to be displayed at UMCPP, symbolizing the united history and future of PHCS.
Upon the return of his UMCP donor plaque, longtime Princeton resident Martin Chooljian remarked, “The plaque was first installed at the old hospital in 1991. It means a great deal to my wife, Helen, and me to have such a fond memory returned to us, to serve as a constant reminder of our long relationship with Princeton HealthCare.”
Looking to further this relationship and support PHCS in the years to come, Mr. and Mrs. Chooljian recently made a generous gift to the Design for Healing campaign. Visiting the new hospital soon after it opened, the Chooljians were thrilled with their experience. Mr. Chooljian commented, “Helen and I were there just 10 days after the move. The drive over was smooth, parking was easily accessible, and the staff and volunteers were terrific in directing us where we needed to go. It feels great to be a supporter.”
PHCS relies on community members and leadership donors such as the Chooljians to lay the foundation for growth. Building on the strong tradition of giving and bolstered by ongoing support from area residents, we will be able to continue to provide the highest quality health care for our region for generations to come.
Pictured above, left to right: Edward E. Matthews, PHCS Foundation Board of Directors, Martin Chooljian, Donor, and Tim Mathiasen, Sr. Director of Development, PHCS Foundation
Article as seen in Foundation News Fall 2012.