Oristano Center for Innovation in Health Sciences
A Family Legacy of Giving
Joan and Victor Oristano lived a lifelong commitment of giving to those in need. On February 9th, their legacy was again recognized with the unveiling of the newly named Oristano Center for Innovation in Health Sciences at Palm Beach State’s Palm Beach Gardens campus.
The Center uses cutting-edge medical technology to train students for careers in nursing, sonography, ophthalmology and more, providing a sustainable pipeline of highly qualified medical professionals to the community.
The naming comes with the Joan and Victor Oristano Endowed Scholarship, continuing the family’s legacy of philanthropy with a $1.7 million gift to the Foundation for Palm Beach State, with $60,000 toward scholarships. Martha Sabugo, a PBSC nursing student, is the first recipient of the Oristano Scholarship, awarded in the Fall 2022.
Students pursuing degrees or certificates in health sciences are eligible to benefit from the Oristano scholarship, with each recipient receiving up to $12,000 per academic year. The Oristano Endowed Scholarship gives these young people opportunities to follow academic and professional paths that make a difference not only in their lives but also for anyone who calls Palm Beach County home.
David Rutherford, CEO of the Foundation for PBSC, has been instrumental in securing funding and resources that serve the healthcare mission of the College’s Health Sciences program. “The well-being of this community and all who live here is at the heart of what we do.”
The event celebrates not only the Oristano name but also the Oristano legacy. Michael Oristano, son of Joan and Victor, recalls his father’s commitment to community. “My father would be over the moon with all of this, seeing his name on this building dedicated to innovative healthcare. He was a visionary and a champion for community health, for which he was quite passionate. It’s the Oristano name, but it’s his legacy.”
President Ava Parker expressed heartfelt gratitude for more than a generous gift. “With those who care enough to give, we are blessed when someone with a philanthropic heart chooses us and believes in what we do. The Oristano gift to Palm Beach State will live far beyond any of us, benefiting students of future generations.” In fact, 80% of Palm Beach State graduates remain in Palm Beach County, serving this community in a variety of fields, including healthcare.
Ed Willey, Dean of Health Sciences, offered a strong message about the significance of a Palm Beach State College education. “Many of us throughout Palm Beach County have been treated by Palm Beach State graduates, today’s healthcare professionals. Caring for neonates to geriatric patients, our graduates are personally tending to our essential needs,” reminding us that in the College’s 90th year a Palm Beach State experience is more than history or academics or a degree; it’s personal.
Naming the Oristano Center for Innovation in Health Sciences comes during a year of extraordinary milestones in the life of the College. The vision, trust and generosity of the Oristano family are a testament to what Palm Beach State is doing for this community, not only giving back but also building forward.
