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Olathe Icon Frank H. Devocelle CEO Olathe Health Systems to be Honored at MNU Gala April 11

OLATHE, KAN, -- The President's Honors Gala, MNU's premier annual fundraising event to benefit student scholarships, is set for April 11, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in Cook Center on MNU’s Olathe Campus. In its first two years, generous donors contributed more than $750,000 through sponsorships, auction purchases and attendance. This year’s event is projected to raise an additional $500,000 for scholarship purposes.

The event features an elegant dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment and celebrations of generosity that directly impact students’ education. This year’s honorees include Olathe icon Frank H. Devocelle, president and CEO of Olathe Health System, Inc., who will receive MNU’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

During his more than 40 years of service at Olathe Health System, Devocelle has led the growth of the small community hospital to become a comprehensive regional health system serving five counties with two medical centers, 35 clinics, 325 physicians and more than 2,500 employees.

As Olathe Health System CEO, Devocelle has demonstrated strong support to the university throughout the years. More than $1 million has been given to MNU by Olathe Health System to support student scholarships, enhance the university’s nursing program and assist in the development and continual improvement of nursing labs.
Through generous sponsorships this year’s President’s Honors has already raised more than $350,000. Presenting Sponsors include Tim and Gail Buchanan, Dr. Larry and Donna McIntire and Wesleyan Investment Foundation. Platinum Sponsors include Robert and Mable Austin, Allen and Saralyn Brown, who are the honorary co-chairs, and Olathe Medical Center.

New to the 2014 President’s Honors is the addition of a pre-event online auction March 18 – April 8. Items up for bid will include everything from collectible coins to gift certificates and unique experiences. Patrons may access the auction at: http://mnu.hibid.com/auctions/current.

Tickets for the Gala start at $100 and are still available for groups and individuals. Sponsorships at varying levels are available as well. Visit www.mnu.edu/giving/events/presidents-honors for ticket and sponsor information.              
  
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