May 5, 2000

Richard Kumahia

MGH employee Richard Kumahia had aspirations to go back to school to earn a degree in science management. Having worked at the MGH for eight years, Kumahia finally found the opportunity to combine a college career with his full-time job through the assistance of the Support Service Employee Grant Program.

Kumahia, who is a patient care information associate in the MGH Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, is one of 60 MGH employees who have been awarded a support services grant since the program began in January 1999. This program is funded by the MGH Diversity Committee, which is chaired by James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH. With the help of the Support Service Employee Grant Program, which awards grants up to $1,500 to help defray the cost of an employee's education, Kumahia was able to register at Lesley College, where he is enrolled in the accelerated program.

Recipients of the grants are paired up with MGH mentors who volunteer to help guide grantees in their career paths. Richard Chester, a Human Resources representative and program mentor, meets with Kumahia every week to help him get the most out of his educational experience. Kumahia also credits Jae Lee, operations manager for the unit, and Marie LeBlanc, RN, nurse manager on Ellison 7, for encouraging him to apply for this grant. Although LeBlanc is not an official mentor for the employee grant program, Kumahia describes her as the inspiration behind his pursuit of a degree in the health care field.

"I know that Marie and Richard are very busy people, but they always have time to sit down and discuss my classes with me," says Kumahia. "I am indebted to their selfless guidance as I continue to work, while earning my degree."

Kumahia plans to complete his degree within the next few years in hopes of getting a new position at the MGH.

To qualify for this grant, an employee must be in good standing, benefits eligible and have worked at the MGH for two years in a support service position. Applications will be available in June with a deadline for submissions June 30. For more information about the Support Service Employee Grant Program, contact Nancy Marttila at 4-3055.