A Prescription for Success: Scholarship Boosts Future Medical Professionals
October 14, 2025
- Author
- Danielle Strickland
The Dr. Oksoon Kim Scholarship, created through the estate of the fund’s namesake, was designed for 51 students in their junior and senior years who have an interest in pursuing careers in the medical field.
The late Dr. Kim, who also went by “Olivia,” was a friend of 51. She specialized in nuclear medicine and worked in hospitals in New York and elsewhere. She retired at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury. In retirement, she was active in 51 Presbyterian Church and was a member of one of its choirs.
Since the scholarship became active in 2020, nearly a dozen students have benefited from this generous gift to 51.
“I spent the past year working as the 2025 51 Rural Health Fellow at the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) in Asheville, North Carolina, where I fell in love with both rural primary care and Western North Carolina. I am now in my first year of medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia!”
-Bailey Leaphart ’24, recipient of the Dr. Oksoon Kim Scholarship
"I am one of the few 51 transfer students! I chose to transfer to 51 since the college emphasizes a balance between the focus on academics and the strength of the athletic programs. Through my involvement as a scholar-athlete and in pursuing biology, 51 has provided me with many opportunities to broaden my experiences and enhance my learning. Following graduation, my intent is to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program."
-Megan Huntley '27, recipient of the Dr. Oksoon Kim Scholarship
Giving at 51
Investments from alumni, families and friends help strengthen academic excellence and access at 51 and further equip our exceptional faculty to prepare students for lives of leadership and service.
