Member One pledges $50,000 to support medical school scholarship honoring Henrietta Lacks
Member One, a division of Virginia Credit Union, has committed $50,000 over five years to support the Henrietta Lacks Excellence in Medicine Scholarship at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM).
The scholarship supports medical students from populations underrepresented in medicine, helping reduce financial barriers for future physicians. It honors the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, a Roanoke native whose cells—taken without her knowledge during cancer treatment—became one of the most important tools in modern medical research.
Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and died in 1951 at age 31. A sample of her cancer cells, shared with researchers without her consent, became the first immortal human cell line. Known as HeLa cells, they contributed to groundbreaking advances including vaccines for polio and COVID-19, cancer therapies, HIV/AIDS treatments, and genomic science. More than 110,000 scientific publications have cited their use, and they played a role in three Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“We are deeply grateful to Member One for the generous gift to the Henrietta Lacks Excellence in Medicine Scholarship. Their support not only honors the legacy of a woman who changed the course of science but also helps empower our medical students to pursue their calling,” said Lee Learman, dean of VTCSOM. “Gifts like these are critical in allowing future physicians to focus on what matters most—providing compassionate, excellent care to the patients and communities who need them.”
The scholarship was established in 2021 by VTCSOM and renamed in 2023 to honor Henrietta Lacks and inspire future physicians to carry forward her impact.
“We proudly honor the contributions of Roanoke native Henrietta Lacks to science and modern medicine,” said Member One Market President Tim Rowe. “We also recognize that every aspect of medical school is incredibly challenging, and through the support of this scholarship, Member One welcomes the opportunity to ensure the financial demands are less of an obstacle for deserving students at the Carilion School of Medicine.”
Based in Roanoke, Member One is actively involved in charitable giving and community engagement. In 2023, the organization donated more than $171,500 to charitable groups, contributed $56,400 to community organizations, and reached nearly 1,500 individuals through financial education courses. Member One staff also volunteered 670 hours with local nonprofits and community groups.
To learn more about Henrietta Lacks’ legacy and the scholarship in her name, visit: https://medicine.vtc.vt.edu/giving.html.