60th Anniversary of the “50 Million Phone Call”

Hershey, Pennsylvania – 2023 marks the momentous 60th anniversary of the legendary “50 million phone call,” a pivotal event that initiated the development of Penn State’s medical school, teaching hospital, and research center, dedicated to honoring the renowned Milton S. Hershey – the eminent chocolatier, astute businessman, and philanthropist.

Reflecting on a Monumental Legacy

As a tribute to this notable anniversary, the Penn State College of Medicine is dedicating each week until the end of September to commemorate the institution’s remarkable 60-year journey.

The Phone Call that Shaped History

In the year 1963, a momentous phone call with profound implications was made. At the helm of the Hershey Company and a proud alumnus of Penn State, Sam Hinkle reached out to Eric Walker, then-president of the university, to propose an extraordinary idea – channeling Milton S. Hershey’s philanthropic resources into establishing a medical center and teaching hospital.

Alleviating Human Suffering through Healthcare

Hinkle passionately expressed Hershey’s primary concern for the alleviation of human suffering, which significantly influenced the decision to include a medical school in the integral plan. Hinkle firmly believed in the righteousness of this vision, stating, “I feel certain that it’s the right thing to do.”

The Agreement that Ignited Transformation

Recognizing the significance of this initiative, the Milton S. Hershey Foundation wholeheartedly supported the notion and officially pledged a remarkable $50 million to Penn State. This generous act sparked the establishment and subsequent growth of the esteemed Penn State College of Medicine and the groundbreaking Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.