The J.W. Vines Foundation will host a celebratory banquet on Thursday, August 14, to honor the graduating cohort of the 23rd annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA).

The event will recognize college students who completed the intensive five-week program designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of medical professionals from the Inland Empire.

The banquet will take place at 6:00 p.m. and will feature presentations from the students, who will share their experiences and key findings from the program.

This year’s academy provided students with paid opportunities to shadow surgeons, pediatricians, general practitioners, and other medical specialists in the region, offering a unique, hands-on look into the medical field.

EVSHA is a flagship program of the J.W. Vines Medical Society and its philanthropic arm, the J.W. Vines Foundation.

The J.W. Vines Foundation board members and leadership team include: (Left to Right) Dr. Anthony Fenison, Dr. Leita Harris, Dr. Ernest Levister, Dr. A.J. Rogers, Kamie Taylor, and Dr. Michael Nduati

For more than two decades, the academy has been instrumental in creating a pathway for local college students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in health sciences.

“This banquet is not just a celebration of the students’ hard work over the summer; it’s a celebration of our community’s future in healthcare,” said Dr. A.J. Rogers, Chairman of the J.W. Vines Foundation.

“We invite the community to join us, hear directly from these bright and motivated individuals, and support our ongoing mission to cultivate a diverse and dedicated physician workforce for the Inland Empire,” Rogers added.

The event serves as an opportunity for community members, local leaders, and healthcare professionals to engage with the students and learn more about the impact of the J.W. Vines programs, providing service to Black and other underserved communities.

Event Details:

• What:2025 Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA) Banquet
• When:Thursday, August 14, at 6:00 p.m. PDT
• Where:Canyon Crest Country Club, 975 Country Club Dr. in Riverside
• Tickets:Available for purchase online via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-evsha-banquet-tickets-1538360952019

Proceeds from the banquet will support the J.W. Vines Foundation and its continued efforts to fund mentorship and educational programs.

For 23 years, EVSHA has provided a five-week, paid summer immersion program for college students interested in health careers. Operated by the J.W. Vines Foundation, the academy offers invaluable physician-shadowing opportunities, professional development, and mentorship to cultivate future healthcare leaders from and for the Inland Empire.