In a tribute to physician and philanthropist Dr. Prem Reddy of Victorville, Cal State San Bernardino recently named the university’s nursing simulation lab in his honor and declared Dr. Prem Reddy Day on campus.

“It is a distinct honor for Cal State San Bernardino, and for me personally, to dedicate this laboratory in recognition of Dr. Prem Reddy’s immeasurable contributions to the medical profession, higher education, area communities, and the health of patients from throughout the Inland Empire and beyond,” said university President Tomás D. Morales.

The dedication was to celebrate Reddy’s gift of $500,000 to the university and its department of nursing. The donation will allow the nursing lab to keep its equipment – 30 computer stations and a 10-bed lab as well as advanced simulation technology and mannequins – up to date, ensuring that students will be working with state-of-the-art equipment, said Kirsten Fleming, dean of the university’s College of Natural Sciences, which houses the nursing department.

Morales added that Reddy has been a longtime supporter of Cal State San Bernardino and its students. In 2006, he established the Dr. Prem Reddy Academic Excellence Scholarship for eligible full-time pre-med, nursing and/or health education students who qualified for the scholarship and maintained a minimum 3.5 grade point average at the university.

A smiling Dr. Reddy praised nurses for their vital role in health care.

“Without qualified nurses, health care delivery would be dysfunctional. Without dedicated and committed nurses, hospitals and clinics would all be totally useless,” he said. “So I have a special appreciation for nursing programs and nursing schools.”

He also urged the nursing students to give back to their communities.

“I hope you try to serve the communities you grew up in. Maybe the pay is a little less than in Los Angeles or San Diego, but still it’s your community,” Reddy said. “I would urge you to work in your communities as you pursue your health care career and dreams.”