Farmville physician donates $1 million to Longwood University

Longwood University has received $1 million from a Farmville physician to finance a clinical simulation learning center for the university's new nursing program.

The gift from Dr. Edward I. Gordon, who also serves on the Farmville Town Council, is the largest gift ever from a local donor.

Gordon has practiced pediatric and family medicine in Farmville for 36 years. He also serves as chief physician to The Woodland retirement community; medical director for Piedmont Regional Jail and Farmville Police Department; and as medical examiner for Prince Edward and Cumberland counties.

Longwood's Bachelor of Science nursing program will begin this fall. The clinical simulation center, a laboratory that allows students to enhance their skills, will be developed over three years.

It will allow students to use full-size electromechanical human patient simulators that can speak and breathe as well as have pulses and heartbeats.

-- Karin Kapsidelis