RHI Legacy makes major gift to England Health and Science Center at ICC
By: Mike Gavin
Published: March 25, 2025
RHI Legacy makes major gift to England Health and Science Center at ICC
SPINDALE (March 24, 2025) -- A $1 million challenge grant will have the potential of adding another $2 million to the Dr. Bobby F. England Health and Sciences Center construction project at Isothermal Community College, RHI Legacy Foundation officials said today.
RHI Legacy is the group formed after the privatization of Rutherford Hospital. Its focus is on investing in healthy eating and active living initiatives and partnerships in Rutherford County such as the Community Health Council, the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, the Rutherford County Schools Backpack Program, and the Legacy Soccer Park.
The announcement was made at the Isothermal Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, March 25.
“RHI Legacy Foundation is appreciative of the opportunity to provide funding to Isothermal Community College for the Bobby F. England Health and Sciences Building,” said Terry Hines, RHI’s executive director. “The naming for Dr. England is appropriate in recognition for his commitment to healthcare in so many capacities as a physician, member of the legislature, and his many volunteer activities. The naming is significant to us since Dr. England was an original board member of RHI Legacy Foundation and played a vital role in our formation to support healthcare in Rutherford County through charitable activities. RHI Legacy Foundation congratulates Isothermal Community College for its vision in identifying the need for a state-of-the-art facility to train healthcare professionals for our community which aligns with our mission of having a positive impact on the health of everyone in our community.”
The challenge grant means that RHI Legacy will match every dollar that comes in to the Isothermal Community College Foundation for the new building up to $1 million, meaning the gift could potentially be as high as $2 million.
“We are very appreciative of our partners at RHI Legacy Foundation and for its board's dedication to improving the health of our community,” said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, president of Isothermal Community College.
The $36 million building project, funded largely by a $30 million appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly, will feature approximately 55,000 square feet of cutting-edge healthcare simulation space, labs, and classrooms. Isothermal’s nursing classes are currently being taught in the old Rutherfordton Elementary School that was built in the late 1950s. The science labs in the Administration Building have been updated several times but still are not the state-of-the-art facilities that ICC students and faculty deserve, said Annunziata.
“This building will equip our faculty and staff to prepare our students well to go forward to highly skilled careers, allowing them to support themselves and their families for years and for generations to come,” she said.
RHI Legacy Foundation’s board chair echoed Annunziata’s remarks.
“RHI Legacy Foundation is proud to invest in the future of health care and workforce development in our community through funding for this state-of-the-art allied health facility at ICC,” said Giles. “The demand for well-trained medical professionals has never been greater. Like much of the country, Rutherford County faces critical shortages of nurses, paramedics, and other medical personnel. Recruiting and retaining these essential professionals is a challenge, but this investment equips ICC with the resources to train the next generation right here at home. These graduates will provide lifesaving care in our hospital, doctors' offices, and emergency services, directly impacting the well-being of our citizens and strengthening the overall infrastructure of our healthcare system for years to come.”
To support the construction and outfitting of the Dr. Bobby F. England Health and Sciences Center, visit isothermal.edu/college-foundation or call Dr. Thad Harrill at 828-395-1624.