The generosity of a 1964 alumnus’ family enables College of Medicine senior Andrew Coble to afford lunch on campus during long days of clinical rotations and an occasional night out with his wife and two children.
Coble has received the Samuel L. Gaston, M.D., Memorial Scholarship for the past four years. “We had some pretty hectic days ourselves,” recalls Gaston’s widow, Lillian. “We wanted to alleviate some of the stress for medical students raising families.” Gaston coached high school sports in Harrison before entering medical school the same week their third child was born. After residency, Gaston practiced radiology in Joplin, Mo.

Coble’s roots also are in Harrison, where he was a radiology aide and later an EMT and paramedic at North Arkansas Regional medical Center (NARMC) before deciding to become a physician. The community has partnered with the state to fund Coble’s tuition through the Community Match Rural Practice Program. In exchange, Coble will practice in Harrison for at least four years. “We have been so blessed by the generosity of the Gastons, NARMC, and many others from our church and community who have opened up their hearts and supported our family in many ways,” says Coble.