Ernie McDowell

Ernie McDowell joined what is now UPMC Harrisburg’s public relations staff in 1971. In 1994, the Pinnacle Health Auxiliary voted to name the fund “The Ernest R. McDowell Health Career Scholarship Fund” in honor of Ernie for all his support, caring and friendship. Ernie was Director of Development and representative to the Auxiliary for many years, and the planned gifts from both him and his wife have helped support the Ernest R. McDowell Health Career Scholarship Fund. A scholarship that can be awarded to any individual pursuing a career in health care and living in the Greater Harrisburg area.

“My father was very well known in the community because of everything he was involved in, from Boy Scouts to Leadership Harrisburg, to what he did for the hospital, to United Way. He was just really engaged in the community, and my mom followed in his footsteps volunteering for organizations like the Wildwood Nature Center and Girl Scouts,” said Ernie's daughter Mary Beth Sembort. “The two of them together just believed strongly in giving back to their community and volunteering. Relative to planning for their death, they gave to organizations that were closest to them, that they believed would be able to use what they gave for the betterment of the community. They really were amazing; they gave of themselves in a way that was important to them.”

In 2021, nearly $48,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to 56 recipients. The McDowell Fund has given out nearly $1.3 million in scholarships since its inception.