The Brigadier General Chester L. Ward, MD Endowed Scholarship celebrates the enduring legacy of a devoted servant who embodied values of service and hope.
General Ward hailed from a family of teachers, ministers, and doctors, all deeply committed to aiding others. He followed their noble path by becoming an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. He subsequently attended Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, combining his passion for medicine and service with the U.S. Army Medical Corp. A highlight of General Ward’s career was serving as a White House physician for Presidents Nixon and Ford.
His medical career, anchored in ethics and integrity, thrived due to a relentless curiosity and genuine concern for his patients. He saw his mission as enhancing people’s quality of life. After nearly three decades, General Ward briefly ventured into the corporate world but left when asked to endorse policies conflicting with public health standards. Unwilling to compromise his principles, he assumed roles mirroring his values: executive director of continuing medical education at the Keck School of Medicine and director of the Butte County Department of Public Health for two decades.
Dr. Lawrence Anderson, his nephew and a 1975 WSU graduate, had the privilege of General Ward’s mentorship from a young age. He and his wife, Dr. Svetislava Vukelja, earned their medical degrees from the Uniformed Services University and proudly served in the Army for over 15 years.
General Ward’s passing on Memorial Day 2021 prompted the creation of Brigadier General Chester L. Ward, MD Endowment. Its purpose is to honor his memory and inspire future physicians who share his commitment to service. Jessica Marie Domingo, Class of 2026, the inaugural scholarship recipient, embodies General Ward’s values. She served as a medical platoon leader and Medical Support Operations Officer for the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the U.S. Army, embodying General Ward’s commitment to serving others. The endowment was created by Drs. Anderson and Vukelja.