Weill Cornell Medical College Alumni
2012 Class Legacy Gift Campaign
WCMC Alumni Association President's Report
Dear fellow alumni:
As the summer of 2011 drew to a close, the weather vacillated between extreme heat and torrential rain—but even a hurricane could not prevent your Alumni Association from welcoming the Class of 2015 at the White Coat Ceremony on August 23. All entering students were presented with coats and stethoscopes, generously provided by the Buster Foundation and several alumni donors. This annual event marks a rite of passage for the incoming medical students, whose interests, accomplishments, and talents will contribute significantly to the Weill Cornell community.
We have also received word from many of our newest alumni about their adventures in the medical world. Their days have been punctuated by hard work and long hours in their internships and residencies, demonstrating their commitment to medicine. The Alumni Association has planned some new and innovative ways to keep our newest graduates engaged as they progress through their training.
This year is a time of transition for the Medical College. As I’m sure you know, Laurie Glimcher, MD, has been appointed the new Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College and Provost for Medical Affairs at Cornell University. The search committee evaluated more than fifty excellent candidates before choosing Dr. Glimcher, the Irene Heinz Given Professor of Immunology at the Harvard School of Public Health and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. The Alumni Association is delighted to welcome her to the Cornell family, and we look forward to working with her in supporting the mission of the Medical College.
We thank outgoing Dean Antonio Gotto, MD, wholeheartedly for his guidance, enthusiastic engagement of our alumni, and steadfast support of the Alumni Association. His fifteen years in office have ensured that Weill Cornell is able to compete with the finest institutions in the world. He will remain active as a vice president of Cornell University and co-chair of the Weill Cornell Board of Overseers.
This fall was busy as we traveled to Boston, Houston, Denver, and San Francisco visiting alumni and friends. These events are a wonderful chance to reconnect with fellow alumni and discuss all things Weill Cornell. Furthermore, planning for Reunion 2012 (October 19 and 20) is well under way. It promises to be a wonderful weekend filled with celebrations and stimulating lectures. I look forward to seeing the extended Weill Cornell family get together next fall.
Finally, I would like to thank you, the alumni of Weill Cornell, for your constant support of the institution and its students. In particular, your generous support of scholarships has made a medical career possible for many students who otherwise could not afford it.
Best and warmest wishes,
Michael M. Alexiades, M.D. ’83
alexiadesm@hss.edu
