2016 University of Maryland School of Medicine Gala Celebrates School's Past, Present and Future

On Saturday May 7, 2016, the University of Maryland School of Medicine hosted its annual gala, with 1,000 alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, and other special friends of the school in attendance. As in recent years, the gala coincided with the Medical Alumni Association’s Reunion Weekend, and nearly 125 alumni attended the black-tie affair, as well.

The theme of the gala, which has been the School’s signature annual event for more than a decade, was “The Future Coming into Focus.” The event celebrated ten years of visionary medicine and achievements in biomedical research, clinical care, medical education, and community outreach that have occurred under the leadership of E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of the School of Medicine.

“Tonight, we have gathered to celebrate the achievements that are bringing the future of medicine into focus,” said Dean Reece. “Our unrelenting quest for discovery is advancing innovation at a pace never before realized. The triumphs in science and medicine that we celebrate tonight reflect the hope and the healing that we bring to millions throughout our state and around the world. Indeed, each day, the School of Medicine is refining the focus AND precision of medicine.”

Last year’s gala was canceled because of the civil unrest occurring in Baltimore at the time. “Our faculty, staff, and students have been, and will continue to be, leaders in the efforts to restore our city,” said Dean Reece. “The School of Medicine, like so many organizations throughout the city and state, is deeply committed to the health, well-being, and prosperity of our citizens. Throughout the past year, we have devoted time and resources to provide access to care, and we worked with partners in our immediate community in that regard.”

This year's gala chairs, Patricia Attman, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, and Susie Nevins, presented a video showcasing a series of breakthroughs made by the school’s academic community – efforts that have propelled innovations and discoveries that have saved lives and pushed research forward. “The School of Medicine will play a critical role in a health care environment that is moving towards patient-centered health promotion and illness prevention. Our aim is to keep patients healthy and out of hospitals, improving quality of life and saving millions of dollars in health care costs,” said Dr. Attman.

Private philanthropy continues to be integral to the growth of the School of Medicine. “Observing what transpires when brilliant potential is combined with resources and encouragement is nothing short of remarkable,” said Brian DeFilippis, MS, Associate Dean for Development as well as Special Assistant to the Dean. “Tonight, we celebrate the power of philanthropy and its impact on this outstanding institution.”

Proceeds from the gala will support the much-needed renovation of the Medical School Teaching Facility (MSTF), the largest teaching and meeting space at the School. This project, expected to be completed in March 2017, will create a modern educational facility for classes, lectures, symposia, and cultural events.

View the Gala Video