50th Anniversary events celebrate ‘A Legacy & A Promise’

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:35:00 EDT

President Alfred Abuhamad with employees during the 50th Anniversary Campus Picnic

Celebrations are in full swing this fall as EVMS marks its first half century.

Various events — with a theme of “A Legacy & A Promise” — have taken place this month to honor EVMS’ esteemed history and bright future. A Campus Picnic was held Oct. 11 on TowneBank Lawn for EVMS faculty, staff, residents, fellows, community faculty and emeriti faculty. Alfred Abuhamad, MD, President, Provost and Dean of the School of Medicine, welcomed guests.

“Fifty years ago, we embarked on a journey of excellence, innovation and service to our community, and today, we gather to recognize the contributions and dedication of the people who have been the heart and soul of EVMS — all of you who have made it all possible. . .Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of countless patients and communities, and we will continue to shape the future of healthcare.”

The picnic also featured remarks from one of EVMS’ longest-standing faculty members Dr. Gerald Pepe, the EVMS Foundation Chair in Biomedical Sciences, Professor and Chair of Physiological Sciences and a former Dean of the School of Medicine. Community members enjoyed trivia, prizes and nostalgia as a slideshow shuffled photos from EVMS’ past.

The fun continued Oct. 13-14 with a special 50^th Anniversary-themed Alumni Weekend, which brought 250 guests to campus for a full program of activities including EVMS’ inaugural Black Alumni Social, a networking breakfast, the Alumni Family Barbecue, class dinners and more. EVMS Alumni Board Member Jeniffer Campo, MD (MD ’98), reflected on EVMS’ longevity — and how far the institution has come — in her remarks.

“This weekend brings alumni and their guests back to EVMS. For some of us, it has been years since we’ve been on campus. I hope you are as wowed as I am by the growth EVMS has experienced in recent years — not to mention the half-century since the school’s founding.”

Rain couldn’t stop the Student Fest on Oct. 14 as hundreds of guests gathered again under the celebration tent on TowneBank Lawn. A special performance from the EVMS student band “The Ventricles” provided the perfect soundtrack for a cornhole tournament and other games, an EVMS swag prize wheel and several food and dessert trucks. EVMS is grateful to Dr. Bruce Waldholtz, Rector of the EVMS Board of Visitors, and his wife, Mrs. Baila Waldholtz, for helping to make this event possible through generous financial support, both personally and through the Waldholtz Wellness Fund.

Many event guests have asked how they can get an official 50^th Anniversary shirt. The shirt is a special gift for all EVMS community members who volunteer their time as part of the Year of Service. Once you log your service hours you will receive an email about how to pick up your 50th Anniversary shirt.

Visit the 50^th Anniversary website for more information on how to become involved in the Year of Service, a link to historic photos and information on how to embed an approved 50^th anniversary signature in your EVMS email.

View photos from the Campus Picnic.

View photos from Alumni Weekend.

View photos from the Student Fest.