Irfan Galaria, MD ’01, MBA
SKMC Alumni Board President
Here’s a riddle: What gets smaller the more you add to it?
I’ll give you the real answer in a minute. But first, let me offer this one: Jefferson.
Even as our alma mater grows in size and stature, we strive to maintain the feeling of a small, close-knit community that shares membership in an historic and elite organization.
As Jefferson has expanded across the Delaware Valley, we have continued to grow in prominence for our work in healthcare, education, and research. Much of that is due to the dedication of our alumni, who have always provided strong shoulders to stand on so that the next generation of physicians can reach new heights.
We are now asking more of you to join us in providing guidance and support to our students and our school.
I’ve heard that as Jefferson has flourished, some graduates feel the medical school has taken a back seat to the enterprise. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are more relevant than ever.
We have created a new committee to act as a liaison between the class agents and the alumni board to improve communication, and facilitate and promote events and activities. We are instituting a mentoring program in partnership with Dean Said Ibrahim through the Student Relations Committee. And we have established a new award as part of Alumni Weekend to recognize outstanding professional achievements of postgraduate alumni who have completed their training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and/or affiliate training programs.
Wheels are in motion to give alumni a more active role on the Academic Affairs Committee of the Thomas Jefferson University board of trustees and the Dean’s Advisory Board. In addition, we are in the planning stages of a marketing campaign to promote and highlight the Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
However, none of this happens without the active participation of our alumni. There are so many ways you can become involved, whether you have a few minutes, a few hours, or more to contribute. And it doesn’t matter where you live — if you can’t come to Jefferson, Jefferson will come to you.
We are planning events across the country for alumni to get together, take part in programs, and meet the dean and other Jefferson leadership. For example, on August 16, we are sponsoring a meetup at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, California, which is one of the top art festivals in the nation.
As an active participant in our Alumni Association, you have the opportunity to help others achieve what you have. You can support students through mentorship and financial aid. You can provide guidance to school leadership. And you can help make our big world a little smaller.
Which brings me to the real answer to the riddle of “What grows smaller the more you add to it?”: a hole. But I like my answer better. I invite you to join your fellow alum in becoming a part of Jefferson’s growth while bringing us all closer together.
