Shakespeare said it best: “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

This is my last column as president of the alumni board, as my tenure was up in June. When I look back over the past two years and all we have accomplished, I feel privileged to have been elected and to have been given the opportunity to serve in this role. Many changes have taken place during my term — changes that have advanced the mission of Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

Over the past two years, we introduced many new and innovative initiatives, including forming a committee to integrate class ambassadors and the alumni board; starting mentoring programs for students; and establishing two awards: the Postgraduate Alumni Award to recognize distinguished postgraduate alumni who completed their training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and/or affiliate training programs, and the Time, Talent, and Treasure Award to honor an outstanding SKMC graduate who has contributed through a commitment to the mission of the University and to future generations of Jefferson students.

We also celebrated Jefferson’s bicentennial year with events and activities that honored our storied past and shined a spotlight on our place in the history of medicine in the United States.

As Jefferson has grown, the alumni board has worked to ensure alumni representation at the leadership level. I’m pleased to share that the University Board has reserved a seat on its Academic Affairs Committee for the immediate past president of the SKMC Alumni Board, who will serve as a trustee.

I’m proud of all we have accomplished, and I know that momentum will continue under the leadership of the new president, John A. Kutz, MD ’93, a former SKMC alumni board member who I know will bring fresh ideas and undertakings to support our students, faculty, staff, and fellow alums in their education and subsequent careers.

Today, the school needs its champions more than ever as we continue to grow and lead the way in medical education. This year, we had one of the largest classes ever — 286 students began their training as first-years. We continue to be one of the most sought-after institutions for future physicians. By providing mentorship and guidance, funding scholarships, and offering a helping hand in starting careers — and continuing them — our alumni can ensure that Jefferson continues to be synonymous with success.

Shakespeare finished the famous parting line from Romeo and Juliet with, “I shall say good night till it be morrow.” He left the future open and hopeful — and for me, it remains that way. For me, there will be many tomorrows. While my term as president has ended, my commitment to our alma mater has not. I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the school that has given me so much, and will continue to be engaged and active to ensure our alma mater remains at the forefront of medical education. I encourage my fellow alums to do the same; this is a great time to come aboard and help shape the future of our medical school.