“Each step in my life is an opportunity to make a small difference, and small differences add up to big differences.”
This kind of selfless service fits Lee Dieck to a T. It offers evidence of the kind of person she has always been, the kind of man she married and the guiding principle with which she and Bill have raised their children. “I grew up believing that wherever life puts you, you should do what you can to make it a little better,” she says. “Our children have seen us become very involved in service to many different parts of our community—serving on boards of local hospitals, as PTA presidents, as preceptors—doing whatever we can to improve the world around us.” Dr. Dieck certainly practices what she preaches to her children. In addition to her exemplary service in numerous roles at the College, she and her husband have also been steady donors, beginning the year after she graduated. “Even if it was a small amount of money, I wanted to maintain my commitment to the school. There were a few years when it was very difficult to make ends meet, but when I couldn’t give any money, I gave my time.” Dr. Dieck’s collaborative, optimistic leadership style was called into service during another period of change in the College’s history. In 2008, when she was elected to serve as president of the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors, the College was actively seeking a new sponsor to replace the Archdiocese of New York. Of that period she says, “It can be hard to inspire people to become more involved when no one really knows what
the future holds. But I have to say that, to a person, they gave their unequivocal support.” Dr. Dieck served two terms as Alumni Association president, and when the College confirmed its intention to partner with the Touro College and University System, her wisdom and experience were called upon again— this time as a member of the Transition Advisory Group, a committee of representatives from both institutions charged with ensuring that the needs of all constituencies would be addressed. The result was a smooth and successful joining of the two institutions in May 2011. These days Lee Dieck is taking a breather from her customary intense involvement. Although she is still active— attending alumni events and volunteering at the College’s tetanus vaccine clinic for first responders after Hurricane Sandy—now her pace is more measured. She maintains an avid interest in the affairs of the Alumni Association, devoted as she is to “the incredible legacy of the alumni.” She muses: “The alumni are the face of New York Medical College in the communities where they live and work. New York Med alumni are remarkable physicians, teachers, scientists and health professionals. They are among the College’s most loyal supporters.” Coming from someone who has never ceased being a loyal supporter, this is high praise indeed.
Two-Year Report to the Community: 2011-2013 •• 19