FALL 2014/Winter 2015 3
One example — training creative, design-oriented MDs of the future. Empowered by Kimmel funding, we are, for the first time, launching a co-curricular track that nurtures “design thinking” among our students — space design, process design, smart-clothing design. We are simultaneously launching a linkage program with Princeton to serve as a pipeline for this track, by guaranteeing SKMC admission to select Princeton undergraduates who major in architecture and design, engineering and computational science. When thinking about Kimmel funding, think bridges — bridges between concepts, bridges between institutions. Just two weeks ago, the prostate cancer programs at Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins’ Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center hosted their second annual joint conference on our campus, showcasing impressive collaborative studies — a Kimmelempowered Amtrak Alliance, if you will. The name “Kimmel” derives from the German word Kümmel, meaning caraway, a spice that has healing power. How appropriate for a philanthropist who builds bridges to healing. In addressing Jefferson students in 1836, George McClellan concluded with the following belief:
But the wealth you may acquire from the most brilliant success, will be nothing; the reputation which you may hope to gain, throughout the whole civilized globe, by a long life of industry and genius, will be nothing; in comparison with the heart-cheering satisfaction which you will experience, in being conscious of your usefulness. You will serve the deepest interest of humanity. Sidney Kimmel, you continue to serve the deepest interests of humanity. On behalf of our medical college, I thank you from the heart. Yours is a momentous gift that has generated an enduring shot of adrenaline among students, faculty, alumni and the entire region. I assure you that we will steward your gift well. With it, we will continue to build a faculty of the future for a medical student of the future. Sidney: For you, a thousand times over.
Mark L. Tykocinski, MD Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Jefferson University Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Surprise guest Paul Anka brought Sidney Kimmel onstage for a duet of “My Way,” but they changed the words to reflect Kimmel’s generosity and love for Caroline.
Photos by Susan Beard.