SPOTLIGHT ON THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

Chironian met up with Bess J. Chazhur, M.S.,

chief development officer and executive director of alumni relations, to find out the latest happenings in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. From fostering relationships between the vast New York Medical College (NYMC) constituency to coordinating alumni events, they play an important role in keeping the NYMC community connected.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS.

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations at NYMC is all about building relationships and engaging our diverse group of alumni, friends, corporations and foundations to promote the mission, vision and values of the College. Our goal is to ensure an active and committed community and to encourage financial contributions for important initiatives including student scholarships, research, capital projects and program support.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SERVICES YOUR OFFICE OFFERS TO NYMC ALUMNI?

Through our online networking platform, NYMCconnect.org, we offer alumni a chance to network with their colleagues and classmates, as well as connect with current students, faculty and staff. We also host events such as class reunions, the annual Founder’s Dinner and regional cultivation events to engage, celebrate and communicate all the wonderful things happening at NYMC.

HOW CAN ALUMNI GET INVOLVED AND HELP SUPPORT THE MISSION OF NYMC?

We love for alumni to visit us and see firsthand the important things happening at NYMC. It helps them stay connected and eventually become ambassadors for the College. While we understand that is not always possible, we encourage our friends to learn more about our efforts through events and communications— including alumni e-newsletters and emails—about important initiatives. Of course, offering our students the quality educational experience and research opportunities that advance science and health care is not possible without the generous philanthropic support of our alumni and friends.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS DONATIONS ARE USED?

Donations are used in a variety of ways, which are all crucial to the advancement of NYMC initiatives. They have a direct impact on student scholarships and further groundbreaking research studies, improve facilities and purchase much needed equipment in classrooms and laboratories.

WHAT IS THE AREA OF MOST NEED FOR DONATIONS?

The greatest need for NYMC is student scholarships. We are committed to reducing financial barriers for talented and deserving students who are destined to become the health care, scientific and public health leaders. We are also raising funds for the expansion of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center which has provided our students with an innovative, interactive training environment that promotes interprofessional collaboration, teaching and assessment.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE CHALLENGES OF FUNDRAISING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

One of the biggest challenges for us was being unable to meet with donors face to face, whether through meetings, events or activities. We have missed that personal time that is so important as we get to know our friends and what they are interested in learning more about. We pride ourselves on building relationships with key constituents and getting to know our alumni is integral to that process.

CAN YOU IDENTIFY OR DEVELOP PROGRAMS THAT ALIGN WITH PERSONAL PHILANTHROPIC INTERESTS AND GOALS?

Yes, of course. In getting to know our donors, we find out what their interests and passions are and, more often than not, we have a program, research study or clinical initiative which aligns with their vision. Our first course of action is to find out from a potential donor what is important for them and then cultivate a plan of action that supports their goals.

HOW CAN ALUMNI STAY CONNECTED WITH NYMC NEWS AND EVENTS?

One way is to join NYMCconnect.org. It is a great way to keep engaged, learn about exciting happenings and become more connected. We also encourage you to contact us at (914) 594-2720 or development@nymc.edu. We love to hear from alumni and friends and get a chance to tell you about new events coming up or to share the latest news. We have a terrific alumni e-newsletter, Alumni Connections, which informs alumni from all three of our schools about the exciting programs and initiatives happening—and are working on creating more tailored messaging to our alumni in the future.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UPCOMING EVENTS THAT NYMC ALUMNI CAN GET INVOLVED IN?

We are planning our in-person class reunion events for the Fall of 2022. We look forward to meeting and reconnecting with our alumni during this fun-filled weekend. There are many other events in the works, so be sure to be on the lookout for announcements. As always, NYMC is grateful for your continued support. We look forward to doing remarkable things together. ■