VELLORE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION
75 TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL REPORT
Our mission is to support CMC Vellore in her drive towards excellence in service, research and education, while ensuring the legacy of CMC Founder, Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder.
Our
The Foundation’s strategic vision is to expand its U.S. development activities to ensure Christian Medical College Vellore’s (CMC) longevity and continuous impact. Throughout 2023, the Foundation focused its energies on cultivating relationships with the U.S. faith-based community, CMC’s U.S. alumni, members of the Scudder family, and individuals and institutions acquainted with CMC through their relationship with the Vellore CMC Foundation.
In this 2023 report, we invite you to meet the donors who have enabled CMC’s most recent transformative initiatives. Among these highlights are the celebration of the Foundation’s 75 th anniversary and other momentous occasions where we honored individuals and institutions for their enduring dedication to CMC’s mission.
Dear Friends,
As Chair of the Vellore CMC Foundation Board for the past three years, it has been both a privilege and a challenge to lead a group of well-informed, dedicated, and loyal alumni and non-alumni who make up the membership of this Board. The support and encouragement that I have received has been invaluable in helping to make this leadership role easier. I am compelled to pay special tribute to a core group of CMC alumni whose unique insights have made a meaningful contribution to the Board’s decision making. I encourage other alumni with a deep sense of love for CMC to consider getting involved in one of the many ways the Foundation is furthering the mission and vision of CMC. Similarly, I have been deeply touched by the sense of compassion and loyalty to CMC that is forever on display by every other member of the Board with whom I have served.
The 75th anniversary of the Vellore CMC Foundation is a telling accomplishment unto itself. As CMC has continued on its path toward measurable excellence in service, research and education, we, too, have striven to achieve the same.
It has been a challenging year for our small, but hardworking staff, and I must pay special tribute to John Riehl, the Foundation’s president for being the glue that has held the Foundation together –especially over the past 18 months. In early 2023, we said goodbye to Patricia Carroll, our longtime director of business and finance, who so diligently and efficiently managed so many of the behind the scenes administrative activities. We are deeply grateful to Trish for her many years of service – she is truly and sorely missed. Mabel Haro, our talented and effective director of donor development was on maternity leave for the latter part of the year. Thankfully, she has returned, and we are elated to have her back. Deepika Srivastava continues to faithfully carry out her duties in her role as director of church relations.
In light of these unanticipated challenges, John (Riehl) admirably stepped in to carefully navigate the daily ‘ins and outs’ of the organization. Although not an easy task, through John’s determined and tireless efforts, he was able to keep the ship afloat. On behalf of the Board, I thank John for rising to every challenge placed before him.
I thank God and my Lord Jesus Christ for all the wonderful opportunities He has given me to serve in his kingdom’s work.
Margaret Kamalini Kumar, RN PhD (CON Batch ‘63) Chair, CMC Foundation Board
“The 75th anniversary of the Vellore CMC Foundation is a telling accomplishment unto itself. As CMC has continued on its path toward measurable excellence in service, research and education, we, too, have striven to achieve the same.”
–Margaret Kumar, PhD, Chair, CMC Foundation Board
Dear Friends of CMC Vellore and the Vellore CMC Foundation,
As I reflect upon Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s creation of a fundraising organization in the United States for the sole purpose of supporting her vision of what CMC could and has become, I am humbled by the remarkable manifestation of Aunt Ida’s incredible dream.
Over the past 75 years, donors from across the country and from various walks of life have contributed more than $70 million to the Vellore CMC Foundation. We, in kind, have placed these funds into the trustworthy hands of Aunt Ida (and her successors) to support medical education, scientific discovery, and above all, high-quality and truly compassionate patient care – CMC COMPASSIONATE!
CMC Vellore since its founding in 1900 has faced significant challenges and overcome many obstacles. It was founded by a foreign woman using foreign funds; it was unapologetically rooted in the Christian faith; and was established with a clear mission to educate and empower women to play a significant role in a male-dominated profession. Over the years, CMC has created a culture that rewards placing the needs of others above one’s own with grace and gratitude. It has required the immense belief and desire of many to be a force for good – CMC STRONG!
Founded in 1948 as the first of the now many Friends of Vellore (FoV) organizations, the Vellore CMC Foundation strives to be a standard-bearer for itself and the other FoV organizations. Remarkably, our stewardship of your gifts has made more than 100 medical, nursing, and allied health student scholarship awards possible in the past five years alone. Your charitable gifts have created opportunities for countless medical students, junior faculty, and senior faculty to hone their skills in myriad areas of research, surgery, and clinical care. Through your acts of charitable kindness, CMC is about to break ground on the first-ever maternity hospital in the Jawadhi Hills region of South India, and on a Pediatric Center of Excellence, which is scheduled to soon open on the Ranipet campus. Your generosity has helped establish simulated student training labs for emergency medicine, obstetrics, and eye surgery, a toxicology lab for the study of death by poisoning and ways to prevent future occurrences, AI and robotics-assisted physical therapy, and so much more.
In 2023, we celebrated the Vellore CMC Foundation’s 75th Anniversary with tributes to every member of our donor community throughout the year. In kind, you generously supported our “CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong” campaign, helping us raise more than $700,000 and allowing us to continue with our mission of supporting Excellence in Service, Research and Education (EISRE).
Thank you for all that you do. We remain forever grateful for your friendship and concern. Together we can achieve our goals and stay true to CMC’s and to our own worthwhile missions.
John A. Riehl President & CEO
Chair
Margaret Kumar, PhD
Vice Chair
Raj Narayan, MD
Treasurer
Binu Varughese
Secretary
James Taylor, MD
Directors
Niranjan Bose, PhD
Rev. Benjamin Chan
Lydia Booher, PhD
Joseph Camardo, MD
Rev. Theodore Crass
Anindya Dutta, MD, PhD
Madelon Finkel, PhD
Jack Gillmar
Mark Ranjan Jesudason, MD
Usha Jesudasan
Hudson Kibuuka, EdD
Mrinalini Matcha, MD
Bibhuti Mishra, MD
Prasad Palla
Vinciya Pandian, PhD
Anita Raja, PhD
Sarabdeep “Sabi” Singh
Rev. JP Sundararajan, PhD
Cephas Swamidoss, MD
Susan Taylor, MD
Christie Thomas, MD
Thomas P. Thurairatnam, MD
Honorine Ward, MD
Julia Wattacheril, MD, MPH
“I am humbled by the remarkable manifestation of Aunt Ida’s incredible dream.”
–John Riehl, Foundation President & CEO
for the USAID-ASHA projects.
The “CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong” campaign was launched to create the funds needed to bolster research, education, and community outreach programs. Unique in its approach, the campaign vests decisions regarding the use of these funds to the governing body of the Foundation, ensuring strategic allocation aligned with CMC’s mission. By building donor trust in our board of directors, the campaign ensures funds raised have the greatest possible impact in advancing healthcare and embodying a commitment to compassion and strength in service. Through your generosity, the campaign raised more than $700,000 to support CMC’s 2024 initiatives.
In 2023, the Foundation continued to provide capital support for multiple initiatives across several campuses, aiming to improve the quality of services offered by CMC. More than $1 million was allocated to various capital improvement projects. In addition to the Robotic & Virtual Reality Physical Rehab Facility and Toxicology Lab supported through the USAID-ASHA grant program, CMC celebrated the opening of a brand new eye surgery operating theater at the Chitoor Campus. This will allow CMC’s eye surgery team to serve more than 7,600 patients and perform nearly 200 eye surgeries annually. This milestone was made possible through the contributions of Drs. Mangala (Batch ‘70) and Venki Venkatesh, along with Dr. Robert Fish. Improvements were also made at the Radiology and Hematology departments at CMC’s Ranipet Campus. Additionally, support was extended to the Pharmacology Lab, and Urology and Nephrology departments.
The Foundation’s donor appreciation and cultivation activities included a return to in-person events, fostering meaningful connections and strengthening partnerships. Through its four intimate donor appreciation gatherings, 75th Anniversary Gala, and one-to-one connections between key faculty, donors, and board members, the Foundation enriched its connections amongst each of our donor groups.
The Foundation’s journey alongside the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, India, started long before India’s independence in 1948. Founded by Dr. Ida S. Scudder, the Foundation transitioned from governance to advocacy, aligning with CMC’s mission of excellence in service, research and education. The Foundation commemorated its 75th Anniversary last year, celebrating a longstanding commitment to Aunt Ida’s vision.
The Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Gala, held at Chelsea Piers in New York City, marked the culmination of this milestone year, celebrating the support of donors, alumni, and institutions that have contributed to shaping CMC’s enduring legacy. Dr. Prathiba Varkey, the President of Mayo Clinic Health System and recipient of the Dr. Ida Scudder Women’s Empowerment Award, was the guest of honor. In a dynamic exchange, Dr. Varkey and emcee Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil shared insights, while CMC Director Vikram Mathews conveyed gratitude through a video, underscoring the Foundation’s significant impact on CMC’s initiatives over the decades.
Special recognition was extended to longstanding donors who have faithfully supported CMC for over fifty years (through the Foundation), with particular acknowledgment given to faith-based organizations and the CMC alumni community. Before CMC’s
inception, Dr. Ida S. Scudder and successive generations of Scudder family medical missionaries in India found support and affiliation with the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and other faithbased organizations. Many of these organizations played pivotal roles on the board of the Mission Medical College for Women in Vellore, established in 1932. Through the decades, faith-based organizations such as the American Baptist Church International Ministries, the United Methodist Church, the Church of Christ Global Ministries, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church have remained steadfast in their support, contributing significantly to CMC’s enduring mission.
As the Foundation reflects on seven decades of service, it does so with gratitude for the legacy of compassion and commitment among its growing community in the United States that continues to define its strong partnership with CMC.
Meet our awardees on the pages that follow.
At the core of the Foundation’s mission lies a commitment to nurturing excellence in healthcare through compassion, resilience, and innovation, extending not only to CMC’s work in South India but also to the Foundation’s domestic activities. In tribute to these qualities and in pursuit of CMC’s continued success, the Foundation proudly launched the “CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong” campaign.
Through the generosity of individual donors and institutional partners, the Foundation raised more than $700,000 in funds to bolster CMC’s service, research and education initiatives.
Service remains central to CMC’s ethos, with initiatives like the Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA) and the College of Nursing Community Health program (CONCH) extending compassionate care to underserved communities. Through the campaign, funding will be directed toward supporting these premiere community outreach programs, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.
Research stands at the forefront of CMC’s endeavors, driving groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in healthcare. Campaign funds will support early-stage research skills development, providing students and junior faculty with access to vital resources and training opportunities. From research grant competitions to annual awards and training workshops, the funds will support fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry at CMC.
Education is another cornerstone of CMC’s mission, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. The campaign will enable CMC to award six 10-week training fellowship grants to faculty members for travel to the U.S., facilitating immersive learning experiences abroad. These fellowships will enrich the skills and knowledge of CMC’s educators and also enhance the quality of education provided to students.
We extend our deepest gratitude for your partnership. With your support for the “CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong” campaign, CMC will continue to push the boundaries of service, research and education in South India and beyond.
The Foundation honored numerous individuals and institutions from the global healthcare community whose compassion, actions, and unwavering dedication to service embody the spirit of Dr. Ida S. Scudder.
The Foundation introduced the EISRE Award, a distinguished honor celebrating CMC alumni who epitomize CMC's mission of "seeking to give witness to the healing ministry of Christ through Excellence in Service, Research, and Education – EISRE."
KHURSHEED JEEJEEBHOY, MD, PHD (BATCH ‘53)
Professor Emeritus, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; Gastroenterologist & Director of Nutrition Support, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto
DR. VINCIYA PANDIAN, CRPN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN (CON BATCH ‘52)
Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Immersive Learning & Digital Innovations, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
DR. GEORGE CHERIYAN
President and CEO, American Mission Hospital of Bahrain
Dr. Cheriyan was honored for his dedication to serve the people of Bahrain. He serves as the CEO and Chief Medical Officer of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s American Mission Hospital (AMH), which was also sponsored by RCA. AMH has grown to become the largest non-profit hospital in Bahrain.
DR. PRATHIBHA VARKEY (BATCH ‘91)
President, Mayo Clinic Health System
Dr. Prathiba Varkey is the first woman of color to serve as President of the Mayo Clinic Health System, and she was recently recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare in 2023.
“CMC is so forward thinking, and it’s truly ahead of its time. A lot of things that I learned – not just about medical care and education but even about innovation – has become a huge part of my career. It was at CMC that I learned to think about how we use the scarce resources we have to enhance the health of the communities that we serve around Vellore.”
Pictured from left: Rev. Jerome J. Herold, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST GLOBAL MINISTRIES ; Rev. Dr. Rodney Ragwan, AMERICAN BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES ; Dr. Hudson Kibuuka, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH ; DRS. SHANTA AND CYRUS KAPADIA (BATCH ‘59, ‘60) , and Rev. Theodore Crass, UNITED METHODIST CHURCH . Not pictured: DR. VARKEY ABRAHAM (BATCH ‘55)
Dr. Ida Scudder Global Impact Award
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA (RCA) GLOBAL MISSION
Dr. Ida Scudder Community Health & Education Benefactor Award
SCUDDER ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
Through the generosity of friends of the Foundation and board members, we hosted four intimate donor appreciation events. CMC Director, Dr. Vikram Mathews, joined for two evenings, and he shared his gratitude for your ongoing generosity and loyal support. Thank you to our inspiring hosts Sarah and Peter Chatel (Atlanta, GA), Geeta and Krishen Mehta (New York, NY), Drs. Honorine and Shiv Pillai (Boston, MA), and Dr. David Reines and Nina Totenberg (Washington D.C.).
What inspired you to host an event for the Foundation’s 75th Anniversary?
“I was inspired to host an event for the Foundation’s 75th anniversary due to my long-standing respect for CMC and the story of its founding. I am also very respectful of the dedicated professionals working for CMC in India, and the Board here in the U.S. (including John Riehl, George Varughese, and others) who work hard on a daily basis to support the mission of CMC in India.”
–Krishen Mehta, Friend of CMC
What is your relationship with CMC?
“Shiv and I have a deep affection for CMC –encompassing alumni, longtime collaborators in research and education, and Foundation members like me. We wanted to bring together CMC alumni, Tufts faculty with CMC connections, Foundation members, and local friends to celebrate the Foundation’s 75th anniversary. Social gatherings are important for fostering connections, fundraising, and celebrating our shared experiences.”
–Drs. Honorine Ward & Shiv Pillai, Batch 1969
What makes the CMC donor community special to you?
“I learned about CMC’s work through Philip Ninan. I had no idea the far reaching effect of CMC’s work across the community, and enjoyed making new connections at the event we hosted in Atlanta.”
–Sarah Chatel, Friend of CMC
From exploring the transformative power of medical research to delving into the enduring legacy of compassionate healthcare, each part of our lecture series brought forth unique perspectives and profound reflections on CMC’s mission and achievements. The Foundation supported a three-part lecture series focused on supporting India’s health and well-being, and a two-part lecture series on the Scudder family.
Three Part Series: Supporting India’s Health and Well-Being
2.3 | “How CMC’s Research is Impacting India’s Health and Well-Being”, featuring Dr. Gagandeep “Cherry” Kang (Professor of Microbiology, at the Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences at CMC)
4.21 | “Impact of CMC’s Education Experience on the Health and Well-Being of India”, featuring Dr. Anna Pulimood (Former Principal and Professor of Pathology at CMC)
6.23 | “How CMC’s Community Outreach Services are Impacting India’s Health and Well-Being”, featuring Dr. John “Johnny-O” Oommen (Former Director, Christian Hospital Bissamcuttack, Rayagada District of South Odisha)
Two Part Series: The Legacy of the Scudder Family
3.10 | “The Legacy of the Scudder Family & Their Passion for Missionary Work”, featuring Susan Swanson (Historian and board member of the Scudder Family Association Foundation) and Reena George, M.D. (Head of the Department of Continuing Education and Archivist at CMC)
10.20 | “The Lives of Dr. Wells & Beth Scudder Thoms and the Profound Effect of Their Missionary Medical Work in the Persian/Arabian Gulf”, featuring Dr. David G. Dickason, Professor Emeritus, Western Michigan University & Founder-Director of The W.E. Upjohn Center
5.19 | “Forged by Flame – The Challenge of Being a Woman in Medicine in India in the Mid-20th Century”, featuring Sujata Srinivasan (Senior Health Reporter, Connecticut Public Radio)
12.22 | “A New and Glorious Morn” Christmas Carol Service, featuring the CMC Vellore Student Choir and conducted by Dr. Joel Peter (son of former CMC Director Dr. J.V. Peter)
Throughout its history, the Foundation has nurtured numerous impactful partnerships with leading academic institutions across the United States, fostering mutual benefits for students and faculty. These collaborations have often been born out of the dedication of CMC alumni who have been driven by a desire to give back to their alma mater and board members who have been inspired by CMC’s mission.
Two decades ago, Dr. Madelon Finkel, Foundation Board member, and then Director of Global Health at Weill Cornell Medicine, visited CMC after receiving an invitation from George Chandy who was the CMC Director at the time. This visit led to the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CMC and Weill Cornell Medicine, facilitating clinical electives for students from both institutions. Dr. Finkel, alongside Dr. Rita Isaac of RUHSA, further solidified this partnership by working together to establish models of care for non-communicable diseases in low-resource settings in India. (Drs. Isaac and Finkel pictured left.)
Similarly, Dr. Honorine Ward, CMC medical alumna and Foundation board member, catalyzed a partnership between Tufts University and CMC through her collaboration with Dr. Gagandeep “Cherry” Kang over twenty years ago. Their joint efforts, including successful NIH Fogarty Grant applications, paved the way for a robust faculty exchange program. This initiative provided junior CMC faculty in public health with opportunities to study at Tufts University (with all fees and tuition covered) while enabling Tufts medical and public health students to gain invaluable global health experience through rotations at CMC Vellore. This partnership between Tufts and CMC has also led to the development and building of the Public Health Center at CMC.
In a more recent collaboration, Dr. Vinciya Pandian, a CMC nursing alumna and Foundation board member, cultivated a relationship between Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) and CMC College of Nursing. Through the joint efforts of Johns Hopkins’ Gupta Klinsky India Institute, JHSON and CMC launched a new venture: the creation of a virtual mental health and wellness center in Vellore. The project is currently underway and draws upon the expertise of graduate students, staff and faculty from both institutions to develop modules to educate nursing staff and faculty on mental health and the creation of a mobile app designed to provide mental health support to nursing students. (Dr. Pandian is pictured right at the CMC College of Nursing.)
“As a CMC alumna, stewarding the relationship between these two esteemed institutions is more than professional duty — it’s a deeply felt commitment to nurturing the legacy of excellence and compassion that defines both organizations. It’s a witness to the enduring bonds of camaraderie and shared purpose that transcend geographical boundaries and unite us in our collective pursuit of a brighter, healthier future for all.”
–Dr. Vinciya Pandian, (CON Batch ‘92), Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
In 2023, the Foundation continued its efforts to expand and enhance its relationships with U.S. academic institutions, which included new partnership opportunities with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Northwell Health. The Foundation has made a concerted effort to grow these partnerships, anticipating that each will evolve into a vehicle for knowledge exchange across one or more specialized medical disciplines.
While exploring ways in which CMC and Northwell Health might work together, a team of 17 Northwell global health professionals traveled to CMC (pictured above) to foster a collaborative approach in bolstering public health efforts and assessing resident rotations across Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Emergency Medical Services. Each service line met with members of CMC’s leadership team to gather essential data on operational and clinical areas for improvement while seeking synergies to guide future engagement. Faculty, residents, and medical students from both Northwell and CMC are already partnering on collaborative projects, particularly in the fields of mental health and emergency medicine, resulting in the enrichment of their academic and professional experiences.
The collaborations between U.S. academic institutions and CMC serve to broaden the understanding of international health challenges and solutions, while empowering staff and improving patient care. The opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange are great, and as we look ahead, we recognize the potential to forge new partnerships that have the potential to change the face of medicine.
We warmly invite our Foundation friends and CMC alumni to connect us with any institutions that might be interested in collaborating with CMC.
The 2023-2024 academic year was a breakout year for the Foundation’s Scholarships Program. The overall goal of the program is to further CMC’s mission of providing equal access to quality education and developing the next generation of servant leaders. Since the launch of a dedicated scholarship campaign in 2019, the program has significantly grown to offer scholarships to a greater number of students pursuing CMC’s academic degrees. In the 2023-2024 academic year, over 90 medical, nursing, and allied health students were on scholarships funded through the Foundation, with 45 new scholarships funded that year. This remarkable growth was made possible through the generous support of our donor community.
Cumulative Total of Full Scholarships Funded by Academic Year
“The success of any endeavor boils down to getting good people –those with capability, commitment, and tenacity. When we educate Vellore students, we are creating a generation of healthcare professionals who value compassionate healthcare. A solid education is the first step in their unique opportunity to change the world.”
–Prasad & Sapna Palla, benefactors of the Sarah and Cornelius Walter Scholarship Fund
In 2023, Foundation donors supported close to 1,500 patients at CMC Vellore — 23 times more patients than the previous year. This was made possible through the generosity of a key donor. The Personto-Person Fund provides subsidies for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford specialized and often lifesaving treatment, ranging from obstetrics and gynecology, gastroenterology, hepatology, cardiology, neurology, eye/nose/throat (ENT), orthopedics, and general medicine.
“A few months ago, I developed a high fever. My father picked me up and took me straight to CMC’s Low Cost Effective Care Unit (LCECU). My condition did not improve, and the doctors at LCECU referred me to CMC’s main hospital. I was rushed to the Emergency Room and then admitted under the Department of General Medicine. The doctors diagnosed me with thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder characterized by low platelet count. They told me I need treatment for hypothyroidism, diabetes, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
My knowledge as a nursing student made me afraid – how will I return to normal life? But the doctors and nurses encouraged me to be brave. I understand better about the physical ailments faced by my family, and what I study at college makes more sense to me now. As a nurse, I want to help others to understand their health problems. I pray for healing for the patients I meet.”
In 2023, the Emergency Fund supported 57 adults and nine children. The Emergency Fund grants up to $1,300 to patients to help cover the costs of their cardiac diseases, cancer treatment, and other costly items, lessening the financial burden on the patient and their families. On average, the Emergency Fund subsidizes around $840 per patient. The Emergency Fund bridges the financial gap for those who need it most.
The renovation work for the Dr. Paul M. Stephen Pharmacology Laboratory is underway at the CMC Vellore Bagayam Campus. The project includes the renovation of classrooms, two labs, post-graduate rooms, Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) lab, and a museum; installation of A/V equipment and digital equipment for the labs; and a CAL Lab and Post-Graduate Research Lab equipment. This $135,000 grant was made possible through the generosity of Dr. Paul M. Stephen’s family.
Dr. Paul M. Stephen served as head of the Pharmacology Department at CMC. Known for his vibrant teaching style and expertise in cardiovascular pharmacology, Dr. Stephen inspired students to pursue research and their work globally. His influence reached far and wide, leaving a lasting impact on the field.
“I recall with gratitude the idyllic childhood I enjoyed and the exceptional education I received from CMC Vellore. These early experiences continue to enrich the fabric of my life to this day.”
–Dr. Mekhala Stephen, daughter of Dr. Paul M. Stephen, Batch 1983
“USAID grants are a catalyst for change in healthcare services. USAID has funded the set up of a Robotic & Virtual Reality Physical Rehab Facility and an Analytical Toxicology Lab, which supports our service, research, education, and outreach objectives.”
–Dr. Vikram Mathews, Director, CMC Vellore
For over four decades, USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program has been a cornerstone supporter of CMC, fostering significant impact in South India. ASHA provides support to international schools, hospitals, and centers of excellence to catalyze collaboration between citizens of the U.S. and other countries and create selfsustaining local institutions. Since 1982, ASHA’s commitment through the Foundation has contributed to over $12.5 million in funding for CMC’s infrastructure, programs, and services. The 2020 and 2021 USAID-ASHA grants totaling $1.5 million enabled CMC to establish two cutting edge facilities in 2023: the Robotic & Virtual Reality Physical Rehab Facility and the Analytical Toxicology Lab. These state-of-theart establishments provide critical patient care to those with complex neurological and mental health needs.
On January 20, 2024, CMC held a dedication ceremony, underscoring the significance of USAIDASHA’s support in advancing CMC’s mission.
“USAID works with the Government of India, the private sector, and the civil society to identify, pilot, and scale cost-effective, digital health technologies and Artificial Intelligence-powered tools to boost India’s healthcare sector. With this catalytic grant that has facilitated the setting up of the Robotic & Virtual Reality Lab and an Analytical Toxicology Lab at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, USAID aims to increase the commitment and capacity of locally-led institutions and providers to offer high-quality, integrated health care.”
–USAID/India Health Office Director, Michelle Lang-Alli
CMC’s first-of-its-kind rehabilitation center in South India integrates robotics and artificial intelligence. The Robotic & Virtual Reality Lab will provide transformative care for patients with complex neurological disabilities. With only one government-funded lab in North India, CMC’s initiative represents a significant advancement in patient care, particularly for patients with conditions like strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Through the acquisition of robotic devices for gait training and upper limb rehabilitation, the lab will utilize technologyassisted methods to foster neuroplasticity, providing tailored treatments and improving mobility outcomes.
The lab’s mission extends beyond physical rehabilitation, aiming to promote inclusion and empowerment, especially for women with disabilities, while also addressing road safety concerns to mitigate the severity of injuries from accidents. Through the adoption of American best practices and cutting-edge technologies, CMC is dedicated to advancing patient care and fostering awareness of disability inclusion and road safety measures by providing education and exposure to more than 1,540 individuals, including staff, students, and alumni.
The Analytical Toxicology Lab at CMC is a state-of-theart facility equipped to analyze the use of pesticides, prescription and recreational drugs, and effects of environmental toxins. By providing effective diagnoses and life-saving treatment, the lab enables timely interventions for victims of poisoning and suicide attempts. Additionally, the lab serves as a center for community outreach and education, empowering individuals with knowledge about safe pesticide usage and mental health support.
With a reach extending to over 230 million people in South India, the lab's primary beneficiaries include farmers, the unemployed, and youth, who face heightened risks of selfpoisoning-induced suicides. Notably, poisoning is one of the leading causes of suicide-related deaths in the region.
The ASHA grant facilitated the procurement of essential toxicology equipment, enabling critical testing for pesticides and poisons, particularly pertinent in a state like Tamil Nadu, which records the second-highest number of suicides in India. The widespread availability of pesticides, coupled with insufficient education on their safe storage, compounds the issue, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions provided by the lab.
The Foundation’s Jawadhi Hills Maternity Hospital Campaign, launched in 2022, funded the construction of CMC’s new maternity hospital in the Jawadhi Hills. Breaking ground on December 7th, 2024, the center aims to serve over 60,000 indigenous tribal members across 294 villages in South India who currently lack access to quality and easily accessible maternal education and care. The new facility will provide 24/7 emergency and healthcare services tailored for infants and mothers, including a maternity ward, Emergency Obstetric & Neonatal Care Unit, a patient and
healthcare workers training facility, a chapel, a six-room dormitory for medical staff, and a dining area for medical staff. Stemming from a legacy of care extending back to Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s “Roadside Clinics” over a century ago, this first-ofits-kind hospital in the isolated communities of the Jawadhi Hills will significantly improve maternal health and neonatal outcomes.
Thanks to your generosity, the campaign successfully raised more than $500,000 towards the construction of this new hospital.
The Hematology Department at CMC continues to excel in its mission to provide exceptional care for patients with blood-related disorders. With a legacy dating back to the 1950s, the department, under the leadership of Dr. Mammen Chandy, has grown to become the most prominent in the country. From pioneering stem cell transplantation for thalassemia in 1986, to establishing the first sustained bone marrow transplantation program in the country, the department has consistently pushed the boundaries of patient care and research. Today, it offers comprehensive services for various conditions, including blood cancers, bleeding disorders, and rare diseases, while also playing a crucial role in medical education and research activities.
Dr. Sarah Alexander (Batch ‘60) and her husband C.J. Alexander embody the spirit of dedication and giving back to Dr. Alexander’s alma mater. Their contributions have enabled the Hematology Department to acquire a second mass spectrometer and DNA/RNA extraction equipment, significantly enhancing nucleic acid quality and quantity for molecular biology testing. Additionally, the new equipment has facilitated the department’s ability to conduct service and research for patients with hematological malignancies.
“Ida Scudder started CMC Vellore because of a need in the community that she responded to. All these years later, we are proud to be able to honor that legacy by meeting another need in the community through the building of the Jawadhi Hills Maternity Hospital.”
–Scott Engelsman, Associate Director of Global Missions, Reformed Church in America
Liabilities + Net Assets
CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong Sources of
At the Foundation, we cherish all of our supporters, and you can be assured that we act as responsible stewards of the valuable resources we receive from our donors.
$100,000 or more
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Dr. Mekhala Stephen (‘83)
$25,000–$99,999
Dr. Elizabeth Balraj (‘57)
Dr. Khem Fatimi (‘59)
Mr. Pravin K. & Dr. Santiago
The Scudder Association Foundation, Inc.
Drs. James & Susan Taylor
Drs. Bobby & Joyce Thomas (‘65, ‘65)
United Methodist Women in Faith
Moses Vijaykumar
$10,000–$24,499
The First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York
Dr. Robert H. Fish
Shirley Matcha
Dr. Paul Mathew (‘03)
Drs. Bibhuti & Lopa Mishra (‘71)
Dr. Mohandas Narla
Prasad & Sapna Palla
Reformed Church in America
Dr. H. David Reines & Nina Totenberg
Dr. Shobha Sharma (‘75)
Mrs. Frances B. Sperry Estate
Dr. Jane P. Srinivasan (‘59)
Drs. Anita Raja & Cephas Swamidoss
Mrs. Dorothy R. & Dr. Vick Williams
Mr. & Mrs. George & Anitha Varughese
Mr. Philip Varughese
$5,000–$9,999
CIBC Private Wealth Management
Dr. Kamalini Das (‘73)
Dr. Barbara J. Isely
Drs. Manju & Sanjay Kalra (‘74, ‘74)
Dr. Gagandeep “Cherry” Kang
Nitish Korula
Dr. Margaret Kamalini Kumar (‘63)
Chacko Kurian
Dr. John Kurian (‘68)
The Madelon Global Health Foundation
Mr. George Matthew
Mrs. Gail Mays
Dr. Philip Ninan (‘69)
Lewis Pavlo
Mr. & Mrs. John Quitmeyer
Drs. Seshadri & Sybil Raju (‘57, ‘59)
Hani & Megan Rashid
Drs. Christie & Sarah Thomas (‘75, 75)
Dr. Prathibha Varkey (‘91)
Drs. Ajit & Nissi Varki (‘68)
Mr. Binu Varughese
Dr. Annie Venugopal & P.G. Thambuswamy (‘67)
$2,500–$4,999
Dr. Varkey Abraham (‘55)
American Baptist International Ministries
Drs. S.V. & Esther Ariathurai (‘69, ‘69)
Niranjan Bose PhD
Mr. Joseph Camardo
Dr. & Mrs. Ramesh Chalam (‘68)
Dr. Priya Dayamani John (‘87)
Dr. Vivek Dutt
Dr. Madelon Finkel
Mr. Rajagopal Ganesan
Drs. Rohan & Mary Ganguli (‘67, ‘68)
Mr. Jack Gilmar
Global Ministries/UCC/Disciples
Dr. Albert Johnson (‘61)
Dr. Bharathi Kamineni (‘68)
Drs. Cyrus & Shanta Kapadia (‘60, ‘59)
Stephanie Kok
Dr. Valsala Koshy (‘60)
Dr. Mercy Kuriyan (‘63)
Drs. Raj & Tina Narayan (‘69, ‘73)
Dr. Anooradha Raman (‘85)
San Antonio Area Foundation
Dr. Kirti Shetty (‘83)
Mr. Sarabdeep Singh
Mr. David & Dr. Candace Talcott
United Methodist Foundation of NE
Dr. Mohan & Susan Verghese (‘68)
Dr. Honorine Ward & Dr. Shiv Pillai (‘69, ‘69)
Dorothy C. Wilson Estate
Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation
$500–$2,499
Isaac Alamuri
Alpha Family Medicine
Dr. Jaya Asirvatham (‘56)
Drs. Prakash Balasubramanian & Amitha Domalpally (‘92)
Dr. Utpala Bandyopadhyay (‘68)
Mrs. & Mrs. Albert & Katherine Bauman
Mr. Joel J. Betchel
The Estate of Edith E. Buhler
Vijay John Britto
Rev. N. Josephine Cameron
Dr. & Mrs. Pranatharthi Chandrasekar (‘68)
Drs. K. George Chandy & Susan Zachariah (‘71, ‘71)
Drs. Abraham F. & Sarah Cheriyan (‘71)
Drs. Luke & Anita Cheriyan (‘67, ‘68)
Dr. Robert W. Clausen
The Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham
Dr. Scott Crabtree
Rev. Ted Crass
Mrs. Eleanor Cunningham
Milton Davis Jr. Charitable Foundation
Dr. Anindya Dutta (‘75)
Ms. Nirmala David
Phyllis Ferrier
Dr. Steven Flanagan
Dr. Gurdev Garewal (‘58)
Dr. Jane Von Gaudecker PhD, RN (‘93)
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Drs. Ravi K. & Bajie George (‘73, ‘76)
Dr. Romani George (‘81)
Dr. Sarla & Mr. Daniel Gnanamuthu (‘56)
Grace Trinity United Church of Christ
Dr. Shalini M. Jacob (‘70)
Dr. Rohith Jesudas (‘97)
Dr. Richard Jesudass
Dr. Alice Jesudian (‘66)
Nithyla John
Drs. Sajiv & Reena John (‘78, ‘81)
Johnson & Johnson
Mandip Kalsi
Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Koepke
Dr. Priscilla W. Koester
Dr. Mary Jacob Kollakuzhiyil (‘91)
Rev. Dr. Louis Knowles
George & Sanjana Koshy
Drs. Kirttida & Satish Kumar (‘71, ‘73)
Dr. Alexander & Valsa Kuruvila (‘66, ‘72)
Mrs. & Mrs. Robert & Jacqueline Laskoff
Mr. David Lee
Ms. Ann Leibowitz
Ms. Betty Letzig
Mr. Andrew Magimaidas
Dr. Ranjit Mani (‘68)
Mr. B Thomas. Mansbach
Dr. Stephen T. Mathai (‘62)
Aby Mathew
Dr. George Mathew
Dr. Mathew Mathew (‘68)
Mithran & Anita Mathew
Mrs. Sushila Mathew
Mr. Krishen Mehta
Dr. Smita Mehta (‘83)
Mrs. Mary Morris
Mr. Cheranthian Muthuvinayagam (‘93)
Nancy Nair
Dr. Florence Ouseph (‘68)
Subodh Pandit
Dr. John Paul PhD
Ms. Scaria Philip
Mrs. & Mrs. Thomas K & Marina Philips
Mrs. Carolyn K. Pollock
Anna Prakash PhD
Wessly Priscilla
Mrs. & Mrs. Mani K & Mary Pulimood
Mrs. Sheila Rajan (‘69)
Mr. Robert Rajkumar
Drs. Haran Ramachandran & Madhumathi Rao (‘75, ‘75)
Drs. Wiji & Josephine Ratnathicam (‘66, ‘66)
Dr. Divya Reouk (‘98)
Mr. John Riehl
Drs. Velma & Rodney Rynearson
Mr. Gautam Sajeev
Ms. Leya Saju
Dr. Varughese Samuel (‘64)
Mr. Samuel Satyanathan
Rev. Dr. Byron Shafer
Animesh Sharma
Mrs. Joanne Skudder
Mr. Frederic Smies
Dr. Matilda Stelzer (‘91)
Mr. & Mrs. John Stevens III
Drs. Christopher & Agnes Sundaresan
Elliot Sussman
Mrs. & Mrs. Bessy & Ebenezer Thangavelu ( ‘92)
Dr. Mariamma Thomas (‘52)
Ms. Rashmi Thomas
Dr. & Mrs. Norman Thoms
Drs. Thomas & Anna Thurairatnam (‘73, ‘73)
Drs. Shubha & Shripad Tuljapurkar (‘82)
Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Susan Varghese
Mrs. Ruby Victor (‘85)
Kishore Vuyuru
Dr. Alka Walter & Dr. K. Sarat Chandra Kuppachi (‘92, ‘02)
Julia Wattacheril
Beth & Jeff Wyckoff
Dr. Robert Young
Dr. Ida S. Scudder, a pioneering force for good in 20th century medicine, reshaped the landscape of healthcare and gender equity. As the founder of Christian Medical College Vellore in 1900, Aunt Ida catalyzed a revolution in women’s role in medicine, empowering them to play a broader role in healthcare, including as doctors.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ida S. Scudder was a visionary.
• After founding an all-women’s medical college in 1918, she made the strategic decision to integrate men into the college in 1945, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and progress amid India’s independence.
• Recognizing education’s power to break the cycle of poverty, she championed an economic development strategy centered on educating multiple generations within one family.
• Her transformative leadership extended beyond education. In 1948, she dissolved the U.S.-based board of directors, establishing what is now known as the Vellore CMC Foundation, and set up a new council to represent Indian Christian denominations, expanding support for CMC globally.
Today, over 120 years since its founding, CMC remains India’s premier medical institution. Aunt Ida’s legacy shines as a beacon of empowerment, echoing the impact of 20th century leaders like Mother Teresa and Eleanor Roosevelt, whose tireless work in women’s rights and education have left a lasting impact on gender equity globally.
The directors and staff of the Vellore CMC Foundation look forward to 2024 and beyond with gratitude and great optimism. Over the course of the past five years, we have not only witnessed an increase in the number of charitable gifts received, but also an increase in the size of these gifts as well. Members of the Scudder family, the faith-based community and CMC alumni have given generously, as have individuals and institutions whose attraction to CMC is founded upon a great appreciation for its mission and concern for humanity. By example, we are the recipient of a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant that will allow CMC to exponentially expand its pediatric sub-specialty capabilities. While we have experienced a reasonable degree of success in our efforts to support CMC’s education and patient services programs, we continue to explore how best to help CMC grow its medical research activities. Hopeful that we might expand upon and leverage the expertise of our network of U.S. academic and medical institutions, our goal is to approach a greater number of philanthropic individuals and institutions to create collaborative partnerships that help galvanize their charitable support.
“We would often have been faint hearted and have lost courage and been ready to give up the struggle, but as someone has said ‘Our steps of faith have often fallen on a seeming void, but we have always found the rock beneath.’”
–Dr. Ida S. Scudder, 1940
475 Riverside Dr., Suite 725
New York, NY 10115
Individual
Varkey K. Abraham, MD (’55)
C.J. Alexander, PhD
Saramma Alexander, MD (’60)
Priya Alexander, MD (’88)
Bobby Cherayil, MD (’74) (’58-’59)
Susan Cherian, PhD (CON ’75)
Abraham Fenn Cheriyan, MD (’71)
Vasantha Caroline Daniel (CON)
Rev. Lisa Durkee
Meredith Hawkins, MD
Diane Jedlicka, PhD
Sajiv John
Albert Johnson, MD (’61)
Cyrus Kapadia, MD (’59-’60)
Shanta Kapadia, MD (’59-’60)
Emma Koshi, MD (’65)
Rev. B.B.C. Kumar
Dr. Sarosh Koshy, PhD
Susan Mathew (CON ’69)
Thomas Mathew (AHS ’89)
Arjun Mohandas, MD (’86)
Renu Mohandas, MD (’86)
Aparna Muralidharan
Tina Narayan, MD (’73)
Philip Ninan, MD (’69)
Jim Oehrig (American Leprosy Missions)
John J. Paul, PhD
Thomas Philips, PhD
Catherine Poornaselvan, MSc (CON ’80)
John M. Quitmeyer
Siri Quitmeyer
Puthucode N. Rajamani
Lalitha Rambhala, MD
H. David Reines, MD
Rev. William Sadler
Susan Swanson
William Scudder
Rev. Elizabeth Senft
Meenakshi Singh
Jane P. Srinivasan, MD (’58-’59)
John Stevens, III
Mark W. Tibbetts, PhD
Robin Varghese, MD
George Varughese
Abraham Verghese, MD
Christine Wanke
Elise Youth, PhD
Institutional
American Baptist Int’l Ministries
Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Grace-Trinity United Church of Christ
New Dover United Methodist Church
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Reformed Church in America
Seventh-Day Adventists Church
Scudder Association Foundation
Southern Baptist Convention
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
United Women in Faith
Foundation Leadership
President & CEO
John A. Riehl
Director of Donor Development
Mabel Haro
Director of Church Relations
Deepika Srivastava