This Year’s Focus
Partners in Philanthropy
At the Vellore CMC Foundation, we have seen how a single act of charity can create a ripple effect of tremendous impact — expanding access to care, advancing medical education, and strengthening communities. In this year’s report, we examine the partnerships that began with the support of individuals and organizations, which then radiated outward, touching the lives of many throughout India and beyond.
Who We Are
Our Mission
To support Christian Medical College, Vellore (CMC), in its pursuit of excellence in healthcare, education, and research, while honoring the legacy of its founder, Dr. Ida S. Scudder.
Our Values
We champion excellence through collaboration, embrace diversity with integrity, lead with innovation and creativity, and advance sustainable philanthropy to ensure a lasting impact.
Our Vision
The Foundation’s strategic vision is to expand its U.S. development activities to affect CMC’s longevity and continuous impact. Throughout 2024, the Foundation focused its resources on cultivating relationships with the U.S. faith-based community, CMC’s U.S. alumni, members of the Scudder family, and the growing number of individuals and institutions whose acquaintance with the Foundation has been shaped by their personal connection with CMC.
Our charitable impact is continuously measured by the ripple effect of our philanthropic partnerships.
Leadership + Governance
From the Board Chair
In 1900, Dr. Ida S. Scudder—freshly trained as a physician in New York and among the earliest women doctors—began practicing in Vellore, South India. She had no funding, organization, or staff, and little medical experience. Her father, a medical missionary, had just passed away. All she had was faith and a determination to help patients. She never married, lived to ninety years old, and founded a nursing school, a medical school, and one of India’s largest hospitals.
Since then, the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, has treated millions of patients and trained thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide. Though founded by “Aunt Ida,” its success comes from countless contributors. The institution remains wellmanaged, fiscally sound, and ethically grounded— offering high-quality care to patients from around India and surrounding countries, regardless of religion or their ability to pay.
Each of us has a Vellore connection—some as alumni, others as passionate supporters. While we
as alumni owe much to CMC, I am especially grateful to those who champion this remarkable institution despite only having learned about it recently.
The Board of Directors of the Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation serves voluntarily, generously giving time and support. Our efficient staff, led by John Riehl, keeps administrative overhead among the lowest in the nonprofit sector. In a time of global cynicism, CMC remains a beacon of stability, compassion, and efficiency. The ageold debate persists at CMC: are we an institution of excellence or service? In truth, CMC is both, offering lessons to healthcare systems worldwide.
Thank you for the privilege of serving with you,
Raj K. Narayan, MD, FACS, FAANS CMC Batch of ’69 Chairman, Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Chair
Raj K. Narayan, MD
Vice Chair
James Taylor, MD
Treasurer
Binu Varughese
Secretary
Anita Raja, PhD
Directors
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chan
Lydia Booher, PhD
Joseph Camardo, MD
Rev. Theodore Crass
Anindya Dutta, MD, PhD
Scott Engelsman
Madelon Finkel, PhD
Jack Gillmar
Mark Ranjan Jesudason, MD
Usha Jesudasan
Margaret Kumar, PhD
Mrinalini Matcha, MD
Vikram Mathews, MD
Bibhuti Mishra, MD
Meenakashi (Meena) Narula
Philip Ninan, MD
Prasad Palla
Vinciya Pandian, PhD
John “Hans” Quitmeyer
H. David Reines, MD
Richard Sabuin, PhD
Sarabdeep “Sabi” Singh
Cephas Swamidoss, MD
Susan Taylor, MD
Christie Thomas, MD
Honorine Ward, MD
Julia Wattacheril, MD, MPH
From the President and CEO
As an organization and donor community, we have so much to be grateful for and to celebrate. Not long ago, there was reason to believe that the Vellore CMC Foundation had outlived its usefulness as the U.S. development arm of the Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore (CMC). Since then, however, the Foundation has gradually increased its annual support of CMC Vellore’s mission and healthcare-related programs tenfold, seeing its charitable contributions to CMC rise from $700,000 to $7 million in the past six years.
During this period, the Foundation has seen significant growth in charitable giving from its key constituencies —namely, the faith-based community, U.S.-based CMC alumni, the Scudder family, the federal government, private foundations and other loyal patrons of CMC Vellore. The outcome has become a meaningful and measurable impact on the quality of care, education and research provided by CMC, all while serving as a true witness to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Over this same time span, the Foundation has looked inward to identify ways to improve its efficiency as a nonprofit organization, identifying opportunities to enhance the quality of work while minimizing administrative overhead expenses. To meet these objectives, we outsourced tasks that were routine and transactional including bookkeeping/financial
reporting, public charity certification compliance, grant writing, graphic design, website support, and event planning. In addition, we optimized the utilization of our staff, allowing us to channel our efforts toward effective relationship cultivation and responsible stewardship of our charitable resources.
As a result, our administrative overhead expenses have decreased from 29.8% down to 5.4% during these past six years, earning the Foundation the industry’s highest levels of recognition and accreditation from organizations such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau.
I am deeply grateful to our donor community, board of directors, business partners, and staff for their tireless efforts and dedication to our mission and vision. Through this unified commitment, we continue with our efforts to Inspire, Empower and Transform.
Sincerely,
John A. Riehl President and CEO
“The primary focus of the Foundation’s work is on sustainable partnerships through proper business fundamentals, uncompromising social responsibility, and a dedication to transparent and measurable financial stewardship.”
John Riehl, President and CEO
“In a time of global cynicism, CMC remains a beacon of stability, compassion, and efficiency.”
Raj K. Narayan, MD Board Chairman, Vellore CMC Foundation
2024 Highlights
Jawadhi Hills Groundbreaking
On December 7, 2024, CMC Vellore celebrated the groundbreaking of the Dr. C.K. Job Tribal Health and Development Center. This “Turning of the Sod” event marked the official launch of a transformative project aimed at improving healthcare access for the tribal communities of the Jawadhi Hills. CMC Vellore’s Director, Dr. Vikram Mathews, reaffirmed CMC’s commitment to serving this region’s marginalized population, as did CHAD Director, Dr. Venkata Raghava Mohan, and Jawadhi Hills Director, Dr. Anuradha Rose, and others. This milestone project, for which the Foundation raised over $500,000, represents CMC’s ongoing dedication to building a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
CMC Heritage Center Dedication
Members of the Scudder family, the Vellore CMC Foundation, and the CMC community gathered to celebrate the dedication of CMC’s renovated Heritage Center on December 9, 2024—the date best known as Founder’s Day and Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s birthday. Dr. James Hamilton Taylor, descendant of Dr. John and Harriet Scudder, joined Dr. Vikram Mathews for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the historic site where the original Cole Dispensary was inaugurated in 1923. The beautifully renovated Center, funded through generous contributions from the U.S. donor community, now preserves and celebrates CMC’s rich heritage of service while connecting its inspiring legacy to its future.
Creating a Pathway to the Future
In 2024, the Foundation successfully implemented a strategic back office restructuring, significantly reducing its operating expenses while retaining its commitment to high-quality support services. This consolidation resulted in the reduction of the Foundation’s ASHA compliance reporting costs, the negotiation of a fixed-fee agreement with a boutique law firm for 501(c)3 state filings, and the hiring of an India-based bookkeeping firm. These actions have not only yielded substantial annual savings but also allow more resources to flow directly into the Foundation’s mission-critical programs.
Partners in Philanthropy
The transformative power of philanthropy is what defines our mission at the Vellore CMC Foundation. This year, we honor the diverse coalition of philanthropically-minded individuals and organizations who make our work possible. They include the Scudder family, faith-based communities, U.S. medical institutions, dedicated alumni, friends of CMC, public sector partners, and private foundations. Through these meaningful collaborations, we secure vital funding (year over year), which enables CMC to fulfill its mission with integrity, innovation, and compassion. The unique and personal perspectives that follow demonstrate how, together with our Partners in Philanthropy, we create impact that transcends what any single entity could accomplish.
The U.S. CMC Alumni
Giving Back to the Institution that Shaped Their Worldview
For CMC alumni like Dr. Mangala Venkatesh (Batch ‘70), a neurologist who has practiced in Ohio for more than 40 years, the values instilled during her time at CMC continue to inform her professional and philanthropic choices.
“At CMC, my teachers were wonderful mentors, the education was excellent, and we were exposed to community service quite a bit,” reflects Dr. Venkatesh. “It was my medical training at Vellore that prepared me for my career in the United States later in my life. I’m forever grateful for that.”
Like with many CMC alumni, this gratitude often translates into meaningful support for Dr. Mangala’s alma mater. She and her husband Dr. Venki Venkatesh recently funded the construction of an eye care surgical theater at CMC’s Chittoor campus, inspired by both personal experience and an unwavering commitment to CMC’s mission.
“We wanted to do something around eye care and for the community, for the less advantaged,” she explains. “It really worked out amazingly well.”
While practicing medicine in the U.S., Dr. Venkatesh has observed key differences in healthcare approaches. “Having practiced in this country, there is a market-driven component to the way medicine is practiced here. It’s different from the model I was exposed to in Vellore, where the mission was more service-oriented, community-focused, much more focused on the less fortunate.”
Beyond patient care, alumni contributions create opportunities for the education and preparation of future generations of healthcare professionals. During her visit for the eye care surgical theater opening at the Chittoor campus, Dr. Venkatesh was “delighted to see the young people— technicians, optometrists, students, and nursing staff,” who all benefit from alumni support.
Dr. Venkatesh continuously encourages U.S. based alumni to support CMC through the Foundation, which stewards charitable funds in a way that ensures high-quality compassionate care with maximum impact.
“It was my medical training at Vellore that prepared me for my career in the United States later in my life. I’m forever grateful for that.”
Dr. Mangala Venkatesh Neurologist, Premier Health
“The most important stories about Aunt Ida revolve around her selfless spirit, her compassion, and generosity. There’s something in our family I call ‘the missionary gene’. These people are kind and generous of spirit ... always ready to give a helping hand, contributing an abundance of time and treasure to those in need.”
Susan Swanson President, The Scudder Association Foundation
The Scudder Family
A Legacy of Mission Work and Compassionate Care
The Scudder family’s connection to CMC spans over 125 years, beginning with Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s visionary work in 1900. This lineage of medical missionaries continues to influence healthcare in India through active engagement and philanthropy.
“Ida’s original vision was to train women to be doctors and nurses and to provide female medical care to the women of India,” explains Susan Swanson, President of The Scudder Association Foundation. “The Scudder missionaries were always drawn to bringing assistance to the very poor.”
For family members like Dr. Rob Fish, a dentist and Ida’s great-nephew, the connection remains deeply personal. His three daughters all pursued careers in healthcare, inspired by their family’s legacy. “The Scudder spirit is a fighting spirit,” Dr. Fish reflects. “When we believe in something right, we get pretty passionate about it.”
Today, the Scudder Association Foundation maintains a permanent seat on the Board of the Vellore CMC Foundation, ensuring the family’s continued influence. Multiple generations have volunteered at CMC, from medical professionals to advocates and donors. The Scudder Association Foundation recently led a matching gift fundraising campaign for the construction of the Jawadhi Hills tribal community center, demonstrating their tireless commitment to expanding healthcare access in and around the Vellore district.
“It is our responsibility as Scudders, and as members of the Scudder Association Foundation to make sure that [Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s] labor of love and inspiration continue,” says Swanson, highlighting the family’s dedication to preserving Ida’s legacy of service, compassion, and medical innovation for future generations.
Faith-Based Community
A Community of Compassion
The U.S. faith-based community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to CMC Vellore’s mission through prayer, advocacy, and generous financial support. Each denomination and congregation has recognized CMC’s work as an extension of their own values—namely, healing the sick, serving the vulnerable, and embodying compassion across borders.
Dating back to Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s relationship cultivation days of the early 1900s, the Foundation’s partnerships each begin with some form of personal connection. For instance, at New Dover United Methodist Church in Edison, New Jersey, it was Catherine Poornaselvan, a CMC College of Nursing graduate and congregant, who first bridged these worlds. “Catherine continues to be a strong advocate for CMC amongst our church members!” explains the church’s pastor, Rev. Chuck Coblentz.
When crises arise, members of the faith community respond with remarkable generosity. During India’s devastating COVID-19 surge in 2021, congregations like New Dover mobilized quickly despite facing their own pandemic challenges.
“When we heard of the crisis in India, our Church Council held a Zoom meeting to see how we could help,” recalls Rev. Coblentz. “That very night our Council voted unanimously to raise money for an additional intensive care unit at CMC, even though we ourselves were, at the time, unsure about our own financial prospects, given the pandemic.”
As a group, the U.S. faith-based community values transparency and communication about impact. They share CMC’s updates and reports with their congregations, reinforcing the connection between their support and tangible medical and educational outcomes in Vellore.
The Foundation’s partnerships with the faith-based community extend beyond financial giving to active engagement. As Rev. Coblentz noted about his congregation’s relationship with the Vellore CMC Foundation and the upcoming 5K fundraiser co-hosted with the Foundation: “Cohosting the 5K fundraiser in September 2025 will further strengthen and illuminate our ties, and once again demonstrate our continual commitment to minister to the most vulnerable among us, whether they be found in our local community, or in the surrounding hills and hamlets of Vellore.”
Visit vellorecmc.org to learn more about the New Dover United Methodist Church's 5K benefit run.
“[We will continue our] commitment to minister to the most vulnerable among us, whether they be found in our local community, or the surrounding hills and hamlets of Vellore.”
Rev. Chuck Coblentz
Pastor, New Dover United Methodist Church
“Look at the mission of Vellore, look at what they’re doing, be inspired by it, and help them do more of it.”
George Varughese Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal Securities
Friends of CMC
Building Bridges of Support
Friends of CMC represent a vital segment of the Foundation’s supporters who, while not alumni themselves, are deeply connected to the institution’s mission through personal ties and shared values.
Divya Mathew and John Philip exemplify this growing community of supporters. While they both grew up in India with family connections to CMC, neither attended the institution. “CMC has been a big part of my family –members were educated by, employed by, and cared for by the institution,” Divya explains. “We are very familiar with the mission and values it represents, which deeply resonate with us as a family.”
Their journey with the Foundation began during India’s COVID-19 crisis, when they contributed to ventilator equipment at CMC. Later, they made a significant donation to the Jawadhi Hills project, supporting CMC’s Model Village Program, implemented to create sustainable livelihoods and educational opportunities for marginalized communities in remote areas.
“Once you build the village, give them the basic health and education and medical facilities, they tend to then do farming, raise animals, sell their produce... getting into a self-sustaining model,” notes John. “You are sort of planting a tree which gives a lot of fruit year after year.”
For George Varughese, a previous board member, the connection to CMC is deeply personal. “In 1959, when my mother was expecting my younger sister, she was diagnosed with a faulty mitral valve in her heart,” he recounts. “CMC Vellore was the best place in India for this.” The successful open-heart surgery on a pregnant woman, rare at that time, “made a huge difference for our family.”
These friends of CMC are also instrumental in expanding the institution’s network. Mr. Varughese has leveraged his personal networks and connected several philanthropists to CMC’s work. His approach is straightforward: “Look at the mission of Vellore, look at what they’re doing, be inspired by it, and help them do more of it.”
Public Sector
Providing the Resources to Build Innovation into All Aspects of Medicine
The transformative power of the U.S. Government’s generosity is exemplified by CMC Vellore’s longstanding relationship with its American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program.
Through the Foundation’s relationship with ASHA, CMC has received more than $14 million in funding since 1982. This partnership helped established CMC as a center of excellence, one that fosters collaboration between the U.S. and India while creating selfsustaining local innovation.
The impact of this public-private partnership extends across CMC’s campus and operations, with more than 25 separate initiatives including the Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Blood Bank Management System, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and other essential environmental infrastructures.
Recent innovations include an advanced simulation training center for emergency room nurses, a first-of-its-kind Advanced Toxicology Lab, and a groundbreaking Robotic and AI-assisted Physical Therapy Program at CMC’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute.
The ASHA Program was also used to fund CMC’s integrated water treatment system, which saves 160,000 liters of water daily through a two-stage purification process.
Each ASHA-funded program at CMC serves as an endorsement of American ideals and best practices, fostering positive relationships between the U.S. and India while also increasing access to healthcare for the country’s marginalized population.
This collaboration has demonstrated how international public sector support can have a lasting impact that extends far beyond initial investments.
“We are deeply grateful for the vital role public sector support has played in advancing CMC’s education and health programs. Each grant enabled CMC to expand education services, enhance patient care, and bring innovative solutions to the communities they serve—amplifying the impact of every donor dollar.”
Mabel Haro, Director of Donor
Development,
Vellore CMC Foundation
“The better we do in business, the more good we can do in the world.
Partnering with trusted charitable organizations with a shared vision, like CMC Vellore, helps us serve those in need.”
Mr. Prem Watsa Chairman and CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings
Private Sector
Partnering with Private and Corporate Foundations
Private and corporate foundations play a crucial role in supporting CMC Vellore’s mission by bringing significant resources and strategic thinking to expand the institution’s reach and impact. Fairfax Financial Holdings exemplifies this type of partnership through its funding of a new pediatric specialty care center at CMC. This project represents a uniquely structured collaboration, bringing together the charitable resources of Fairfax Financial Holdings, Quess Corp, The Six Four Foundation, and Ajit Isaac Foundation.
“We firmly believe that, just as in business, collaboration in philanthropy with like-minded partners creates a powerful multiplier effect, amplifying impact far beyond what any one organization could achieve alone,” explains Mr. Ajit Isaac, Chairman, Quess Corp.
Another significant foundation partner, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has supported CMC’s work in immunization training, helping to build capacity among frontline health workers responsible for administering vaccines to children. This program addresses critical challenges in healthcare delivery by improving service protocols and extending training opportunities. For these foundations, the decision to support CMC is influenced by the institution’s 125-year legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and medical innovation. They are particularly drawn to CMC’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations, especially children.
Important to each of the Foundation’s private sector partners is CMC’s focus on compassionate care, along with its “commitment to clinical excellence, innovation in healthcare, and the ways in which the hospital’s research and knowledge extend beyond Vellore to benefit other current and future sites,” said Ms. Priya Ramesh Mehta, Director, Charitable Giving, Fairfax Financial Holdings, and Ms. Sweety Thomas, Chief of Staff, Ajit Isaac Foundation. These strategic partnerships demonstrate how private foundations can leverage their resources to create sustainable, high-impact healthcare solutions that extend well beyond traditional charity models.
U.S. Medical Institutions
Advancing Global Healthcare
U.S. medical institutions have forged meaningful partnerships with CMC Vellore, exemplified by the historic connection between the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine and CMC’s rehabilitation services.
“It was Dr. Rusk’s philosophy to spread the word and the value of rehabilitation, not just throughout the country, but throughout the world,” explains Dr. Steven Flanagan, Howard A. Rusk Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine. This philosophy directly influenced CMC’s Dr. Mary Verghese, who after sustaining a spinal cord injury in the 1950s, traveled to New York for specialized training.
The partnership began in the 1960s when Dr. Howard Rusk, considered the father of rehabilitation medicine, welcomed Dr. Verghese as a fellow. After completing her training, she returned to establish India’s first rehabilitation hospital at CMC Vellore.
Today, this legacy continues through professional exchanges like observerships for CMC physicians, which expose them to specialized fields like rehabilitation medicine. “In order to really advance medicine and ensure that people are getting the best experiences from healthcare, rehabilitation medicine is a vital component,” Dr. Flanagan notes. He finds inspiration in Dr. Verghese’s remarkable story: “As a woman in India... becoming a physician, sustaining a terrible injury... it was just so inspiring that she did not give up. She continued to advance her own education, sought training not just in the United States but Europe as well, and then seeing the need in India, started the first inpatient rehabilitation program there.”
These U.S. medical institution partnerships demonstrate how knowledge exchange between American and Indian medical professionals continues to advance global healthcare and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
“We learn often as much from our colleagues from around the world as they learn from us, so exchange of information is just vitally important, and I think we are richer ourselves for these relationships that we have with our colleagues from around the world.”
Dr. Steven Flanagan Chairman and Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Scholarships: Stories of Transformation and Excellence
In 2024, the Foundation celebrated the graduation of 20 exceptional scholars (two medical and 18 nursing students), who were supported financially by the Foundation. Each graduate represents not just an individual success story, but expanding circles of impact that will touch countless lives. In addition to exhibiting academic excellence, CMC’s nursing graduates demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of significant challenges.
Anjali P completed her diploma in nursing and joined as a staff nurse in the Medical Nursing department at CMC Vellore. As the child of a single parent following her father's death in a road accident, the scholarship was critical in allowing her to pursue her education while her mother worked as a tailor with seasonal income. She shares, "The scholarship enabled me to complete my nursing education with good scores and I am indebted for the financial support."
Meera S faced extraordinary challenges, losing both parents at a young age. Raised by her grandparents for 18 years, she persevered through difficult circumstances when her grandmother suffered a stroke and could no longer work. Thanks to scholarship support, she completed her diploma and now serves as a Staff Nurse in the Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA) department at CMC Vellore.
Sanjay N, a final-year medical student, comes from a lowincome family. As only the second person in his family to pursue a professional career, the scholarship was transformative.
“The scholarships I received were a lifeline that allowed me to focus on my studies without financial worry… CMC’s unique culture shaped me through friendships and mentorships that instilled a deep sense of service.” After graduation, Sanjay plans to return to his hometown to work in the local mission hospital.
"I plan to support my family and serve the community and further my studies."
Anjali, CON Batch 2024
The Ripple Effect of Your Charitable Gifts
These graduates exemplify how our partnership with the U.S. donor community consistently expand the gradual waves of impact as they carry forward Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s legacy of compassionate care.
• Individual Transformation: Students from low-resource backgrounds gain professional skills and career opportunities.
• Family Impact: Graduates can now support siblings and their aging parents.
• Healthcare Access: Their service in departments like RUHSA extends quality healthcare to rural communities.
• Future Education: Many express plans to pursue further studies, continuing their professional growth.
• Service Commitment: All graduates emphasize their desire to "serve the community" with the skills they have gained.
Project Highlights
Person-to-Person and Emergency Funds
The Person to Person (PTP) and Emergency Funds represent the Foundation’s commitment to immediate, life-saving assistance for patients facing critical healthcare needs and financial hardship.
During April 2024 - March 2025, the Foundation supported 97 patients through the PTP fund with a contribution of $9,400. These funds became part of CMC’s larger effort that ultimately helped 3,265 patients receive essential medical care they could not otherwise afford. The impact: 56% of patients showed significant improvement, while 33% achieved full recovery.
One such patient was Madhu*, a 37-year-old mother from Vellore. As daily wage laborers dependent on the 100-day work scheme, Madhu and her husband had no means to afford treatment when she was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia. Through the PTP fund, Madhu received life-saving care in the Cardiology Department’s ICU, helping her to quickly get back on her feet.
The Emergency Fund provided critical support to five additional patients facing urgent medical crises, demonstrating how targeted financial assistance can transform dire circumstances into positive outcomes. Sasi*, a widowed woman with two children who work as laborers was unexpectedly diagnosed with cervical cancer. They sold their belongings and did what they could to cover her treatment, but it still wasn’t enough. Through a grant of $820 from the Emergency Fund and additional support through CMC’s charity, the full cost of her treatment was covered.
Schell Hospital and Mobile Eye Clinic
The Foundation continued to support eye care services at the historic Schell Campus— the site of Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s first hospital—through two critical initiatives.
Ophthalmology Lecture Theatre
Responding to CMC’s worldwide appeal to alumni, the Foundation contributed $13,887 toward renovating the Ophthalmology Lecture Theatre, named in memory of Dr. Ravi Thomas, a mentor who shaped the department’s world-class training program. This contribution along with gifts from department staff, students, and doctors worldwide created a state-of-the-art teaching facility serving increased numbers of medical and optometry students.
Mobile Eye Clinic
Meanwhile, the Mobile Eye Clinic continues to prevent diabetes-related blindness throughout the district. Last year, the program screened 11,881 diabetics through 72 screening camps and conducted 423 laser procedures across 45 mobile clinics. By bringing specialized care directly to underserved communities, the clinic saves vision and livelihoods for patients like Ramesh, a driving instructor who nearly lost sight in both eyes before receiving critical and timely intervention.
*Patient names have been changed to protect privacy.
Pediatrics
CMC’s commitment to children and families flourished across two deeply meaningful initiatives—through the ongoing support of pediatric oncology survivors and a transformative campaign for autism inclusion and awareness. These efforts reflect CMC’s belief that every child deserves not just medical care, but compassion, continuity, and community.
Pediatric Oncology
Each year, more than 200 children complete cancer treatment at the Pediatric Haematology Oncology (PHO) Department. While many move into remission, the journey often continues long after the last chemotherapy session. With the support of the Foundation’s donors, CMC is ensuring these children receive the care they need.
Children like J*, an 11-year-old medulloblastoma survivor, now lives with the long-term effects of treatment such as hearing loss caused by chemotherapy. Through CMC, J received hearing aids that restored his ability to engage in school and social life. For M*, a young girl from West Bengal who lost mobility after a tumor, a custom wheelchair made play and family life more joyful.
These stories reflect the PHO department’s commitment to addressing the physical, emotional, and economic challenges that follow childhood cancer. While cancer treatment ends, care through CMC continues long after.
Autism and Inclusion
In April 2025, the Developmental Pediatrics Unit hosted “Shades of Blue, Threads of Hope,” a powerful Autism Awareness Day celebration that turned understanding into action. Held in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, the event brought together students, families, children with special needs, and healthcare professionals in a sea of blue—symbolizing serenity, solidarity, and acceptance.
The program offered more than awareness—it created space for children with autism to sing, paint, and shine alongside their neurotypical peers. Families courageously shared their stories, turning private battles into collective strength. Medical and nursing students formed a human infinity symbol, pledging to see beyond labels and into the limitless potential of every child.
Immersive stations allowed visitors to experience the world through the lens of autism, while interdisciplinary teams—from speech therapists to psychologists—collaborated to foster empathy, education, and engagement.
This event was graciously funded by Drs. Wiji and Josephine Ratnathicam (‘66, ‘66).
2024 Financials
Liabilities & Net Assets
Awards and Events
2024 Gala: A Night of Inspiration
The Foundation's signature fundraising event on October 3 rd united supporters around the theme Advancing Research for a Healthier Tomorrow. Through a $50,000 matching gift challenge, partners from all sectors convened to collectively raise $100,000 that evening to advance CMC’s mission.
Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, renowned oncologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, received the prestigious Dr. Ida S. Scudder Socratic Leadership Award. The honor was presented by Dr. Shiv Pillai (Batch '69), Harvard Medical School professor and Dr. Mukherjee's former mentor.
USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) was recognized with the inaugural Healthcare Innovation Award for their transformative partnership. Since 1982, ASHA directed over $14 million to CMC through the Foundation, revolutionizing education, patient care, and research capabilities.
Dr. J.V. Peter, former CMC Director, offered compelling insights into the institution's 125-year journey of compassionate care and service to vulnerable communities. His first-hand perspective highlighted how CMC's values continue to shape healthcare delivery in India and beyond.
Penn Masala, noted South Asian A Capella Group, elevated the evening with their unique blend of Western and South Asian musical traditions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated the crosscultural connections at the heart of the Foundation's work.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2024 EISRE Awards
The Foundation proudly hosted its second annual Excellence in Service, Research, and Education (EISRE) Awards during the 2024 Alumni reunion (GOTC) in Louisville, Kentucky. This prestigious recognition expanded this year to honor exceptional contributions across medical, nursing, and—for the first time—allied health disciplines. Each honoree embodies CMC Vellore’s core values, creating impact through their exceptional contributions to healthcare globally.
Dr. Ajit Varki, MD (Batch 1968)
Medical Alumni EISRE Award
Shanthi Margoschis, MSN (Batch 1993)
Nursing Alumni EISRE Award
As director of the University of California San Diego’s Glycobiology Research and Training Center and co-director of the Center for Academic Research & Training in Anthropogeny, Dr. Varki’s work has revealed crucial differences between humans and great apes. His contributions extend to open-access medical literature, including founding The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Virtual Lecture:
As Chief Operating Officer at leading healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente, Shanthi has transformed healthcare delivery through innovative leadership. Her research, including studies on “Prevention of Breast Engorgement,” has offered valuable insights into postnatal care, while her mentorship of students and alumni demonstrates her ongoing commitment to CMC’s mission.
How Empowered Women are Transforming Societies
The Foundation's April 26th Women's History Month virtual lecture featured Ms. Neidonuo Angami from Nagaland, India. This Padma Shree recipient (2000) and Nobel Peace Prize nominee (2005) shared how witnessing violence as a young girl inspired her to address critical challenges including drug trafficking and HIV/AIDS while promoting forgiveness and reconciliation. Her journey echoes Dr. Ida S. Scudder's legacy of faith-driven perseverance.
Dr. Joseph A. Roche, PhD (Batch 1997)
Allied Health Alumni EISRE Award
Associate Professor at Wayne State University, Dr. Roche has dedicated his career to movement-centric healthcare with a focus on regenerative muscle biology. Following his physiotherapy degree from CMC, he pursued advanced studies at Harvard and Stanford. His research contributions span rare muscular dystrophies and COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.
Scudder Oration:
13th Annual Scudder Oration
Established in 2012 by CMC Vellore and the Vellore CMC Foundation, the Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration honors individuals exemplifying Dr. Ida S. Sudder’s compassion and dedication to humanity. The 2024 recipient, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, was recognized for her work in TB research, COVID-19 pandemic leadership, and commitment to addressing health disparities worldwide.
Our 2024 Donors
Aunt Ida Angels
$100,000+
Drs. C.J. & Saramma J. Alexander (‘60)
Dr. George Cherian
The Six Four Foundation
Purposeful Patrons
Mrs. Carol Ackerman
Bethany Memorial Reformed Church
Dr. Rajeev Buddi
Dr. Aruna David (‘84)
Dr. Robert H. Fish
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dr. Mohan John (‘99)
Drs. Manju & Sanjay Kalra (‘74, ‘74)
Dr. Gagandeep Kang (‘81)
Service Champions
Mr. Matthai Chakko
Dr. Khem Fatimi (‘59)
Dr. & Mrs. Gurdev Garewal (‘58)
Gates Foundation
Drs. James & Susan Taylor
$10,000–$24,999
Nitish Korula
Dr. Mrinalini Matcha (‘87)
Drs. Bibhuti & Lopa Mishra (‘71)
Hema Mohan
Drs. Raj & Tina Narayan (‘69, ‘73)
Mr. & Mrs. John Quitmeyer
Drs. Anita Raja & Cephas Swamidoss
Drs. Seshadri & Sybil Raju (‘57, ‘59)
Reformed Church in America
Dr. H. David Reines
Benevolent Benefactors $5,000–$9,999
Mr. Dave Butler
Rev. N. Josephine Cameron
CIBC Private Wealth Management
Dr. Love Dalal (‘83)
Dr. Ali Gharavi
Jack Gillmar
Dr. John Jayachandran (‘84)
Dr. Albert Johnson (‘61)
Drs. Jacob & Shirley Korula (‘65, ‘65)
Charitable Advocates
Ms. Meenashki Ahamed
Drs. Prakash Balasubramanian & Amitha Domalpally (‘92)
Dr. Pavan Bhargava (‘99)
Mr. Joseph Camardo
Dr. K. George Chandy (‘71)
Drs. Deelip & Harleen Chatterjee (‘77, ‘77)
Dr. Dennis Chong
Mr. Julie & Mark Darnieder
Mr. Prajit Dutta
Dr. Anindya Dutta (‘75)
$25,000–$99,999
The Scudder Association Foundation, Inc.
Drs. Bobby & Joyce Thomas (‘65, ‘65)
Drs. Ajith & Anila Thomas (‘85, ‘86)
United Methodist Women in Faith
Chacko Kurian
Dr. Mercy Kuriyan (‘63)
Mrs. Gail Mays
Nancy Nair
Dr. Philip Ninan (‘69)
Mr. & Mrs. Prasad & Sapna Palla
Prabha Patel
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. & Marina E. Philips
Drs. Wiji & Josephine Ratnathicam (‘66, ‘66)
Mr. Pravin K.& Dr. Suja Santiago
Dr. Shobha Sharma (‘75)
Drs. Anjani & Kuntala Sinha
Dr. Jane P. Srinivasan (‘59)
Mr. Binu Varughese
Mr. Philip Varughese
Mrs. Dorothy R. & Dr. Vick Williams
Mr. & Mrs. George & Anitha Varughese
Dr. Lizbet Ronning
Drs. Velma & Rodney Rynearson
Ms. Nischala Sangam
Mr. Sarabdeep Singh
Drs. Christie & Sarah Thomas (‘75)
Drs. Ajit & Nissi Varki (‘68, ‘68)
Dr. Annie Venugopal
$2,500–$4,999
Mr. Rajagopal Ganesan
Dr. Romani George (‘81)
Global Ministries/UCC/Disciples
Grace Trinity United Church of Christ
Dr. Meredith Hawkins
Drs. Cyrus & Shanta Kapadia (‘60, ‘59)
Stephanie Kok
Dr. Valsala Koshy (‘60)
Dr. Margaret Kamalini Kumar (‘63)
Ann Leibowitz
Mr. Nishanth Meni
New Dover United Methodist Church
Dr. Daniel Perli (‘01)
John Philip
Dr. & Mrs. N. Sri Prakash (‘65)
Mani K. & Mary M. Pulimood
Drs. Sudhakar & Heather Rajamoney (‘89)
Dr. Anooradha Raman (‘85)
Drs. Samson & Meenakshi Vimalananda (‘65, ‘64)
Drs. Honorine Ward & Shiv Pillai (‘69)
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.
Compassionate Friends $500–$2,499
Dr. Varkey Abraham (‘55)
Dr. Anoushka Afonso
American Baptist International Ministries
Dr. Jaya Asirvatham (‘56)
Mrs. Rebecca L. Baker
Ramasamy Bakthavatsalam
Dr. Utpala Bandyopadhyay (‘68)
Albert & Katherine Bauman
Dr. Anuja Bhandari (‘82)
Mr. Philip Bond
Drs. Abraham F. & Sarah Cheriyan (‘71, ‘71)
Dr. Scott Crabtree
Rev. Ted Crass
Aparna Das
Ms. Nirmala David
Drs. Ashrito K. & Usha Dayal (‘71, ‘75)
Dr. Premkumar Devanbu
Dr. & Mrs. Pourushasp J. Dhabhar (‘65, ’72)
Rev. Lisa Durkee Abbott
Sangeeta Elhence
RajaShekar Family Fund
Phyllis Ferrier
Dr. Steven Flanagan
Paul Friedman
Drs. Rohan & Mary Ganguli (‘67, ‘68)
Ms. Renuka George
Ms. Radha Giridharan
Mr. Ebenezer Gnanamanickam
Dr. Sarla & Mr. Daniel Gnanamuthu (‘56)
Mr. Akhilesh Gupta
Dr. Manorama Hermon (‘67)
Dr. Shalini M. Jacob (‘70)
Mrs. Ani Jacob (‘77)
Mrs. Veatrice J. Jehangir (‘60)
Dr. Alice Jesudian (‘66)
Mr. Arun Jesudian
Drs. Sajiv & Reena John (‘78, ‘81)
Dr. Ranjit John (‘85)
Dr. Balakuntalam Kasinath (‘76)
Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Koepke
Mr. Nathanael Koilpillai
Mr. & Mrs. George & Sanjana Koshy
Dr. Alexander & Valsa Kuruvila (‘66, ‘72)
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Jacqueline Laskoff
Ms. Betty Letzig
Sujata Malhotra
Ms. Suneetha Malkani
Ms. Rakhee Mangla
Anith Mathai
Dr. Stephen T. Mathai (‘62)
Aby Mathew
Ms. May Mathew
Dr. George Mathew
Mr. Joshua McGuire
Ms. Bhoomi Mehrotra
Ms. Priya Mehta
Mr. Ajoy Menon
Mr. Max & Shobha Michaels (‘85)
Dr. & Mrs. John Miles
Milton Davis Jr. Charitable Foundation
Ms. Ashley Modisett
Drs. Arjun & Renu Mohandas (‘86, ’86)
Dr. Aviva Must
Mr. Cheranthian Muthuvinayagam
Dhruv & Eesha Narain
Mr. James Oh
Dr. Vinciya Pandian (‘92)
Dr. John Paul
Scott Pearl
Mr. Ravi Pochiraju
Mrs. Carolyn K. Pollock
Dr. Rudra Rai
Mrs. Sheila Rajan (‘69)
Drs. Srikant Rangaraju & Nitya Bakshi (‘01,’ 01)
Sami Rashid
Ms. Chithkala Ravishankar
Ms. Uma Reddy
Mr. Sanjay Reddy
Gautam Sajeev
Mr. Samuel Satyanathan
Mr. Ganesh Seetharaman
Mr. Sourabh Sen
Rev. Dr. Byron Shafer
Mr. Shikhar Shah
Dr. Geeta Rose Silas (‘74)
Mrs. Joanne Skudder
Mr. Frederic Smies
Mr. John R. Smies
Mr. & Mrs. John Stevens
Bessy & Ebenezer Thangavelu (‘92)
The Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham
The Madelon Global Health Foundation
The Otherguy Giving Fund
The Spectrum Church
Dr. Mariamma Thomas (‘51)
Dr. & Mrs. Norman Thoms
Ms. Jill Totenberg
Drs. Shubha & Shripad Tuljapurkar (‘82)
University Baptist Church
Ms. Vidya Valada
Ms. Preetha Varkey (‘02)
Drs. John J. and Saro Verghese (‘79)
Mrs. Ruby Victor (‘85)
Dr. Jane Von Gaudecker (‘93)
Kishore Vuyyuru
Dr. Alka Walter (‘92)
Ms. Anna Watkins
Dr. Julia Wattacheril
Ms. Milicent K. Wewerka
Mrs. & Mr. Beth & Jeff Wyckoff
Lasting Effects
The Enduring Impact of Dr. Ida S. Scudder
Nearly 125 years after founding CMC Vellore, Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s vision continues to touch lives beyond hospital walls. To honor her legacy and share her profound story with new generations, CMC partnered with Shepherd Films to chronicle her extraordinary journey through a documentary.
This project has been made possible through community support with CMC alumni batches rallying together alongside individual donors to fund production. Their collective generosity has helped raise over 50% of the 50 lakh budget, demonstrating how Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s influence continues to inspire those who carry her vision forward in their own careers.
Filming in 2024 captured significant locations including Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s beloved home “Hilltop” in Kodaikanal and historical sites throughout the former Arcot Mission area. The production team, led by award-winning filmmaker Aneesh Daniel, collaborated with a Script Review Committee including senior faculty and alumni representatives to ensure historical accuracy.
The first episode, covering Dr. Ida’s life from 1849-1922, reveals how a reluctant missionary became a groundbreaking medical educator. As this documentary is translated into multiple languages, her revolutionary approach to healthcare—combining clinical excellence with service to the marginalized—will inspire new generations globally, ensuring her legacy continues for centuries to come.
Learn more at givecmc.org/be-a-part-of-aunt-idas-legacy
On the Horizon
Outreach in 2025
As we join CMC in the celebration of 125 years of compassionate care, the Foundation is working towards a future where Dr. Ida S. Scudder’s vision extends further into communities across India. In 2025, CMC will focus on two specific initiatives.
Expanding Cervical Cancer Screening
CMC’s cervical cancer screening initiative through Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs (RUHSA) in collaboration with the College of Nursing Community Health Department (CONCH) will bring life-saving HPV self-testing to 15,500 rural women over the next five years. The HPV DNA selfscreening kits will allow women to safely and privately collect samples at home, making early detection more accessible, less stigmatized, and far less reliant on clinical infrastructure. The projected cost of this initiative is $300,000.
Providing Interim Housing for Longterm Patients and their Families
The Bridge House project will provide sanctuary for long-term patients, specifically transplant families, at the Ranipet campus, removing the burden of finding suitable accommodation during critical recovery periods. The model of holistic care will ensure families can stay close to their loved ones without sacrificing dignity, safety, or financial stability. The Foundation seeks to raise $500,000 to construct and furnish the residency floor dedicated to pediatric transplant patients.
Through collaboration with faith-based communities, the Scudder Family, CMC alumni, friends of CMC, the public sector, private sector, U.S. medical institutions, and most importantly, the communities we serve, CMC will continue to transform healthcare in South India for generations to come, and we, at the Foundation, will continue to support these transformative projects.
Thank you for your continued support as our cherished partners in philanthropy.
475 Riverside Dr., Suite 725
New York, NY 10115
Individual
Varkey Abraham, MD
Individual and Institutional Members of the Foundation
C.J. & Saramma J. Alexander, MD
Mariam Priya Alexander, MD
Ankit Bharat, MD
Pavan Bhargava, MD
Kevin Bird
Bobby J. Cherayil, MD
Abraham F. & Sarah Cheriyan, MD
Rev. Chuck Coblens, New Dover Methodist Church
Vasantha C. Daniel
Rev. Lisa Durkee Abbott
Robert H. Fish
Mary Ganguli, MD
Jane Von Gaudecker, PhD
Roshny George, MD
Meredith Hawkins, MD
Pothen Jacob
Diane Jedlicka, MD
Sajiv & Reena John, MD
Albert Johnson, MD
Gagandeep Kang, MD
Cyrus & Shanta Kapadia, MD
Robert Liberatore
Krishen Mehta
Arjun & Renu Mohandas, MD
Tina Narayan, MD
John Paul, MD
Thomas K. & Marina E. Philips
Catherine A. Poornaselvan
Siri Quitmeyer
Puthucode Rajamani
Lalitha Rambhala, MD
Sarosh Koshy, Global Ministries/UCC/ Disciples
Kirti Shetty, MD
Rev. Chandra Soans
Jane P. Srinivasan, MD
John Stevens
Susan Swanson
Mark W. Tibbetts
Nina Totenberg
Mienda Uriarte, Presbyterian World Mission (PCUSA)
Robin Varghese, MD
Ajit & Nissi Varki, MD
George Varughese
Abraham Verghese
Christine Wanke, MD
Elise Youth, MD
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 and CEO
John A. Riehl
Director of Donor Development Mabel Haro
Director of Operations
Rekha Gupta Menon
Director of Church Relations
Deepika Srivastava