Voices of Vellore: Winter 2023

VOICES New York, NY | vellorecmc.org

of VELLORE

FALL/WINTER 2023

SPECIAL 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

From left to right: George Cheriyan, MD, recipient of the 2023 Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration Award; Prathibha Varkey, MD, recipient of the 2023 Ida S. Scudder Women’s Empowerment Award; Khursheed Jeejeebhoy, MD, and Vinciya Pandian, PhD, recipients of the 2023 Vellore CMC Foundation EISRE Award.

Foundation Pays Tribute to Professionals Across the Globe Who Exemplify Dr. Ida Scudder’s Compassion, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Character

S

ince its inception in 1948, a

to service properly reflect the true

while also paying tribute to two

key aspect of the Vellore CMC

character and nature of Dr. Ida Scudder

illustrious members of the CMC alumni

Foundation’s mission has been

herself.

community – one from the College of

to ensure that the extraordinary work and achievements of CMC Founder, Dr. Ida Scudder, was forever remembered and appreciated. Over the course of the past 75 years, through the production of written and video-produced biographies, humanitarian, and empowerment awards (given in her name), and special tribute events, the Foundation has continuously made every attempt to carry forward the legacy of “Aunt Ida” from one generation to the next.

CMC Vellore/Vellore CMC Foundation co-hosted the 12th Annual Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration (held in August 2023 on the college campus of CMC Vellore). Dr. George Cheriyan, President & CEO of the American Mission Hospital of Bahrain was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Oration Humanitarian Award. At this celebration, Dr. Cheriyan spoke about the importance

with the introduction of its EISRE Award, a newly established honor intended to pay tribute to those individuals who personify CMC’s mission of “seeking to give witness to the healing ministry of Christ through Excellence In Service, Research, and Education – EISRE.” (continued on page 3)

and the need to create points of collaboration in medicine and public

the Foundation celebrated its 75th

health to ensure equity of care in every

anniversary year, it took full advantage

part of the world.

of multiple opportunities to recognize accomplishments

Medical College. The Foundation did so

of a unified global healthcare community

2023 has been no exception! As

the

Nursing and the other from the Christian

of

several

notable individuals from within the global healthcare community – whose compassion, actions, and dedication

At this year’s North American CMC Alumni Association Gathering of the Clan (GOTC), the Foundation had the privilege of participating in the festivities

The Evening in Photographs pp 4-5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends of CMC and the Vellore CMC Foundation, As most of this year’s activities have been, this special 75th anniversary edition of Voices of Vellore serves as an opportunity for the Foundation to share its immeasurable appreciation for (and pay tribute to) the cherished members of

75TH ANNIVERSARY

the CMC donor community.

Permit me to start with a special word of thanks to Sarah and Peter Chatel,

CMC COMPASSIONATE CMC STRONG

Geeta and Krishen Mehta, Drs. Honorine and Shiv Pillai, and Dr. David Reines

The trademarks of CMC have always been (1) its display of true compassion when caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others and (2) its ability to – with great fortitude – face and overcome every challenge and obstacle placed before it. As a tribute to these extraordinary qualities and to ensure the continued success of CMC into the future, the Foundation launched its CMC Compassionate | CMC Strong campaign at the start of 2023 with the goal of raising $1 million in support of CMC’s continued pursuit of excellence in research, education and service. Specifically, the funds raised throughout this annual campaign will be used to (1) support early-stage research activities conducted by CMC students and junior faculty, (2) fund U.S.-based medical training fellowships for senior faculty, and (3) support community outreach services provided by the RUHSA and CONCH departments at CMC.

events at various times and in various locations throughout the year. On two

To date, we have raised $$466,200. Please consider making an end-of-year gift in support of this most worthy campaign. Thank you!

With much appreciation and my fondest regards,

and Nina Totenberg for their gracious hospitality. Each opened their home to the Foundation, allowing us to host four different intimate donor appreciation of these occasions, we were joined by CMC Director, Dr. Vikram Mathews, who shared his deep sense of gratitude for your ongoing generosity and loyal support.

Also worthy of mention is that there are now quite a few donors who have been supporting CMC annually (through the Foundation) for more than 50 years. In some cases, it has been even longer, dating back to the earliest days of Dr. Ida Scudder’s fundraising efforts here in the United States. At our 75th anniversary gala, we paid special tribute to four faith-based organizations for their extreme generosity – this group included (1) the American Baptist Church International Ministries, (2) the United Methodist Church, (3) the Church of Christ Global Ministries and (4) the Seventh Day Adventist Church. We also recognized two members of the CMC alumni community, Drs. Cyrus and Shanta Kapadia and Dr. Varkey Abraham.

Other 50 year donors who were unable to attend included: Carol Ackerman, C.J. and Sara Alexander, Carolyn Bedenbaugh, Dr. Mercy Kurian, Drs. Seshadri & Sybil Raju, Dr. Jane Srinivasan, Dr. Vijay Thadani, and Dr. Mary Louise Votaw.

Throughout the year, we also hosted our 12th Dr. Ida Scudder Humanitarian Oration, our 5th Ecumenical Leadership Forum, six Virtual Lecture Series events, and a Gala Event (with 200 people in attendance) in New York City. For the first time, we recognized the extraordinary contributions of two U.S. alumni with the Foundation’s EISRE Award – doing so at the Alumni Association’s 2023 GOTC. To learn more about each, you can read the article presented within.

As in the past, I hope you find this edition of Voices of Vellore both enjoyable and informative.

John A. Riehl 2

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(continued from page 1)

Medical Professionals' Work Exemplifies CMC’s Commitment to Excellence "CMC not only helped me carve out my career and interest in medicine, but also helped me develop as a human being." - Dr. Prathibha Varkey its-kind recognition was awarded to Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy (batch of ‘54).

For excellence in nursing, the EISRE was awarded to Dr. Vinciya Pandian (CON batch of ’92).

During 2023, the Foundation also paid tribute to an individual whose George Cheriyan - the Ida Scudder Humanitarian Oration Honoree

actions and dedication to improving the human condition exemplify Dr.

The nominees for this recognition

Ida Scudder’s compassion, integrity,

came from the North American CMC

servant

alumni community with any CMC

character. At its 75th Anniversary

undergraduate

post-graduate

gala, the Foundation paid tribute to

alumni living in the United States or

CMC alumna, Dr. Prathibha Varkey

Dr. Prathibha Varkey received the Dr. Ida Scudder Women's Empowerment award

Canada being considered eligible to

(Batch of 1991), who today is the

Dr. Varkey was the recipient of the Dr.

receive this special award. Each of the

president of Mayo Clinic Health System

Ida Scudder Women’s Empowerment

nominees submitted was reviewed by

in Rochester, Minnesota. Under Dr.

Award. By showcasing the extraordinary

a blue ribbon committee composed of

Varkey’s

Clinic

contributions of individuals such as

CMC Vellore management and staff.

Health System has become nationally

Dr. Prathibha Varkey, the Foundation

The winners were selected by this same

recognized as an innovative, forward-

seeks to inspire others to emulate Dr.

ad hoc committee.

looking system of care with top quality,

Ida’s dedication to the well-being of

safety,

humanity.

and

For excellence in medicine this first-of-

leadership,

leadership,

affordability,

and

personal

Mayo

diversity,

and

performance.

CMC's Immeasurable Impact on the Health & Wellbeing of India As part of the Foundation’s 75th Anniversary Virtual Lecture Series, we invited three of CMC’s most notable alumni and faculty to share their individual perspectives regarding CMC’s meaningful and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of India. Dr. Cherry Kang offered her views from a research perspective, Dr. Anna Pulimood from the perspective of education and Dr. Johnny Oommen from that of community outreach. You can visit vellorecmc.org/newsroom to see what each had to say.

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THANK YOU TO THE MANY MEMBERS OF THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY, FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY, SCUDDER FAMILY AND UNIQUE FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION FOR JOINING US AT THIS YEAR'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA! 5

Vellore CMC Foundation Host its Fifth Ecumenical Leadership Forum in as Many Years

T

enhance what He is doing around the

This forum offered a platform and

world!

opportunity for interactive discussion

Dr. John Oommen (Honorary Consult-

with church denominations, as we

ant for Christian Hospital Bissam

celebrated the collaborative efforts

Cuttack and CMC alumnus) spoke

of the mutual ministries that have

about CMC's heritage and role in sup-

trans-formed CMC’s mission work,

porting ministry initiatives across India.

which has been strengthened by the

He emphasized that mission is a means

global Church. Dr. Sarosh Koshy (Area

of worship and a “calling” to share the

Executive for Southern Asia, Global

pain of people as Jesus did. This kind

his year’s annual Ecumenical

Ministries) was the moderator of this

of compassionate service trans-forms

Leadership Forum – our fifth

year’s event.

lives and situations.

– was part of the Foundation’s

The forum occurred in the month

We learned through Dr. Faith-Ann

celebrations,

celebrating Asian American Heritage

McGarrell (Editor of the Journal of

highlighting our founder Dr. Ida Sophia

in the United States. Our first speaker

Adventist

Scudder’s commitment to building a

from the Reformed Church in America

Adventist Church) that the Seventh-day

strong partnership with the Church

(RCA), Reverend Fransisca Rumokoy

Adventist education structure supports

community here in the United States.

(President of the Committee for Pacific

the aim and mission of advanced

Ecumenism derived from the Greek

and Asian American Ministries, RCA)

education to prepare students for useful

root “Oikoumene” (which means the

spoke about her journey as an Asian

and joyful service, for relationships

whole

promotes

American and her inspiration to serve

with others and for a relationship with

Christian unity and can be traced from

and not to be served. She shared that

Jesus Christ. Dr. McGarrell highlighted

the commands, promises and prayers

Godly influencers are key components

the holistic aspect of an Adventist

of Jesus Christ in John 17:21 “That

needed in developing global leaders.

education in building a culture of trust

all may be one”. The Cross and a boat

Reverend Theodore Crass (President

through the home, church and school.

symbolizing faith and unity have long

of the United Methodist Foundation of

Our

served as an emblem of the ecumenical

New England) spoke about the ministry

Christopher Solomon (Senior Pastor

movement.

of presence and the power of hope

Emeritus,

This year’s Ecumenical Leadership

in bringing transformation through

Church, NJ) and Reverend Emily

Forum’s theme was “Strengthening the

renewal ministries. He highlighted that

Brewer (Associate Pastor for Social

Universal Church through Historical

healing and charity, especially in growing

Justice and Mission at the First

Relationships and Mutual Ministries of

the awareness of our condition and

Presbyterian Church in the City of New

Compassion.” It was the U.S. faith-based

guiding the equitable use of resources

York) interceded for empowerment

community that first stepped forward,

are needed to alleviate suffering.

from God in moving forward the mission

more than adequately providing for

In speaking about the legacy level of

ripple effect started by Dr. Ida through

CMC’s first hospital building, the

commitment in cross cultural ministries,

Mary Taber Schell Memorial Hospital.

Reverend Jennifer Pedzinski (Director

This launched the genesis of CMC’s

of Mission Mobilization, American

reciprocal relationship with church

Baptist

organizations that after more than

highlighted John and Naomi Carman’s

a millennium continue to share and

work at CMC that spanned generations.

treasure Aunt Ida’s vision through

She shared that God who is loving and

partnership with the Vellore CMC

strategic helps us to use our gifts to

75th

6

Foundation.

Anniversary

inhabited

world),

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International

Ministries)

Education,

Prayer Asian

CMC in 1900.

Seventh-day

Leaders Indian

Reverend Christian

Foundation's Efforts to Expand CMC's U.S. Medical Institution Network Creating More Global Fellowship and Research Opportunities

The Foundation’s efforts over the past several years have significantly expanded and enhanced CMC’s collaborative relationships with several of the United States' finest academic research institutions. In 2023 alone, the Foundation has been instrumental in forging new partnerships between CMC and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Northwell Health. Most impressive about these newfound relationships has been the realization that each of the U.S. institutions appreciate the value of an association with CMC.

CMC's NA Alumni Association 2023 GOTC Event at Mayo Clinic in MN

By Dr. Priya Sampathkumar, MD

T

outreach programs.

he 42nd annual meeting of

John Riehl represented the Vellore

the North American Alumni

CMC Foundation, while announcing

Association of CMC, Vellore was

the winners of the inaugural Excellence

held in Rochester, MN on June 15-18,

in Service, Research and Education

2023. There were 130 registrants with

(EISRE) Awards. The winners were

attendees ranging from the Batches of

Khursheed Jeejeebhoy (Medical) and

the Mayo brothers, drawing many

1955 to 2012 and from as far away as

Vinciya Pandian (Nursing).

similarities between the Mayo Clinic

Australia, Malaysia and India.

The CME program organized by Sarat

and CMC Vellore.

The Chief Guests, Alka and Ganesh

Kuppachi featured engaging speakers

As always, the Chapel Service on

Gopalakrishnan (batch of ‘65), inspired

and thought provoking discussions,

the final day was the highlight of the

and entertained with stories of their

showcasing the great work of CMC

GOTC. Margaret Nawgiri delivered the

years at CMC.

alum globally.

message. The strains of the college song

CMC

Mathews

A Minnesota farm picnic lunch and

filled us with nostalgia for our beloved

(Batch of ‘85), updated the gathering

tour of Mayo Clinic rounded out the

alma mater as the meeting wound

on the new Ranipet campus complex

program. This year’s hosts were proud

down. Until we meet again in Louisville,

and various other CMC education and

to share the history and heritage of

Kentucky in July 2024!

Director,

Vikram

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475 Riverside Drive, Suite 725 New York, NY 10115

Bishop Sudarshana "Suda" Devadhar April 6, 1951 - July 18, 2023 Our beloved board member, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, age 72 of Cincinnati, OH, died unexpectedly on July 18, 2023, after nearly 20 years of faithful leadership as a bishop in The United Methodist Church.

Bishop Suda was born into a clergy family and became a follower of God at a young age. His pastoral journey began as a Deacon at the Church of South India, in Mercara, Coorg, India. After coming to the United States, he served as pastor of the Moira, Brushton and North Bangor United Methodist churches, and Canton United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference.

He exemplified servant leadership through his unyielding commitment to radical inclusiveness and his advocacy for justice. Bishop Suda's pastoral heart, deep spirituality and consistent prayer life was transformational. On multiple occasions he prophetically proclaimed, "I envision a Church of the Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit is igniting, gifting and empowering God's children of all ages, backgrounds, colors and personalities to glorify their Creator as passionate witnesses for Jesus Christ.” Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, will be remembered as a humble, gentle, kind, compassionate, talented, devoted, loving "Follower of God." We will be forever grateful to Bishop Suda and his family for their genuine love, kindness and extreme generosity.

The Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation

475 Riverside Dr., Suite 725 New York, NY 10115

P.O. Box 22423 New York, NY 10087-2423 *This address is for donations only.

www.vellorecmc.org foundation@vellorecmc.org