A message of thanks from Dr. Kruse
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2023 Impact Report. The new title of our annual publication highlights the positive effect that Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has had since it was founded more than 50 years ago.
Our academic medical institution was distinctively designed to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Central and Southern Illinois. In our infancy, we embraced innovative concepts: small group and problem-based learning, clinical simulations, and an emphasis on the medical humanities and community service.
Our innovations were quickly embedded in the curricula of medical schools across the U.S. The SIU problem-based learning and standardized patient concepts achieved particular notoriety, the latter becoming part of the Step 2 Clinical Skills portion of the medical licensure examination. We made quite an impact.
Our graduates include physicians, physician assistants, researchers, scholars and scientists. More than 6,000 physicians have completed medical school, residency or fellowship at SIU. About 40% of them practice in or near our geographic region. The success of our mission of social accountability is second to none. We produce highly skilled, compassionate healers, teachers and thinkers. We remain focused on a simple vision: Better health for all.
Last year, SIU Medicine launched an internal communication campaign to recognize our remarkable physicians, researchers and staff members, to acknowledge the people who led us through the most tumultuous period in the history of modern medicine. We have now started an external champions campaign to highlight the roles we play for our communities.
We will show our families, friends and neighbors that we are present to meet their needs. You’ll get a snapshot of it below. You too are our champions. With your support, we will continue to rise to meet the ever-changing demands of health care and health care education.
Dr. Jerry Kruse
Dean and Provost
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
With grateful appreciation for their generosity, we acknowledge the following individual, corporate and foundation donors for their contribution of $1,000 or more to Southern Illinois University School of Medicine between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
Additionally, we’d like to recognize those who have given consistently over the years. The numbers in parentheses indicate consecutive years of giving; (1) indicates the second year of giving. These gifts have supported the fulfillment of our academic, research, clinical and community service missions.
Thank you!
Shipra Somani
“If someone has good health and a good mind, they have a moral obligation to give back to people who are less fortunate.” - Shipra Somani
Mrs. Somani has embodied these words by dedicating her work to being an agent of change, striving for advancements in health care while aiding and advocating for those in vulnerable situations. She accomplished this not only through her exceptional gifts as a social worker, but also through her generosity as a donor.
Day of Giving 2023
SIU Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour day of generosity aimed at bringing our communities together to raise awareness and support of SIU School of Medicine’s vision of better health for all. Day of Giving harnesses the power of digital communication and word-of-mouth advocacy from our champions to encourage donors to power a cause close to their hearts.
For the 5th consecutive year, SIU School of Medicine had the greatest number of individual gifts during Day of Giving.
Jenny Bonds
Jenny Bonds joined Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine in December 2021 and believes in the power of giving back, however she can.
“We often think of giving as money and giving monetarily . But ‘giving’ means so much more. It means time, attention, compassion, as well as many other things. It is available to each and every one of us."
Lisa Wichterman
Class of 1981
Lisa Wichterman is not only a proud SIU School of Medicine alumna, but also a member of the esteemed Harbinger Society. She believes that giving back goes beyond monetary contributions, having served on the Alumni Board of Governors, hosting student dinners and mentoring learners. She and her husband helped establish the Wichterman Family Scholarship and regularly sponsors events like the Junaia P. Carter, MD 5K, Denim & Diamonds and the Women's Power Lunch.
EVENTS BY THE NUMBERS
450+
$315,000 raised for Cancer Research at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU. More than 450 attendees
260
More than $652,000 for SIU Medicine’s patients, researchers, students, health care teams and more
Alumni Reunion
An Alumni Reunion was celebrated on June 24-25, 2023. A casual and fun Friday night family-friendly reception on Saturday hat include a campus tour and class picnics. Saturday night concluded in style with a semi-formal dinner.
Alumni Advance
Life on Mars
On June 25, Springfield emergency medicine physician and SIU School of Medicine alumnus Dr. Nathan Jones began a NASA mission that simulates living on Mars.
Read more
Harbinger Society
The Harbinger Society was established in 1984 to honor the philanthropic efforts of friends and alumni. These donors provide significant contributions that enable SIU School of Medicine to remain a leader in medical education, patient care and research.
Based on their generous gifts in FY23, the following people have moved to a different level of the Harbinger Society. The * denotes those we welcome as our newest Harbinger members.
Thank you for your generosity!
DISTINGUISHED FELLOW
$100,000-$499,999
Estate of Tilden E. Parks, III*
Katherine Warner*
Mary Pat Wlazik*
DEAN’S INNER CIRCLE
$50,000-$99,999
Frances Feuer*
Gopika & Nagendra Myneni
Levi, Ray & Shoup Foundation*
Krishna Rao & Vijayalakshmi Ayyagari
Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation*
CORNERSTONE MEMBERS
$25,000-$49,999
Cindy Davidsmeyer & Mary Mayes*
Estate of Frank J. Fara, MD*
Bill & Sandra Glassman*
Paul & Carol Henry*
Kevin & Susan Hingle*
Mary-Ann Hudson*
Jan Rakinic*
Click here to become a member
Harbinger Society honors generous friends and donors
This year’s Harbinger Society members and fourth-year medical students enjoyed a lovely evening together on May 18 for the annual Harbinger Society dinner at Panther Creek Country Club.
Attendees enjoyed dinner and great conversation, heard from class of 1980 alumnus Dr. Greg Poland, and were treated to music from the medical student a cappella group.
In total, these loyal and generous friends have given nearly $100 million in its 39-year existence, which has helped to make SIU School of Medicine the innovative and internationally renowned medical school it is.
The Harbinger Society counts in its ranks
“Dreamer,’ you may say. But I remind you that what seems impossible today can move to improbable, then to possible, and finally to inevitable. We must see that the surest way to make dreams come true is to live them and to insist upon them.”
Dr. Greg Poland
Alumnus shares perspective from a career of pursuing cures
Dr. Greg Poland returned to Springfield in Spring 2023 to deliver the commencement address at his alma mater and speak at the school’s annual Harbinger Dinner. During his extended visit, Poland met with as many SIU faculty, staff and student groups as time allowed. He also made it his mission to confer with leaders in the medical community from outside of the SIU organization, and discuss what they considered vital to improving the region’s health care.
Read more
Distinguished Alumni
Wesley Robinson-McNeese, MD
Class of 1986
2023 SIU School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Service Award
The Distinguished Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni who have made an outstanding commitment to the health and welfare of their patients and their community and for humanitarian activities.
Julie Panepinto, MD, MSPH
Class of 1991
2023 SIU School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to medicine and distinguished service to mankind.
Sameer Vohra, MD, JD
Class of 2011
2023 SIU School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Early Career Award
The Distinguished Alumni Early Career Achievement Award recognizes alumni (in the first 15 years of their career) who have made contributions in clinical service, research, education, public or professional service.
Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese: Trailblazing physician and leader
Class of 1986
Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese joined the faculty of his alma mater in 2001 and served in a multitude of roles throughout his tenure at SIU. He was an associate professor of internal medicine and the Department of Humanities, and founded the Office of Diversity, Multicultural and Minority Affairs. Over a 15-year span he created and organized numerous initiatives to promote and expand the culture of diversity and inclusion within the medical school. He was a former SIU Alumni Society Board of Governors member, and chaired or participated in numerous committees.
Alumni in action
3,233
2,306
901
770
2,297
Alumni Society Board of Governors
The Alumni Society Board of Governors is composed of 20 alumni members and represents the interests of all alumni in matters relating to the School of Medicine. The board serves as the official vehicle for alumni to maintain personal and professional relationships with the school. The board’s specific responsibilities are to serve as ambassadors, support wellness and advocacy activities, direct the Distinguished Alumni program and the Student Resource Fund, provide guidance to the development office in matters relating to SIU School of Medicine alumni fundraising, and to partner with the school in promoting the welfare of the school on a state and national level.
Board highlights
New members who began their term in Spring 2023
- Renee Mueller, MD ’01
- Amanda Mulch, MD ’03
- Elizabeth Valencia, MD ’09
- Thomas Selby, MD ’13
New officers who will serve their term from 2024 - 2027
- Richard Austin, MD ’14 – President
- Elizabeth Montgomery Collins, MD ’96 – Vice-President
- Jason Gillihan, MD ’06 – Treasurer
- Breck Jones, MD ’15 – Secretary
New members who will begin their term in Spring 2024
- Ron Romanelli, MD ’83
- Sofya Asfaw, MD ’09
- Safiya McNeese-Ruffin, MD ’13
The Alumni Society Board of Governors would like to extend appreciation to this year’s departing officers and long-time board members: Dr. Lisa Wichterman, Dr. Susan Reeder and Dr. Matt Winkleman. We will be forever grateful for their loyal friendship and commitment to the school of medicine and our alums after a combined 30 years of service and wise counsel to the board.
SAVE THE DATE
Alonzo Homer Kenniebrew Presentation & Forum
February 8-10, 2024
We honor a groundbreaking central Illinois physician with a special evening lecture, presentations and a community forum to raise health equity awareness.
SIU Day of Giving
February 28, 2024
Be a champion for SIU School of Medicine! Join us by giving a gift on this day at forwardfunder.siumed.edu – your support will help in innumerable ways at SIUSOM.
Match Day
March 15, 2024
It’s the big reveal for our 4th-years’ residency destinations. Watch online or in person at the Memorial Learning Center.
Women’s Power Lunch Against Cancer
April 4, 2024
You’re invited to an engaging lunch hour, which includes an empowering speaker, lunch, and networking opportunities. Funds raised support cancer research at Simmons Cancer Institute.
Harbinger Society 40th Anniversary Dinner
May 16, 2024
We’re turning 40! Help us honor this accomplishment by attending the annual dinner event. We look forward to an evening of retrospection, rejoicing, and revolutionary thought for the future.
Commencement
May 18, 2024
Join us at the UIS Performing Arts Center as we celebrate our newest physicians, scientists and masters graduates with hoodings and hoopla.
On Par for Pediatrics Golf Outing
June 3, 2024
Come tee off to your best round of golf, bid on auction items, and enjoy drinks and dinner – all while supporting children in the battle against life-altering diseases such as cancer, congenital heart disease and diabetes.
Annual Butterfly Release at Simmons Cancer Institute
June 8, 2024
Join us for our Butterfly Release ceremony. Butterflies can be sponsored in honor or remembrance of a loved one.
Alumni Reunion Re-imagined
June 22, 2024
Join us for the inaugural Alumni Reunion Re-imagined! ALL classes are invited back to Springfield for a revamped weekend of reconnecting through various unique events.
White Coat Ceremony in Carbondale
August 9, 2024
SIU alumni, staff, family and friends welcome the first-years to Carbondale with a white coat presentation as they begin their journey to become doctors.
Denim & Diamonds
October 12, 2024
You’re invited to dress to impress in your finest denim or diamonds! Money raised at the dinner via live and silent auctions supports cancer care and research at Simmons Cancer Institute.
Giving Tuesday
December 3, 2024
Choose SIU School of Medicine for your annual Giving Tuesday gift! Think local during this national giving day by visiting forwardfunder.siumed.edu and donating to a fund close to your heart.
End of Year Giving
December 31, 2024
Planning an end of year gift? Please consider donating to SIU School of Medicine – there are over 500 funds to choose from.
New atrium gathering space for students, faculty and staff
The atrium gathering space will provide a meeting and interaction space for students, faculty and staff of SIU School of Medicine to rest, study, relax, eat and intermingle. This will foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge and reinforce community. Architectural elements will expand the existing space, while highlighting the existing distinct architecture, thus making the commons area attractive, modern and welcoming to current, new and potential students, faculty and staff. The space will contain the first on-campus food service, which will be a nearby and nutritional benefit for our students, faculty and staff.
Naming opportunities are available. Contact Patsy Wappel for more information at foundation@siumed.edu or 217-545-2955.