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Alumni and Students Celebrate ScholarshipAs a culmination of alumni weekend—and reminiscent event that celebrates looking back—more than 100 alumni, students, and faculty members gathered together at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to look forward to the great medical educations being made possible by generous gifts in support of scholarships. The 2010 Commitment to Scholarships Luncheon, held in the atrium of the Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center, on Sunday, April 11, gave our generous alumni and student scholars the opportunity to discuss goings-on at the medical school. The upbeat group enjoyed welcoming remarks by James Schroeder, MD, senior associate dean of external affairs, and an emotional program. The first speaker, Michael Burns, a second-year student at Feinberg, shared his experiences as a Stanley Burton, MD, Scholar, and introduced Murtaza Akhter, a fourth-year student who is a recipient of the same scholarship. Mr. Akhter shared a moving story about the beginning of his medical school career at Feinberg, which sadly was shadowed by the death of his father just a few short weeks after he received his white coat. Despite this tragedy, Mr. Akhter said he “never, never had to think about money.” Even after the sole income-earner in [his] family passed away, the financials of medical school were not a concern.” He continued his remarks, thanking the generous donors present for helping to lift that burden: “I give Northwestern—specifically you donors, and most especially Dr. Burton—these two words from the bottom of my heart: thank you, thank you, thank you.” The Dr. Gerard M. and Mary L. Smerge Goshgarian Scholar, Timilehin Wusu, expressed his sincere gratitude to 1967 medical alumnus Dr. Goshgarian and Mrs. Goshgarian for their scholarship support. He shared his hopes to follow one day in their footsteps and all of those present by providing financial assistance to future generations of Northwestern physicians. Miguel Visbal, Nathan Smith Davis Scholar, discussed his sheer elation at gaining admission to Feinberg, his top pick, and how he felt humbled each day by the talent of the individuals around him. He said, “If I had not received this aid, I would not likely be standing here today. I would probably be somewhere else, and although I think I would be just fine, I wouldn’t be where I want to be.” Marlene Goodfriend, MD ’69, introduced first-year student Kelly Walker by describing both her own joy in giving to scholarships through annual and planned giving, and in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows: “It certainly adds to my life to know that I can, in a small way, help medical students here at my alma mater move into the world as physicians.” Ms. Walker then discussed her experiences at Feinberg thus far, and how her acceptance to the medical school and subsequent selection to receive a scholarship literally made her scream and jump with delight. To close the event, Melvin Gerbie, MD ’60, took the podium to acknowledge the efforts of all donors to scholarships, especially members from the class of 1960 who joined in the effort to establish the Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund. After acknowledging Richard W. D. Bryan, MD ’60, and his wife Edith for their recent generous contribution to the fund, Dr. Gerbie expressed his excitement in anticipation of attending next year’s luncheon with the inaugural Class of 1960 Scholar. By: Andrea Arntsen-Harris
Photo Credit: Nathan Mandell | 
