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
VOV | FALL/WINTER 2023
(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. VOV | FALL/WINTER 2023 3
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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),
VOV | FALL/WINTER 2023
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
VOV | FALL/WINTER 2023
7
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