‘Strongest supporters and advocates’

Officials from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine’s development team are looking to bolster alumni relations in 2023 by capitalizing on momentum built over the last two years.

So says Jordan Nash, development associate at OUWB — and someone whose name will likely be recognizable to many alumni.

That’s because in the last 18 months, Nash has led several key projects involving OUWB alumni: the school’s inaugural golf outing; its first homecoming event; quarterly newsletters designed specifically for alumni; and virtual “Dinner with the Dean” events, just to name a few.

More is on the way, too, including a relaunch of the OUWB Alumni Chapter.

It’s all in the name, says Nash, of fostering the critical relationship between the school and the nearly 800 alumni physicians who have played an important role in its foundation — and are viewed as critical to its continued evolution.

“OUWB alumni are some of our strongest supporters and advocates,” says Nash. “They know the school like the back of their hands and are in a unique position to really help have an impact on future OUWB students.”

OUWB Alumni Chapter

Having recently faced setbacks primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nash says the OUWB Alumni Chapter is set for relaunch in early 2023.

Nash says that everyone who graduates from OUWB is a member of the alumni chapter.

“Essentially, when a graduate leaves OUWB, we want them to know that they always have a place here, and want them to feel like they’re connected to the school,” says Nash. “The alumni chapter is a kind of vehicle to maintain that relationship.”

Nash says the intent is to involve chapter members in various events, such as the new fall homecoming, reunions, career development, mentorship, and more.

“It allows OUWB alumni to give their time and talents back to the school,” he says.

In the near-term, says Nash, the plan is to establish an executive board that will consist of chapter members who are nominated to the positions.

Nash says anyone who wants to know more about the OUWB Alumni Chapter should contact him directly at [email protected].

OUWB Alumni Homecoming & Reunion

According to Nash, one of the first big projects to involve the relaunched OUWB Alumni Chapter will be the OUWB Alumni Homecoming & Reunion.

The inaugural OUWB Alumni Homecoming & Reunion was held Oct. 22, drawing former students and current doctors together for a fun and festive evening of connection and reflection.

“I’ve already had alumni contact me who are interested in helping shape how the event will look,” says Nash. “They will have an impact on the night and it will make a difference.”

About two dozen OUWB alumni attended, along with their respective families and friends. Also on hand were several OUWB administrators, faculty, and staff, as well as Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.

More details will be released as the event nears.

Golf outing expands in 2023

The inaugural OUWB Golf Outing was held May 2, at the world-class R&S Sharf Golf Course at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center. In 2023, the outing also will make use of Oakland University’s Katke-Cousins Golf Course, a 72-par course that includes a magnificent view of Meadow Brook Hall and is designed to challenge even the best of players.

Nash says the hope is to make an even bigger splash in 2023.

“We’re essentially doubling the size of the event, hoping to bring even more alumni and others together to raise as much as possible for student scholarships,” he says.

More than 140 golfers participated in the event designed to support medical student scholarships. Many of the golfers were OUWB alumni, along with current students and other members of the OUWB community.

During the event’s afterglow, Duane Mezwa, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, OUWB, talked about the importance of the event.

“I made a promise when I came on three-and-a-half years ago that I would do everything I could…to try and put dollars back into students’ pockets,” he said.

“The reason I wanted to do this event was to raise money for the students and have a good time doing it.”

The outing will be held on May 8. The four-person scramble is set to have a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

“We definitely would love to see as many alumni as possible involved because it’s such a great way to connect and get involved,” says Nash.

Registration for the event is open. Click here for more information.

For more information, or to sign up for the OUWB alumni quarterly newsletter, click here.