School of Medicine Class of 2009 Gives 100 Percent for Global Education

Giving committee co-chair Sara Holmberg (M'09), Alumni Association Executive Director Bill Reynolds (C'79); Medical Alumni Board Chair Mary Beth Connell, (M'89) and committee co-chair Lauren Shore (C'03, M'09) celebrate the Class of 2009's achievement.

For an unprecedented second year in a row, Georgetown University School of Medicine students have reached 100 percent participation in their fourth-year class gift. The Class of 2009 raised more than $4,600, surpassing its goal. Co-chairs Lauren Shore, M.D., (M’09) and Sara Holmberg, M.D., (M’09) and the giving committee dedicated hours to encouraging their colleagues to participate, communicating the impact of each gift. The recent graduates matched the 100 percent record set by last year’s graduating class. Members of the Medical Alumni Board and other alumni paid tribute to the 189 students’ efforts by pledging gifts to honor their achievement.

Holmberg has the most basic of reasons to encourage others to give. "Without the support of School of Medicine alumni, I wouldn’t be here," she says. "I received a generous scholarship from Georgetown through the trust of an alum. I’ve thrived here, and Georgetown has molded me into the person and future physician I always hoped to be." This year’s class has taken graduate-level medical education global: the students voted to have their class gift designated towards supplemental travel funds for next year’s fourth-year class. Those upcoming graduates will use the funds on international electives to enhance their Georgetown education and practice language skills in countries around the world, sharing the tradition of cura personalis with people from all backgrounds who need care.

"The Class of 2009 had more students participate in international rotations than any previous class," Shore says. "Working internationally and experiencing the medical communities of developing countries wouldn't be possible without the support of the international department."

One example illustrates the determination of the giving committee to reach its goal: the final student to make a gift interrupted his honeymoon to visit Georgetown’s online giving page and pledge his support.

The commitment of each student is not only a benchmark for future classes, but serves as a challenge to all alumni, friends and family. The Class of 2009 has served others not only locally and globally, they have passed the fundraising torch – and an extraordinary educational experience – to next year’s class.