The Lewis Katz School of Medicine held Alumni Weekend 2023 over April 21-22
From as far away as Alaska, graduates of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University returned to campus for Alumni Weekend 2023 and a chance to renew old friendships, hear about plans for the school’s future and celebrate their Cherry and White pride.
For the second consecutive year, alumni from all years were invited to attend the festivities, held on April 21-22. It was the first year that Dean Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, addressed the alums since her permanent appointment to the post in September. Previously, she had served for 18 months as interim dean.
At the Dean’s Brunch on Saturday, April 22, Dr. Goldberg spoke of good news and high aspirations as she addressed the physicians and researchers gathered in the Medical Education and Research Building (MERB).
“My message to you this morning,” she said, “is that no matter where your careers have taken you, know that back here on Broad Street and at our regional campuses and clinical sites, your alma mater is thriving.
“As Dean, my commitment is to think BIG and BOLD. The talent and skill we have here at Temple is world-class and our potential is only limited to how high we are willing to aim. And I assure you, we are aiming as high as it gets.”
About 200 alumni, faculty and students attended the weekend’s events, which began on Friday night, April 21, at Citizen’s Bank Park. Alumni shared a tailgate party with members of the Class of 2023, who were celebrating their pending graduation. Then, together they watched as the Philadelphia Phillies came through in the eighth inning with a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Colorado Rockies.
Meanwhile that evening, the Golden Owls were honored with a dinner held in the Grand Ballroom of the Notary Hotel in Center City. Members of the Class of 1973, whose attendance topped the registration, celebrated their 50th reunion.
At the dinner, Dr. Goldberg raised a toast to her predecessor as dean, the late John M. Daly, MD, who was a member of the Class of 1973. Dean Goldberg noted that it was Dr. Daly’s vision and leadership that led to the construction of the Medical Education and Research Building—where the next day’s tours, brunch and Alumni Awards ceremony were held.
At the Dean’s Brunch, Dr. Goldberg detailed the school’s plans to enhance its research enterprise and actively expand its clinical research portfolio. She said the school also was deepening its collaborative partnerships with Temple University’s Health System and Fox Chase Cancer Center “to help move our discoveries from bench to bedside.”
She also highlighted the medical school’s continued growth and evolution as it embraced the latest in innovation. “Education — the keystone of our mission— remains centered at the heart of everything we do,” she told the alumni.
Dean Goldberg also highlighted several ongoing efforts to expand the inclusivity of the multiple degree programs that are offered at the school and to improve access by keeping scholarship support as its top philanthropic priority.
“Thank you for your partnership, for your investment in our incredible students and our extraordinary school—and for wearing your Temple pride where everyone can see it,” she said.
Following her remarks, the Temple community bestowed honors on six distinguished alumni, each of them from classes ending in 3 or 8, celebrating a milestone reunion, and on a beloved faculty member who retired in December. Joan Zeidman, MD ’87, president of the Medical Alumni Association, presented the 2023 Alumni Awards to:
Altha J. Stewart, MD ’78
The Henry P. and M. Page Laughlin Alumnus of the Year Award
Recognizing outstanding contributions to medicine.
Heng F. Lim, MD ’63
J. Thomas Roland, Jr., MD ’83
The Alumni Achievement Award
Recognizing alumni whose contributions to medicine have had a lasting impact.
David Fish, MD ’78
The Alumni Service Award
Honoring outstanding alumni with exemplary records of service and generosity to the school.
Daniel J. Burke, MD ’13
Alyx B. Porter Umphrey, MD ’03
The Emerging Leader Award
Honoring exemplary leadership and promise in medicine.
Thomas Fekete, MD
The Honored Professor Award
For faculty who exemplify the knowledge and values that Temple strives to instill.
The reunion festivities drew to a close on Saturday evening with a private party at Reading Terminal Market. Philadelphia’s famed food bazaar offered a feast of flavors and a final opportunity to mingle with former classmates, to forge new friendships, and to remember with pride the lasting impact of a transformative Temple Med education.
You can celebrate a bright future for the Lewis Katz School of Medicine with a gift in honor of Alumni Weekend 2023. Your generosity will support the next generation of Temple Made physicians.