2025 School of Medicine Scholarship Reception
Written by Laura Alsum
Apr 21, 2025
On Thursday, March 27, 142 guests gathered in the Elliman Conference Center at the Anschutz Health Sciences building for the annual University of Colorado School of Medicine (SOM) Scholarship and Awards Reception. The evening was a celebration of the achievements of Doctor of Medicine (MD), Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) and Physical Therapy (PT) program students as well as the generous benefactors who support them, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Allison Krebs, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, took to the podium to kick off the evening. Her welcoming remarks set the tone for the night, emphasizing the profound impact of scholarships on students' lives and the communities they serve. She spoke passionately about the growing number of scholarship funds and the incredible generosity of the benefactors who make these opportunities possible.
Attending his first scholarship reception at the School of Medicine, Dean John Sampson shared his insights on the transformative power of financial assistance. He painted a vivid picture of how scholarships alleviate burdens for students and their families, allowing them to focus on their education and future careers. His words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the ripple effect of philanthropy in shaping the future of healthcare.
Debra Parsons, MD, a distinguished alumna and benefactor of the SOM with a rich background in medical education and health policy, then shared her journey and motivations for supporting scholarships. Her heartfelt remarks underscored the importance of giving back and investing in the next generation of medical professionals.
The evening continued with the introduction of student speakers, each representing different programs within the SOM. Natasha Barton from the MD program shared her personal journey and the significance of scholarship support in her pursuit of a medical career. Her story was followed by Kayla Tewahade from the CHA/PA program, who spoke about her background and career aspirations. Max Martinez from the PT program then discussed his path to becoming a physical therapist and the vital role of scholarships in his education.
As the event drew to a close, Dean Sampson returned to the podium to deliver his closing remarks, expressing his deepest gratitude to both the students and benefactors for their unwavering commitment to excellence in medicine. He emphasized the collective impact of their support in shaping the future of healthcare and encouraged everyone to continue fostering these invaluable relationships.
The reception concluded with attendees mingling and reflecting on the inspiring stories shared throughout the evening. It was a night filled with hope, gratitude and a shared vision for a brighter future in medical education.
