Stories of Change

On November 13, the 2025 Silver & Gold Alumni Awards banquet welcomed more than 130 alumni, faculty, students and friends to the University of Colorado Anschutz campus for an evening filled with warmth, gratitude and shared pride. This annual celebration is hosted by the CU Medical Alumni Association and recognizes outstanding CU Anschutz School of Medicine alumni who have made notable contributions to their field and to their communities. With remarks from Shanta Zimmer, MD, executive vice dean of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, and Mark Gonçalves, MD, president of the CU Medical Alumni Association, the event underscored a powerful truth that success in medicine is built on mentorship, collaboration and relationships. 

Across the honorees’ reflections, a consistent theme emerged of humility paired with a deep appreciation for those who have supported and shaped their journeys. Their stories reminded us that success is rarely a solo endeavor but rather thrives on collaboration and the bonds we build along the way. 

Honoring the Class of 1967 

One of the night’s most inspiring moments honored the Class of 1967 Fundraising Committee members: Allan Brock Willett, MD, David Gordon, MD, James Mallow, MD, John Sharp, MD, and Robert Stofac, MD. Nearly two decades ago, this group set out to raise $1.2 million to endow a full-tuition scholarship for future medical students. After years of dedication, they achieved that goal this year, a milestone that reflects vision, generosity and the enduring bonds of SOM alumni. Their achievement was celebrated on stage by Dr. Gonçalves, who praised their leadership and commitment to shaping the future of medicine. 

Mark Gonçalves, MD, (far left) and Shanta Zimmer, MD, (far right) with
representatives of the Class of 1967 Fundraising Committee

Celebrating Four Exceptional Alumni 

The awards program, presented by Dr. Gonçalves and Dr. Zimmer, recognized four alumni whose careers exemplify excellence and service. Each award presentation was accompanied by heartfelt nominator videos, offering personal tributes that highlighted the honorees’ impact and character. 

Greg Feinsinger, MD, ’68, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, shared how his journey in family medicine led to a lifelong commitment to disease prevention. From founding free clinics to championing plant-based nutrition and “food as medicine,” his work reflects a belief that “the most rewarding part of medicine isn’t just treating illness, it’s helping people prevent it.” 

Nia Schwann Mitchell, MD, MPH, residency ’10, honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award, has combined clinical expertise with advocacy, spearheading the Charles Blackwood, MD Endowed Scholarship to support underrepresented students. Her leadership on the CU Medical Alumni Association Board and efforts to advance health equity demonstrate her conviction that mentorship and philanthropy create lasting impact. 

The Recent Graduate Achievement Award went to Adam Seidl, MD, residency ’14, an orthopedic surgeon whose passion for education and innovation has shaped CU Anschutz’s first dedicated shoulder fellowship. From global mission work in Honduras to building advanced surgical programs in Colorado, his career reflects a commitment to service and teaching. 

Finally, the evening’s highest honor, the Silver & Gold Award, was presented to Howard Weiner, MD, ’69, a pioneer in neuroimmunology whose groundbreaking research has advanced treatments for MS, Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. A prolific scientist, mentor and filmmaker, Dr. Weiner continues to push boundaries with a nasal spray in clinical trials that could redefine care for multiple conditions. 

Shanta Zimmer, MD, (middle) poses with awardees (L - R): Adam Seidl, MD, Greg Feinsinger, MD, 
Howard Weiner, MD, and Nia Schwann Mitchell, MD, MPH

A Celebration of Community 

As the program concluded, Dr. Gonçalves reminded attendees that the banquet is more than an awards ceremony — it is a celebration of compassion, innovation and service. “Spending this evening with fellow alumni and colleagues has been an inspiration and a powerful reminder of the legacy we share as part of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine community,” he said. The applause that filled the room reflected admiration for the honorees and for the strength of a community united in shaping the future of medicine.