MAGNIFY | 2026: Alumni Weekend Awaits You

A new year brings new reasons to gather, reconnect, and celebrate—especially as we honor the 45th reunion of our 1981 charter class, continue the celebration of the 40th anniversary of our Genetic Counseling program, and recognize milestone years for MD classes ending in 1's and 6's. This April, Alumni Weekend invites all SOMC graduates to join in a series of unforgettable events.

Festivities begin Friday, April 17, in the BullStreet District with a tour of the new School of Medicine Columbia building, followed by the all-alumni Roast & Toast—a spirited evening with the entire SOMC family featuring fresh oysters and heavy hors d'oeuvres, a specialty champagne toast, live band entertainment, and shared stories, jokes, and heartfelt tributes from the podium.

Beginning Saturday, alumni will savor a progressive-style brunch across the current VA campus—walking down familiar hallways, stepping into classrooms and labs that shaped their journeys, and reconnecting with the spirit of the SOMC as they meet today's faculty and students.

Saturday evening brings a trio of memorable events at Savage Craft in West Columbia. Genetic Counseling alumni and friends are invited to the Gene Jubilee—a vibrant celebration of 40 years of the Genetic Counseling program, filled with joy, community, and cake. At the same time, members of the charter class will gather for the Charter 45 Milestone Dinner—an intimate full-course experience with Interim Dean Gerald Harmon, MD, honoring the pioneering graduates of 1981.

Later in the evening, graduates will come together for the Ignite & Reunite Mixer, a lively tropical chic gathering with music, beer and wine, hors d'oeuvres, and the joy of reconnecting across decades and programs.

We look forward to welcoming you back to remember all that we've built together and rejoice in all that's still to come. See you in April!

TICKETS GO ON SALE FEBRUARY 20.

FOCUS | A Holiday Classic, SOMC Style

ILLUMINATE | Alumni Spotlight

Moeen Saleem, MD ('95) alongside MedGlobal physicians and youth volunteers, three of whom were his own kids, spent a week during Thanksgiving supporting communities across Medellín, Colombia. They provided medical consultations, screenings, medicine distribution, and a range of primary care services for children and adults. In five days, the team reached 600 patients. Click here to see a highlight video from Instagram.

Thank you, Dr. Saleem, for carrying the values of the School of Medicine Columbia into the world with such generosity and heart. Your commitment to global health and your example of family-centered service continues to shine a light of compassion that uplifts communities near and far.

CONTACT HOLLY JEFFERSON

Deadline to submit personal news is January 26.

BREAKTHROUGH | SOMC Latest Findings

Interim Dean Gerald Harmon, MD, signs the final beam in honor of the school's charter class of 1981.

SOMC Celebrates Topping Out Ceremony

The School of Medicine Columbia (SOMC) celebrated a time-honored tradition on Wednesday, Dec. 17, with a “topping out” ceremony at the new SOMC facility. The building proudly joins the BullStreet District skyline with the highest steel beam lifted during the event, where construction partners joined university president Michael Almiridis, members of the board of trustees, university leadership and SOMC’s interim dean Dr. Gerald Harmon. Click here to read the press release.

DISCOVER | Engagement Opportunities

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