Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/220800
the alumni network by Jenna Plakut, director of alumni relations On the Road With Dean Azar Br a n d o n gr a p h y A Champaign-Urbana native, Shwayta Kukreti '03, PhD '07, MD '11, has spent most of her life at the University of Illinois, from her days at the University Laboratory High School through the day she received her medical and doctoral degrees from the College of Medicine in UrbanaChampaign. When she moved to Los Angeles for her residency in radiology at UCLA Medical Center, Kukreti understandably felt a little homesick. She embraced the opportunity to meet her fellow College of Medicine alumni at an April 14 event that Dean Dimitri Azar, MD, MBA, hosted at the J. P h o t o : D a rr y l W i l s o n Photo: Deborah Photo: Thomas-McClellan Photo R o c k f o rd , I l l i n o i s S c o t t s d a l e , Ar i z o n a Paul Getty Museum. "They were very warm-hearted and embracing. Listening to their stories and their paths was inspiring," says Kukreti, who was among the 45 guests who enjoyed the stunning views and architecture during a tour of the museum's campus. The L.A. event was one of four alumni gatherings that the peripatetic dean hosted earlier this year, which also included get-togethers in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Urbana; and Naples, Fla. "The fact that he's going around the country to meet the alumni is very impressive," Kukreti says. "He really believes in the unity of the school and in the involvement and value the alumni have." Azar says his travels reflect the widespread impact the college has through its far-flung alumni. "I know that many of them still feel strong ties to the College of Medicine, and I want to reach out to them wherever they are to personally bring them word about the college," he adds. "It's a time of great change in the college and in medicine itself, and I appreciate these opportunities to let our graduates know about the exciting new developments taking place on our campuses." In Scottsdale, 25 alumni and friends joined the dean for a reception at the lovely Mirabel golf resort on Feb. 22. The dean discussed his vision of increasing research at the College of Peoria, Illinois Medicine and applying it to patient care. Peggy and Tom Cisar '70 served as hosts, and members of the Phoenix Illini Club also were present to talk about ways to partner to bring alumni together. "What the dean said was very interesting, and I thought it was a positive direction," Peggy Cisar says. "I think he's a very good person to lead the college in fulfilling his vision." Back in Urbana, UI President Robert Easter, PhD '76, hosted a private reception for alumni and friends of the College of Medicine at the president's house on March 2. Easter welcomed the 31 alumni and friends in attendance along with Azar and Uretz Oliphant, MD, regional dean of the College of Medicine About 20 alumni and friends welcomed Dean Azar at the Naples (Fla.) Yacht Club to learn about renovations to the College of Medicine's West Tower in Chicago—and enjoy spectacular ocean views. From left to right: Samuel Cascio, DDS, his daughter Geraldine Limoncello, Dean Azar, friends of the college Linda and John Anderson, and Rose and Dr. Richard Novak, a former Rockford faculty member. | P h o t o : C at h y P i s a n o 36