Illinois Medicine

reunion report by Kevin McKeough photography by Diane Smutny ALUMNI REUNITE—and L 34 | WINTER 2012 Reunion, White Coat Ceremony combined AST SUMMER'S COLLEGE OF MEDICINE ANNUAL REUNION WEEKEND for the first time was held in conjunction with the annual White Coat Ceremony for incoming students. Held Aug. 12-14, the activities were designed to bring together first-year students with the three generations of alumni who had preceded them down the college's hallways. "It's cool that they got us all together," said M1 Melissa Bry- an, during a reception for alumni, students and their parents held Friday afternoon in the outdoor courtyard of the College of Medicine Building. "It's encouraging to see the people who have gone here and gone on to be successful. It's nice to see they're interested in coming back." "As a parent, there's a great sense of pride to be here," added Melissa's mother, Mila Bryan. "It's an exciting time for any family when a child starts medical school." The reception was a family get-together for first-year medical student Ann Schraufnagel, who attended with her parents, Mary Schraufnagel, MD '78, and Dean Schraufnagel, MD, professor of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. "I imagine medical school will be challenging, and it will be nice to see a friendly face when I'm having a bad day," Ann said. But, she added, "I feel I'm held to a higher standard. I don't want to embarrass my dad." While the students are just starting down the path of their medical careers, some members of the golden anniversary class of 1961 remain active. "I'm still involved in teaching and treating patients," said George Honig, MD '61, professor emeritus and former head of pediatrics, who had spent that morning in clinic with residents and students. "That's the fun of it, seeing kids and parents and working with them. That's dynamite."

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