Reunion Weekend 2024
The MCV Campus welcomed back hundreds of alumni from classes ending in ’4 and ’9
Susan W. Jones, M’89, welcomed classmates to her home for Reunion Weekend to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their graduation.
Reunion Weekend 2024 saw hundreds of alumni return to the MCV Campus for a weekend's worth of activities, April 19-21. On hand to welcome them was Dean of Medicine Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, who hosted a reception for alumni before Friday night class parties and delivered a state of the school address at Saturday’s Mini Medical School.
“My first official event last year as dean was attending Reunion Weekend, and I came away even more convinced that I was in the right place at the right time,” Saavedra said. “You are here demonstrating your support and love for this school, its mission, and the colleagues, friends and family you gained during your medical education here on the MCV Campus.”
He shared his joy in seeing current medical students serve as tour guides for returning alumni. “In 50 years, they will be the ones sitting here reflecting on their time in medical school. Think about what you do for this place and what it has done for you.”
Mini Medical School also provided a glimpse into Anatomy Rounds, a program that is likely unique in the U.S. for its approach to a fundamental piece of the medical school’s curriculum. The yearlong exercise brings together groups of students who merge anatomy lessons, clinical observations and CT scanning of cadavers to describe a plausible clinical condition the donor might have experienced. During Mini Medical School, second-year students gave a grand rounds-style presentation of their findings.
The experience brought back memories for alumni — yes, today’s students still have a written test and a bell alerting them to rotate tables — and appreciation for the aspiring physicians following in their footsteps. “It’s hard to believe we ever knew half as much as you all,” one alumnus told the students. “I’m struck by how much more mature you all are than I ever was. Spectacular presentation.”
In addition, alumni got a firsthand look at how campus has changed with a behind-the-scenes tour of the McGlothlin Medical Education Center, including the Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety.
Orthopaedic surgeon Sean O. Rassman, M’99, and his father William R. Rassman, M’66, traveled together from California for the festivities. It marked Sean’s first visit back to Richmond in 25 years; meanwhile, his father says he is always happy to return to the place that “is literally responsible for my life,” including a surgical career that has led to more than six dozen patents, including medical devices and tools for various medical specialties.
Robbie O. Broughton, M’12 (left), and Priya Venugopal, M’14, ran the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k during Reunion Weekend.
Reunion Weekend fun continued beyond the MCV Campus and across Richmond with food and brewery tours, a mural walk and even a little exercise. Georgia couple Priya Venugopal, M’14, an emergency medicine physician, and husband Robbie O. Broughton, M’12, an internist, ran the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center serves as the official charitable fundraising partner for the event.
Reunion-year alumni also supported class giving and may continue to do so through June 30. Over the years, generous gifts have supported scholarships and other needs in the medical school.
Save the date: Reunion Weekend 2025
M.D. alumni whose graduation year ends in '0 or '5 are invited to reunite, revisit campus and make new memories on April 4-6, 2025. Call 804-828-4800 to learn more.
