The strong showing of support for the new College of Medicine endowment fund, The Founders Society, has been gratifying. The Founders Society was created in late 1994 to encourage major gifts to endow the College's academic programs, and to recognize all who make important and lasting gifts to the College of Medicine. With the gracious and generous support of the Caduceus Club, Janet Honeycutt has worked diligently to enable me to reach many alumni and supporters personally. The generosity of the alumni who give is expanded by the stories of fond memories of their experiences as students, and their desire to see the College continue in its quest for excellence. Almost half of all members have given to the undesignated College of Medicine endowment, but many have requested that their gifts be applied to chairs and professorships, to scholarships, and to specific department endowments, and to research.
Corporate memberships are also available.
The Society recognizes the exceptional quality of the College's faculty, many of whom have earned national recognition from medical and scientific societies and from their colleagues worldwide. Today, excellence in teaching, research and service still defines the mission of the College. As you can appreciate, I have been reluctant to ask faculty for their support. However, I am inspired by the fact that our faculty comprise 30 percent of the total membership in the Founders Society. This support will help ensure that the College of Medicine, the state's only medical school, continues its critical role in improving the healthcare of Arkansans.