The 39th Annual Telefund kicked off this week at a luncheon on campus with Wayne State University School of Medicine Alumni Association board members and student organization leaders.

Students took the opportunity to thank the alumni for their efforts to raise funds during Telefund. Eileen Vallin, a second-year student representing the Ultrasounds a capella group; Victoria Yee, a second-year student representing Code Blue; Caitlyn Klaska, a second-year student representing Project H; and Christopher Dobson, a second-year student representing the World Health Student Organization, outlined the mission of their organizations and explained how funds raised through the Telefund will be used.

Drew Guzman, second-year student and president of the Board of Student Organizations, explained, “My job is to make sure the student organizations are thriving and doing well. Our more than 60 organizations represent a variety of opportunities for medical students. Telefund funds are critical to support these efforts.”

The Telefund campaign is under way, with students and alumni volunteers calling other School of Medicine graduates across the country. Once the goal of $400,000 is raised, it will provide for student scholarships, student organization and activities such as community outreach programs, an investment fund to support academic and student programs, and student research projects.

The School of Medicine Alumni Association leaders have a vested interest in supporting academic and student programs. It is their commitment that helps provide an exceptional educational experience for medical students.

“It is extremely important that School of Medicine alumni give back to the students of this great institution,” said alumni volunteer Gregory Zeminick, M.D., ’71, chairman of the Telefund Committee and treasurer of the Alumni Association. “Alumni were there when we were students -- we need to be there for today’s students. This is one way we can show we care that they get the best education possible.”