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Lindy M. Book, M.D., scans through a copy of "Caduceus," UAMS' yearbook.
Image by Andrew Vogler
UAMS Welcomes Graduates Back to Campus for First Alumni Weekend Since 2019
| After a three-year hiatus, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) invited its graduates to Alumni Weekend, hosted May 5-6.
The weekend’s festivities were kicked off Friday evening at the Chancellor’s Reception, held at the Fred W. Smith Conference Center in the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neuroscience Institute. Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health, and John Erck, vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement, welcomed guests back to the UAMS Little Rock campus.
Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, (right) welcomes Joseph Kittinger, M.D., (center) and Marcia Clift to the Chancellor’s Reception.Andrew Vogler
“I am pleased to welcome all our alumni and guests to this homecoming event,” said Patterson. “You, our alumni, are the best examples of the value of UAMS — you are an extension of our mission. We are extremely proud of you and hope that you are in turn proud of UAMS.”
On Saturday morning, many alumni and guests took part in the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Be a Part of the Cure Walk at War Memorial Stadium. Following that event, alumni were able to see the new construction projects throughout campus on a driving tour led by Michael Connery, assistant vice chancellor for Campus Operations & Planning, Design and Construction.
At noon, luncheons were hosted for the College of Medicine and College of Nursing graduates at I. Dodd Wilson Education Building. At the College of Medicine Luncheon and Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award Ceremony, G. Richard Smith, M.D., interim dean of the College of Medicine and UAMS executive vice chancellor, recognized Bill Petty, M.D., member of the class of 1966, and Steve Clift, M.D., member of the class of 1977, as this year’s distinguished alumni.
“The Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award was established in 1973 to recognize graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and contributions to medicine,” said Smith. “This year, we have chosen to honor two distinguished graduates who have made remarkable contributions through different avenues, in different parts of the country. Both have greatly improved the lives of others through their expertise and commitment to service. Both have been outstanding supporters of UAMS.”
G. Richard Smith, M.D., (left) presents Bill Petty, M.D., (center) with the Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, with Lowry Barnes, M.D., on hand to make remarks about his friend.Andrew Vogler
Petty had a distinguished career in academic medicine as chair of orthopaedics at the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedics in Gainesville. He also created Exactech Inc., a highly successful company that develops and markets orthopaedic implant devices and technologies. He led this company for 35 years, until his retirement in 2020. Lowry Barnes, M.D., chair of orthopaedic surgery at UAMS, nominated Petty for this award and spoke about why he was deserving of the honor.
“Bill Petty’s remarkable achievements not only advanced health care and research in the field of orthopaedic science but have also brought honor and acclaim to the UAMS College of Medicine,” said Barnes. “It has been a privilege to know such a brilliant and dedicated clinician-scientist who exemplifies how expertise and experience, when combined with passion and an innovative spirit, can help shape the future of medicine.”
Clift founded Arkansas Gastroenterology in North Little Rock, and became a highly respected leader in the field. His career was exemplified by his many contributions to UAMS, medical education and to his community. Several letters of nomination were received on behalf of Clift, including one by Joseph Kittinger, M.D., who shared comments of admiration for his friend.
G. Richard Smith, M.D., (left) presents Steve Clift, M.D., (center) with the the Dean’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. Joseph Kittinger, M.D., was one of many who submitted a nomination for Clift.Andrew Vogler
“I was a medical student when I first met Dr. Clift, completing two months of general ward rotations with him as my supervising senior resident,” said Kittinger. “His remarkable intellect and dedication to a high standard of care garnered my admiration and respect.”
At the College of Nursing luncheon, Patricia A. Cowan, Ph.D., R.N., dean of the College of Nursing, spoke to guests about the state of the College of Nursing.
“The College of Nursing programs ranked in the top 100 of all nursing programs nationally by U.S. News and World Reports and was the only Arkansas program ranked in 2022,” Cowan. “Our graduate and undergraduate programs continue to do well on national certification and licensing exams. Our first cohort of nurse anesthesia students and first cohort of accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students will graduate in August. These students are highly sought after by employers with multiple offers of employment received already.”
Linda McGhee, M.D., and Mary Corbitt, M.D., enjoyed the evening during the Alumni Weekend dinner held at the Junior League of Little Rock.Andrew Vogler
Following the luncheon, guests were given a tour of the College of Nursing’s Innovative Practice and Simulation Center, with demonstrations by Pam DeGravelles, Ph.D., RN, clinical associate professor.
Later in the day, guests enjoyed dinner at the Junior League of Little Rock in downtown Little Rock to draw the weekend to a close.
“We are happy that Alumni Weekend has returned to the UAMS calendar because it is a fantastic opportunity for alumni to reinvigorate their connection with the university as well as with each other,” said Erck. “In view of all the growth at UAMS, it really is an exciting time for the institution, and we are overjoyed that many alumni were able to share in that excitement.”