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The Golden Graduates of 1975 were honored during the 2025 Alumni Reunion.
Image by Nelson Chenault
UAMS Alumni Reconnect at Reunion
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) welcomed past graduates to Little Rock for the 2025 Alumni Reunion, an evening that honored alumni from all colleges and the graduate school, with many classes represented and ready to celebrate.
Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health, welcomed alumni and provided guests with an update on the recent happenings at UAMS.
Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, addressed alumni during the evening’s dinner.Nelson Chenault
“It is always an honor to welcome back our alumni as we remember the achievement of becoming UAMS graduates and learn about your amazing accomplishments since you’ve received your degrees,” said Patterson. “The last several months have been filled with exceptional growth and accomplishments across all three of our mission areas, but most exciting is that we graduated about 1,200 students from our five colleges and graduate school.
“As alumni, you understand that mixture of a sense of accomplishment and anticipation of what the future will bring that those students felt as they received their diplomas,” he said. “I am grateful for the support you all continue to show to UAMS.”
A highlight of the event was the Deans’ Distinguished Alumnus Award presentation, recognizing graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and contributions in their respective fields, as well as their service to UAMS.
Honors were presented to:
- College of Medicine Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award — Gerald Mazurek, M.D., Class of 1981
- Inaugural College of Health Professions Distinguished Alumnus Award — Craig Gilliam, B.S., Class of 1979
- College of Nursing Distinguished Alumnus Award — Jan Rooker, MNSc, RN, Class of 1983 and Class of 1992
Additionally, Rhonda Dick, M.D., College of Medicine Class of 1981, received the College of Medicine’s Service Award recognizing her advocacy for philanthropy to grow class scholarships in the college.
“Our education mission remains strong,” said Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., UAMS provost and chief strategy officer. “This is thanks in no small part to our effective faculty community and fantastic group of deans who ensure our health professions graduates — including those alumni here tonight — are prepared for successful careers improving health and health care in Arkansas and beyond.”
Graduates, including Gerald Mazurek, M.D., Class of 1981, pictured with Steven Webber, M.D., were recognized with alumni honors.Nelson Chenault
The evening was also an opportunity to recognize the Golden Graduates of 1975 with alumni from the College of Health Professions, College of Medicine and College of Nursing present to be honored.
“We are truly honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with you today — your presence reminds us of the strength, dedication and excellence that have defined UAMS across generations,” said Tim Dockery, J.D., associate vice chancellor of development for the Division of Institutional Advancement. “Though the world has changed in many ways, your contributions to health care, education and your communities have remained lasting and profound. You’ve mentored, led, healed and made an enduring impact — work that continues to benefit countless lives.”
To close out the evening’s program, John Erck, vice chancellor for the Division of Institutional Advancement, acknowledged the critical role of alumni in advancing UAMS’s work.
Graduates from many classes and many decades were able to connect about their UAMS experiences.Nelson Chenault
“UAMS is working to make Arkansas the healthiest state in the region — and we can’t do it without your help,” said Erck. “Your presence here tonight shows you care. Your commitment to your community shows you care. Your clinical dedication shows you care. You represent the best of UAMS, and we are grateful for your partnership to ensure every Arkansan receives the care they need and deserve — now and well into the future.”
The evening was capped off with the Alumni After Dark party, as guests were finally able to loosen their ties, let down their hair and catch up like old times.