Briefs

Estate Planning Issues Explained

Last autumn, the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich., was the site for a financial planning program presented by the School of Medicine’s Department of Development and Alumni Affairs. Forty alumni and friends of the school enjoyed dinner and an informative discussion that followed.

Robert Kass, JD, shared his expertise in estate planning, emphasizing the need for coordination, early planning, updating estate plans and sharing information with family members. He also spoke about the role of charitable giving and planning for more than one generation. To receive copies of the materials distributed during the program or for information about estate planning and charitable giving, please contact Leslie White-Jones, JD, the School of Medicine’s planned giving officer, at (313) 577-1474.

University Event Recognizes Major Donors

More than 300 Wayne State University supporters attended the annual Charter Night dinner honoring the university’s Anthony Wayne Society donors. The black-tie event was held at Comerica Park’s Tiger Club in late October. Among the guests were major donors to the School of Medicine. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Jampel, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Whitten, Dr. and Mrs. John O’Connell and Dr. and Mrs. Francis Wilson received special recognition for their philanthropy from Wayne State University President, Irvin Reid.

Pre-Event Reception Energizes Telefund Volunteers

A traditional kickoff reception for this year’s Telefund was held at the Excalibur Banquet Center in Southfield, Mich., marking the start of the Medical Alumni Association’s 28^th fundraising campaign. Dean John Crissman joined 60 alumni and student volunteers who attended. In his remarks, Dr. Crissman acknowledged the annual fund’s important role in supporting scholarships, fellowships, advanced research, and educational programs.

Presenting first-hand accounts of how alumni gifts invigorate academic offerings and co-curricular activities were Dr. Ken Palmer, associate dean for research and graduate programs, and Georgia Wilder, director of co-curricular academic and student affairs. Telefund chair, Merle “Pete” Rydesky, MD, ’64, closed the evening’s program by challenging volunteers to contact a record number of School of Medicine alumni.