Heritage Night guests celebrate in Rivera Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Each year, the Wayne State University School of Medicine expresses appreciation to its major donors by honoring them at the Heritage Night celebration. Dr. John Crissman’s first Heritage Night as dean was one to remember. With more than 400 guests, this year’s event broke all previous attendance records.

A perk of the evening was its location and after-dinner activities. The meal consisted of a buffet dinner in the Great Hall and Rivera Court of the Detroit Institute of Arts. After dessert, guests were invited to a preview tour of the Van Gogh “Face to Face” exhibit. Dr. Crissman said, “I will not speculate about whether I or the celebrated Dutch painter elicited this extraordinary turnout.”

Also honored at the event were Dr. and Mrs. Robert Jampel, who were acknowledged as distinguished donors. In fact, an ophthalmology chair was recently endowed in Dr. Jampel’s name.