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Alumni of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School and EVMS School of Health Professions at ���Ϲ� returned to ���Ϲ�’s medical campus October 17-19 for the annual Legacy EVMS Alumni Weekend. Centered on themes of well-being and self-care, the weekend served as a reminder to graduates that caring for others begins with caring for themselves.

“We’re so grateful to our alumni for joining us this weekend,” said Nicole Pellegrino, director of Alumni Relations. “Catching up with old friends, sharing stories and spending time together is a simple way to take care of ourselves, and it was wonderful to see so many alumni doing just that.”

The weekend got an early start on Thursday with HOPES & Hops, an alumni night at the student-run HOPES Free Clinic where guests reflected with the community-minded mission that, for many, defined their training. Following the visit, graduates headed to a casual gathering at Benchtop Brewing Co.

Friday afternoon featured the session, “AI in Medical Education: A Cross-Generational Think Tank,” inviting participants to explore how emerging technology intersects with the human side of health education.

The weekend’s official kickoff event, “An Evening of Connection,” took place at Blue Moon Taphouse, where Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Alfred Abuhamad, MD, shared school updates and alumni from all decades shared memories.

“It was truly wonderful to see some of my classmates that I had not seen for more than 30 years,” said Shalwali Arezo, MD (MD ‘95). “Within a few minutes of our conversation, it felt like we just picked off where we had left off 30 years ago. I am hoping to do this again, and I am hoping more of my former classmates would join us next time. I believe EVMS has come a long way from 1995 graduation day.”

Saturday blended professional growth with personal renewal. A “Virginia Association of Surgical Assistants Workshop” was offered, followed by the “Creative Self-Care Workshop: Tools for Helping the Helper.” The self-care workshop was presented with the Virginia Art Therapy Association and led by facilitator Spencer Powers, M.S., ATR-BC (M.S. ’99), an assistant professor for the Counseling & Art Therapy program and a member of the EVMS Legacy Alumni Advisory Board.

Families joined in the fun that afternoon at the Alumni Family Gathering, where TowneBank Lawn came to life with music, food and activities for all ages. A happy hour at Afterglow Brewing followed along with Class Dinners for years ending in 0 and 5.

The weekend wrapped up Sunday with Yoga at the Pagoda, a peaceful session supporting the EVMS Foundation and Bhav Brigade, followed by an afternoon at the Virginia Fall Wine Festival at Town Point Park.

Throughout the weekend, alumni celebrated their shared history and the values that continue to guide their work: compassion and lifelong connection.

“We left with our hearts full, feeling rejuvenated after spending time with classmates,” said Wendy Coling, MD (MD ’00). “We also left with a sense of pride and optimism. Pride in our classmates’ accomplishments…and optimism knowing the current med students will be as well, if not better, prepared to carry on the EVMS legacy.”

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Pictured at top: Graduates of the MD Class of 1985.