On Saturday, October 4, the UCR School of Medicine held its 2025 Celebration of Medical Education Gala. The annual event, which was attended by 352 people, raised nearly $193,000 for the school’s Mission Award Scholarship to support medical students who commit to practicing in the underserved local region.
Deborah Deas, MD, MPH, the vice chancellor for health sciences and the Mark and Pam Rubin dean of the School of Medicine, noted that the event marked the school’s eighth gala celebration. “This event continues to grow each year and so has your support,” she said. “It warms my heart to realize that each of you truly understands the significance of medical education and the impact it can have on our community.”
Deas shared that since opening in 2013, the SOM has graduated 454 MDs, as well as an additional 316 doctors since 2016 through its residency and fellowship programs. The new class of 2029 represents the SOM’s largest class yet of 91 medical students, with 40% coming from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine and 90% having direct ties to the Inland Empire. “We have a bright future ahead and I know we can go farther than we ever dreamed,” Deas said.
“Medicine is more than a career, it’s a calling,” UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu, PhD told the guests. “Through your investments, you’re helping to train the next generation of physicians, doctors who will…build a healthier future for our region.”
Current SOM student Jalene Rodriguez, who received last year's Gala Mission Award, spoke about the empowerment she felt visiting a Spanish-speaking physician when she was growing up in Riverside. A member of the class of 2029, Rodriguez felt
motivated to volunteer as a medical Spanish interpreter at the Riverside Free Clinic and Coachella Valley Free Clinic. Patients’ “stories…sparked a drive to create change as a physician advocate and a commitment to one day serve the same community that has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “Thanks to your support, I have the privilege of pursuing this dream.”
“That’s the beautiful thing about this mission and this medical school: It was built by the community, for the community,” Rodriguez continued. “Because of you, future physicians like me will carry this mission forward.”
Guests were entertained by third-year medical student Marina Gad El Sayed, who sang "Climb Every Mountain" from the Sound of Music. She dedicated the song to her siblings as well as to "all current and future medical students as they work to find their passion in life."
“I am deeply grateful to our amazing sponsors and supporters for helping make the School of Medicine’s gala such a memorable evening," said Executive Director of Development Edna Yohannes. "This generosity and partnership lift up our students, inspire our faculty, and strengthen the health of Inland Southern California communities. Because of this support, each year we have been able to raise enough funds to grant a Mission Award Scholarship to a medical student who embodies our commitment to service and compassion. Together, we are not just celebrating medical education – we’re celebrating the power of community, purpose, and a shared hope for a healthier future.”
