Nearly 300 community leaders filed into the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo on November 10, to celebrate philanthropists who have contributed to student scholarships, internships, and community service projects at WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Explorer, Aija Hodges, opened the 2nd Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon with a poem to celebrate the spirit of gratitude. The senior from Kalamazoo Central High School, used her training in school and community theater to capture the audience’s attention through the reading of Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Republic Gives Thanks.”

The poem was fitting to the occasion where foundations, corporations, and individuals were honored for their role in educating the next generation of physicians. In addition, WMed student speakers shared their stories and how their path to medical school was made possible by the generosity of others.

In addition, WMed announced the WMed Promise Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools with the free-tuition program, the Kalamazoo Promise.

Madison Roland, a KPS student, shared how her experiences with WMed’s summer internship provided her with hands-on experiences in the area of toxicology and Dr. Prentiss Jones. In addition, her pediatrician, Dr. Sylvia Hicks-Fox, attended the luncheon to hear how her role as Roland’s physician inspired the future doctor.

Hodges represented the Merze Tate Explorers in the National True Colors Monologue competition in May, 2022. The competition was held in partnership with Michigan State University’s Wharton Theatre program. More than a dozen Explorers took part in the workshops and state competition with other students of color from throughout Michigan. Hodges was one of two winners to represent the state at the national competition at the Apollo Theatre in New York City.