In his role as Engagement Manager for the medical school’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, Al Shifflett III has witnessed first-hand how the generosity of the broader community has helped fuel education and innovation at WMed.
At the same time, he has also watched – and been wowed – by the support of the WMed community – faculty, residents, students, and staff – who have helped bolster those same efforts at the medical school and also had a positive impact on Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan through their willingness to give back.
Shifflett said that support from the WMed community is tangible and palpable each year during fund drives for the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and UMake WMed, an annual appeal that allows WMed faculty, residents, and staff the opportunity to financially support the medical school.
“It really shows our dedication to the community and, at the same time, our support for this institution and a belief in our mission, vision, and values at WMed,” Shifflett said.
From 2014 to 2018, members of the WMed community contributed more than $226,500 to the United Way. And most recently, in 2019, faculty, residents, students, and staff pledged more than $43,000 to support United Way.
Additionally, from 2014 to 2018, employees gave more than $479,700 to UMake WMed. In 2019, so far, employees have given just under $68,000. The annual UMake WMed campaign at the medical school gives employees the chance to play an active role in funding to the medical school, including endowed funds that have been established within each academic department at the medical school, as well as a number of programs and scholarships.
Shifflett said he is excited about the strong support the WMed community has provided to the United Way and UMake WMed. On average, he said more than half of all employees at the medical school contribute to UMake WMed.
Shifflett said the ongoing philanthropy from the WMed community and the broader community is of paramount importance as the medical school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income.
“As we work to progress as an institution, the growth of support from our internal and external stakeholders will be key,” Shifflett said. “It takes a village. We are a community medical school and it really takes the community to support us.”
More information about opportunities to pledge your financial support to the medical school can be found at med.wmich.edu/giving.