Students Rub Elbows with Donors at Fellowship Dinner

More than 100 students gathered with trustees, special guests and faculty last week for KGI's annual fellowship dinner, where recipients of financial assistance were given the chance to meet and mingle with the donors who have made it possible to attend KGI.

"Our fellowship donors have been instrumental in providing support and making it possible for us to be at KGI," said Kyle Mak, a second-year Master of Bioscience (MBS) student and president of the student government, in an address to the banquet audience.

In a show of grand acknowledgment, Mak invited all of the students to toast their benefactors. "You've made it possible for us to strive towards our goals, and for that we are grateful," he said.

Mak's words of appreciation were echoed by many of those in attendance. First-year MBS student Nathan Hsu said he felt fortunate "to personally thank our fellowship providers and hear about their valuable experiences in the industry."

Adefemi Adenuga, a second-year MBS student, said he had a "great time" talking to Bonnie Anderson, a member of the KGI Board of Trustees and CEO of Veracyte, who champions the school wherever she goes.

"It was delightful to hear her speak so passionately about KGI and about what a tremendous opportunity we have to be here," said Adenuga, who heard Anderson retell her discussion earlier that day at Stanford University where the industry executive talked up KGI with a group of leaders.

During the dinner students also heard from President Sheldon M. Schuster and Board Chairman Robert E. Curry. Schuster urged students upon graduation from KGI to "do good" for society and to never forget the assistance they received-so that they might give back someday and help those also seeking careers in the life sciences.

Curry, a successful venture capitalist, told the audience of his own humble beginnings, and how his experience of receiving financial support in college and graduate school compelled him and his wife, Winifred, to establish one of the many endowed fellowships available to KGI students.

In addition to acknowledging the generous support of fellowship donors, Schuster also thanked Bristol-Myers Squibb for being the "gold sponsor" of the 2011 dinner.