Weill Medical College of Cornell University Appoints Adee Shepen to Director of Alumni Relations

NEW YORK (March 16, 2005) — Weill Medical College of Cornell University has appointed Adee Shepen to Director of Alumni Relations and Giving. Previously, Ms. Shepen was director of development and external affairs at The Calhoun School in New York.

In her new role, Ms. Shepen is responsible for all communications and fundraising activities in connection with alumni of Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and members of the Center Alumni Council (CAC) — a collegial association for Weill Cornell Medical College graduates, faculty, and administration.

"I fully expect Adee's broad experience and skills in development and communications to help foster an environment welcoming to and supportive of alumni and family of Weill Cornell," says Larry Schafer, Vice Provost of Development at Weill Cornell Medical College.

The director of alumni relations maintains active communications with alumni through written updates, stewardship reports, broadcast e-mails, and videos. She also organizes all alumni-related events, including Weill Cornell's biennial alumni reunion. And, together with the Department of Public Affairs and the production staff of Cornell Alumni Magazine (Ithaca, NY), she produces the quarterly alumni magazine, Weill Cornell Medicine. Additionally, she manages the Alumni Association board and the Center Alumni Council (CAC) board — two separate 501(c)(3) incorporated charitable organizations with their own governing boards and structure.

"I'm truly impressed by the level of commitment demonstrated by Weill Cornell alumni, and I'm very much looking forward to enhancing our outreach program and getting to know more graduates. Alumni support — financial and otherwise — is crucial to advancing our already outstanding educational and research program, and attracting the nation's best and brightest medical minds," says Ms. Shepen.

At The Calhoun School, Ms. Shepen managed and executed all aspects of development and external affairs. She conceived, developed, and implemented an $18 million capital campaign, in addition to a $750,000 annual fund. Previously, she held development positions at NYU Medical Center, The American Jewish Committee, and The Jewish National Fund.

She is currently a member of the board of Women in Development. She has previously served as co-chair of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Summer Event; co-chair of the Greater Boston Jewish Women's Studies Coalition; chair of the Jewish Domestic Violence Coalition's Legal Committee; and as a mentor for the Jewish Vocational Service's Career Advisory Network.
Leslie Greenberg
leg2003@med.cornell.edu