Alumni talk medicine, art, diversity at Reunion Weekend

Former student-athletes lead discussions at the event

After a two-year pause, Reunion Weekend returned to Colgate University, welcoming alumni, faculty, and staff together for two enormous events in June.

Spread across two weekends, the event featured seminars and panels on various subjects, with former student-athletes leading some of the discussions.

Dr. Michael J. Wolk '60, an All-American swimmer, is a cardiologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell in New York City. He organized a two-day medical conference on campus that allows Colgate students to hear from doctors about working in the medical profession.

With nearly six decades of experience, Wolk led a reunion session titled The Crisis in American Healthcare-Challenges and Opportunities.

He also savored the chance to reunite with others and spend time on a campus that means a great deal to him and his family. Wolk's daughter, Sara Wolk Weiner '93, is a Colgate graduate.

He started a foundation in his name that awards grants to young cardiologists and supports Colgate pre-med students. Wolk was awarded the President's Cup as a graduating senior. He received an honorary degree in 2004.

"It was so special to see classmates and others from surrounding classes at a spectacular campus highlighted by President Casey's wonderful chapel talk regarding the future that is so bright for Colgate," said Wolk, a former president of the American College of Cardiology.

Reflecting on his time at Colgate, Wolk praised the University for the broad-based core education he received, which included courses like Philosophy and Religion and Russia in World Affairs.

He also took pre-med courses that prepared him for medical school at Columbia University.

Reunion Weekend included discussions that involved other former student-athletes as well.

Naceo Giles '70, who played basketball, was part of a panel on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Colgate's Third Century.

Jim Tevebaugh '61, a former lacrosse student-athlete, talked about the style of American architect Frank Furness.

Jerry Eck '67, a Colgate track and field student-athlete, was part of a session entitled Why Art Matters: Painting in Architecture.

Donald Jaffe '70, a former scientist at Pfizer and Colgate lacrosse player, discussed the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colgate coaches were also part of a discussion of the future vision for athletics, which includes renovations that will overhaul the Reid Athletic Center as part of the University's Third-Century Plan.

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