$33,000 and counting donated to Strobel retreat fund


July 12, 2016

Retreat update article photo 07_2016 Breezeway

More than $33,000 has been raised to date for the Henry W. Strobel, Ph.D. Freshman Retreat Fund in response to a class-based challenge set forth by the Alumni Association in conjunction with the McGovern Medical School.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Annual McGovern Medical School Retreat for freshmen, each class is being challenged to raise $25,000 for the purpose of fully endowing the retreat fund. The fund will support students by keeping registration fees affordable and ensuring the sustainability of the beloved retreat for years to come.

So far, 43 donors from 21 classes, as well as one non-alumni donor, have participated in the challenge. Currently, the largest total commitment from a class is $5,900 by the class of 2003.

A class can meet its $25,000 goal in any number of ways. For instance, five people could each pledge $1,000 per year for five years, or 25 people could each pledge $200 per year for five years. Each gift, no matter its size, makes a huge impact and supports students as they prepare for their medical education.

The retreat was first organized in 1977 by Dr. Henry Strobel, retired associate dean of alumni relations and faculty affairs. Every year, it is a place where friendships are formed, memories are made and new journeys are begun. It boasts infamous skits, valuable wisdom for surviving medical school, informative faculty presentations, fun games, lots of laughter and time to bond with fellow students, alumni and faculty.

This year’s retreat, hosted once again by the second-year class, features the theme “Superheroes” and will take place at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, on Aug. 12-13.

Donations to the retreat fund can be made here. To register for this year’s retreat, click here.

For more information, contact Derrick J. Miller, director of alumni relations, at 713-500-5181 or [email protected].