The Wayne State University School of Medicine Faculty Council on Philanthropy, led by David Rosenberg, M.D., chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, conducted its inaugural meeting June 24. The council was created as a means to formally engage school leadership and faculty members in the philanthropic process of the School of Medicine and Pivotal Moments: Our Campaign for Wayne State University.

The first meeting, held in the Margherio Family Conference Center, was designed to be an inaugural training session to define the unique and vital role that faculty members play in the philanthropic process.

Forty faculty members representing school leadership, clinicians and basic scientists attended the session. Dean Jack D. Sobel, M.D., welcomed and endorsed the group, reminding everyone, "that the need for philanthropic support has never been greater."

Dr. Rosenberg followed up in his remarks by quoting Louis Pasteur, who said, "Chance favors the prepared mind," and encouraging all those in attendance to truly engage with the fundamentals and principles of philanthropy that were addressed.

Doug Stewart, a consultant for Martz and Lundy, an industry leader in fundraising and campaigns, led the training session. Stewart, who has more than 20 years of experience fundraising for academic and academic medical institutions, clarified philanthropic terms, dispelled stereotypes and shared insight and strategies with participants, building momentum for the group's success.

Moving ahead, the council members will work closely with the school's development team to advocate for, and help secure, philanthropic investment in the School of Medicine.

To learn more about the Faculty Council on Philanthropy, contact Steve Henrie, interim associate vice president of Development and Alumni Affairs for the School of Medicine, at shenrie@med.wayne.edu or 313-577-5929.