For more than a century, ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM) has been shaped by the people who have walked its halls, built careers in the profession and carried the College's legacy forward.
That legacy was on full display during the annual Alumni Reunion Weekend, as alumni, students, faculty, friends and supporters came together to reconnect, celebrate, and honor the generations of podiatric physicians who continue to define the College's history.
Held as KSUCPM celebrates its 110th anniversary, this year's Alumni Reunion Weekend combined continuing education, social events, milestone class reunions and an unforgettable evening recognizing outstanding alumni and students.
Bringing the KSUCPM Community Together
The weekend began with the North Coast Foot & Ankle Symposium, bringing physicians and podiatric professionals together for educational programming and professional development. Beyond the classroom, the symposium provided an opportunity for alumni to return to KSUCPM and reconnect with colleagues and friends.
This year's celebration also introduced a new way for the alumni community to kick off the weekend. Elite Wound Care Consultants hosted Doctors & Drivers, which brought attendees together for a night of friendly competition, conversation and connection right next door to the College at Top Golf.
The event reflected what Alumni Reunion Weekend is ultimately about: bringing people back together.
The Hall of Fame & Alumni Awards Dinner
The centerpiece of the weekend was the 2026 Hall of Fame & Alumni Awards Dinner, hosted at the elegant LockKeepers in Valley View. Here, the College celebrated alumni whose careers and service have made a lasting impact on podiatric medicine and on KSUCPM.
The evening honored alumni award recipients:
- Randy Kaplan, DPM, Class of 1979, inducted into the KSUCPM Hall of Fame
- Leslie Niehaus, DPM, Class of 1980, inducted into the KSUCPM Hall of Fame
- Myron Bodman, DPM, Class of 1976, recipient of the Alumni Service Award
- Nick Butler, DPM, Class of 2015, recipient of the Young Physician Professional Achievement Award
Together, the honorees represented different generations of KSUCPM graduates, each with a story of professional achievement, leadership and service.
Their recognition served as a reminder that the College's impact extends far beyond its campus. Through their practices, leadership, mentorship and dedication to patients, KSUCPM alumni continue to shape the future of podiatric medicine.
Celebrating Today's Students and Tomorrow's Leaders
While the evening honored the accomplishments of KSUCPM alumni, it also celebrated the students who represent the future of the profession.
The following student scholarships were awarded during the event:
- Elizabeth Kurtz, Class of 2027, recipient of the Thomas V. Melillo Full Tuition Scholarship
- Nadia Akhtar, Class of 2027, recipient of the Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Blank Scholarship
- Joshua Jenkins, Class of 2027, recipient of the CPM White Coat Scholarship
- Madison Darnell, Class of 2027, recipient of the CPM OPMSA Leader Scholarship
- Pavithra Kannah, Class of 2028, recipient of the CPM Founders Scholarship
- Lauren Barrales, Class of 2028, recipient of the CPM Service Scholarship
- Mira Adelstein, Class of 2028, recipient of the CPM Podiatric Medicine Outreach Scholarship
- Jessica Phan, Class of 2029, recipient of the CPM Young Leader Scholarship
- Ramiz Rehman, Class of 2027, recipient of the Gerard V. Yu DPM Educational Scholarship
The celebration highlighted a powerful connection between generations: accomplished alumni who have helped build the College's legacy and current students preparing to carry that legacy into the future.
Honoring Reunion Classes
Alumni Reunion Weekend also recognized the milestone reunion classes of 1976, 1986 and 2001 for their 25th, 40th and 50th anniversaries.
For those returning to campus, the weekend was an opportunity to reflect on the friendships, experiences and education that helped shape their professional journeys. Decades after graduation, the connections formed at KSUCPM remain an important part of the College's alumni community.
110 Years—and Looking Forward
The 2026 Alumni Reunion Weekend was particularly meaningful as KSUCPM marks 110 years of excellence in podiatric medical education.
From honoring alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to the profession to celebrating students who are just beginning their journeys, the weekend captured the spirit of a College built on generations of shared purpose.
For 110 years, the KSUCPM community has helped shape the future of podiatric medicine. The 2026 Alumni Reunion Weekend was a celebration of that history, that community and everything still to come.
Keep an eye out for communications on how to nominate next year’s class of alumni award recipients in early 2027!
