The association, one of three at the university, has awarded more than $25,000 to 41 medical students since 1976, said Mary G. Etlinger, director of alumni relations.
Etlinger said the association also runs the HOST, or Help Our Students Travel, program. The program helps students interviewing for residency programs. Alumni hosts in some cases provide lodging, meals and transportation for the students.
Meanwhile, the university's Dental Alumni Association has reported a 25 percent increase in membership since 1992. The association recently held its third annual Alumni Continuing Dental Education Conference at South Padre Island and reported record attendance. Etlinger cited the Dental School's recent selection by U.S. News & World Report as the nation's No. 1 dental school as one of the reasons for the group's increasing membership and activities.
The association also offers scholarships and other financial support for students and student groups as well as class reunions and alumni receptions.
The Nursing Alumni Association has become the university's largest alumni association, with nearly 800 members, Etlinger said. She said the association supports student achievement awards and several student organizations, which enable students to travel to conferences and meetings. The Nursing Alumni Association also supports the annual School of Nursing Excellence Day in May and will assist with the university's 25th anniversary celebrations in 1994.
Etlinger said alumni from the department of physical therapy also are becoming more active with the university. For more information about alumni activities call: Mary G. Etlinger, director of alumni relations and the annual fund, Office of University Relations, (210) 567-2056.