Orientation Family BBQ- 2010

After too many days filled with heat and humidity in the summer 2010, the weather for the 2010 Family Barbecue was picture-perfect.  The afternoon feast ended an event-filled week for the incoming Class of 2014, culminating in the White Coat Ceremony held the day before at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital Academic Building in New Brunswick. The BBQ was a day to relax and enjoy the fine foods prepared by the elegant grillmasters from the Association of Family & Friends.  The BBQ was organized by the Orientation Committee and Peer Mentors from the Class of 2013 and funded by the AFF.  The day is the ideal time for the AFF to welcome the parents and families of the new medical students and encourage their participation in the AFF events and fundraising efforts.

AFF-faculty liaison, Dr. Sonia Garcia Laumbach, assistant dean of student affairs, emceed a brief program featuring students from student government and the Global Health Initiative who discussed their individual programs (including clinical pursuits in Spain and Ghana) and thanked the AFF for their contributions to their social and academic endeavors.  Lou Penn’s Stitches committee was busy racking up sales of RWJMS-branded merchandise, and Jon and Sheila Sterling did a stellar job selling 50/50 tickets.  The winning ticket, chosen by Jean Martin’s granddaughter Tatiana, belonged to Dennis Herman who graciously donated it back to the AFF.  Left to right, Sheila Sterling, Jane Reilly, Greg Tabakin, Patty and Salvo Infantino, Jean Martin, Mike Lubitz, and Dennis and Donna Herman.

AFF Family Barbeque - 2009
By Jane Reilly

After a morning that started at 8 AM and filled with community service projects, many first year students from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Class of 2013 reunited with their parents and families to attend the annual Association of Families and Friends family barbeque on Saturday, August 8, 2009.  For the new students, the BBQ was the last event in an activity-packed Orientation Week that began on Monday, August 3.

The BBQ was organized by the Orientation Coordinators and peer mentors from the Class of 2012 and hosted by the AFF.  Nearly 350 people enjoyed the perfect weather while sitting at round tables on the grassy knoll outside Woody’s Cafeteria at the Piscataway campus.   AFF chefs manned the grills, preparing more than 400 hamburgers and 200 hot dogs, assorted salads, desserts, and sodas for the incoming class and their families.   AFF members greeted the new arrivals, sold raffle tickets, and handled the sale of RWJMS-logo apparel and merchandise at the Stitches tables in the Great Hall. From left to right, Patty and Sal Infantino, Mike Gendelberg, Sheila Sterling, Jane Reilly, and Joe Olive.

Orientation Barbeque - 2008
By Sheila Sterling

The Orientation Barbeque was held on Sunday, August 3, 2008, on the grounds outside the Great Hall.  First year students and their families gathered on a beautiful afternoon and got to know each other in a relaxed setting while enjoying the delicious food prepared by volunteers of the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Association of Families and Friends. 

During orientation many friendships had already started and this event served to further the process. School spirit was very evident as parents and students eagerly bought sweatshirts, tee shirts and bumper stickers.  Members of the Association of Family and Friends circulated among the first year parents to answer questions and explain the Association’s mission.  Whether standing in line for hot dogs and hamburgers, or seated at picnic tables, family members were warmly encouraged to become involved in the Association.  

At the end of the day, family members left with a warm feeling about the Medical School and the Association of Family and Friends and content that their student had found a new home.  The barbeque was a successful orientation for both students and family members.