Dartmouth Medical School

For Release: February 10, 2006
Contact: Andy Nordhoff (603) 653-0784

DMS Students Showcase Talents to Raise Funds for Katrina Victims

The DMS Winter Extravaganza, organized by several dedicated students, raised several hundred dollars and featured an extraordinary array of talented medical students. Organized by first year students Judy Lin and Marius Pakalniskis, the event provided a venue for students and alumni whose expertise extends beyond the classroom and the laboratory.

Held on January 29 at Collis Common Ground on Dartmouth College's campus, the Extravaganza showcased the skills of medical students, teachers and alumni. In an open invitation for performers, Judy and Marius implored talented colleagues to, "Dust off that book of Chopin etudes, stretch out those dancing legs, and keep those operatic vocal chords warm!"

"Among us, there are pianists, singers, dancers, guitarists, and other wonderfully talented people," said Marius. "The extravaganza was a fun, exciting way to share these talents with members of the DMS community."

The event featured pianists, singers, dancers, guitarists and an array of other gifted performers. One highlight of the show was a duet by Dr. Sarah Johansen, DMS '90 and Susan Kelly, DMS I. They chose a poignant song, For Good, from the Broadway musical "Wicked."

In addition to astounding the enthusiastic audience, the event raised over six hundred dollars for the DMS Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund through the efforts of Folasade Ajayi, DMS II. And drawing on the students whose talents excel in the kitchen, Katie Roatzan. DMS I, organized a bake sale with student-baked goodies that were sold at intermission.

"If success were to be measured by smiles, laughter and applause, the Extravaganza was off the charts!" exclaimed Marius. "It was simply a magical evening!"

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