THE RHYTHM OF THE FUTURE

GALA INSPIRED BY LATIN MUSIC QUEEN GLORIA ESTEFAN.
Money Raised for Roseman University College of Medicine

Well, the rhythm certainly got all of us … to the tune of more than $1.5 million!

That was the generous amount raised during Roseman University College of Medicine’s spicy, Latin music-fueled “Rhythm of the Future” Gala at Red Rock Resort Spa & Casino.

The evening brought together global music icon Gloria Estefan, award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Dr. Pedro “Joe” Greer, and over 500 attendees to showcase the college and the need for more access to medical education in Southern Nevada.

These funds will go directly to support scholarships and Roseman University College of Medicine, which welcomed its inaugural class of 64 students in July 2025, many of whom were invited by Roseman University President Dr. Renée Coffman to stand proudly for a powerful moment in their white coats.

“Joe is one of the people who I most admire and respect in this world,” said honorary chairwoman Gloria Estefan. “I trust anything that Joe does.”

Long before Dr. Greer, the founding dean, championed the College of Medicine, he and Estefan were former Miami schoolmates—albeit she in the girls’ school, he in the boys’ school—so their friendship runs deep. (Estefan even joked that they got into a few shenanigans together, but she was light on the details.)

“I’m so proud of him for putting this school together; getting it accredited; and he’s just a guy who thinks out of the box and thinks about the entire human being as a doctor,” said Estefan. “My mom was a teacher, so, anything that I can do to help students get funding to be able to study, I will do.”

Estefan, famous for that irresistible Miami Sound Machine tune “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” which inspired the gala theme, is the co-chair of the Roseman University College of Medicine Scholarship Campaign with her husband Emilio Estefan.

Unfortunately, Emilio was home with the flu, but she said, “That’s ok because he says I’m the one who talks anyway.”

The American Music Award nominee for “Best Female Latin Artist” of 2026 went on to deliver an inspiring message about the impact of investing in future doctors.

“Funding medical education is not just about supporting students — it is about investing in the health of entire communities,” said Estefan. “Every dollar contributed helps train a physician who may one day improve access to care or save a life.”

O’Brien, fresh off two Oscar nominations for documentary producing, emceed the evening. She first met Dr. Greer years ago while reporting on his work and has remained friends ever since.

“I’ve always been so impressed with how he thinks about healthcare, and how to improve healthcare in America,” said O’Brien. “He’s been doing this work forever. I knew about it years ago because he would always talk about what a medical school really should be. I knew that he was doing it and then I was amazed when he did it, and now I’m happy to be here.”

O’Brien said she is not surprised that the Estefans continue to selflessly support Roseman University’s mission.

“I am about to celebrate my 40th year in journalism, and so I have interviewed Gloria 50 million times. They both are icons,” said O’Brien. “Emilio and I sit together on a board that’s trying to build the first Museum of the American Latino. I mean, he’s a genius. There are not enough superlatives for the two of them. They’re just amazing and incredible and thoughtful.”

As presenter, O’Brien emphasized that the evening was about “momentum.”

“[Roseman] is not just a medical school, but a future where students are learning that collaboration is essential. This next generation of physicians is being prepared not to just treat illness, but to truly care for communities.”

Dr. Pedro “Joe” Greer said he is determined to build a movement, “toward a better way of educating physicians who will care for people with compassion, dignity, and purpose.”

He believes strongly they are getting that much closer to his vision.

“Success tonight is to raise the money and get this program going. Number two, that the students here get the message even further,” said Dr. Greer.

“This is the opportunity to develop a system to educate the doctors with the greatest character. We’ve got to bring character and virtue back. That’s one of the things that we say at the medical school: ‘What happens in Vegas, we want the world to know.’”