CNU Talent Show: A Celebration of Talent and Unity

A Wide Range of Talent

January 16, 2025

The California Northstate University College of Medicine (CNUCOM) recently hosted a spectacular talent showcase that brought together students, faculty, and staff for an evening of unforgettable performances. The highly anticipated CNU Talent Show was organized by the CNUCOM Student Body Council, with the coordination efforts of Hannah Chang, Anya Ramsamooj, Eliette Seo, Michael Youn, Nilo Tehrani, and Chance Aguiar. Also in attendance was CNU’s President Alvin Cheung and the Dean Richard. The silent auction of Dr. Isaacs hosted two groups of students, which brought in $600 for each event.

The event aimed to provide students and faculty with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents while fostering a sense of unity and community within the medical school. With the spirit of collaboration in mind, the event also served a charitable purpose—100% of the funds raised through ticket sales and a silent auction were donated to the CNUCOM Medball funds, a cause that further strengthens the bonds among students and faculty.

A Night of Diverse Talent

The talent show featured a range of performances, from heart-stirring vocals to captivating instrumental pieces and dynamic dance routines. The winners of the evening's competition were Preyasi Kumar, Prithvi Setty, and Lindsay Wong (COM M2s), who mesmerized the audience with their rendition of "When You Believe" by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, showcasing their impressive vocal harmonies and piano skills.

Honorable Mentions

In second place was Kenneth Thai (COM M1), whose soulful vocals and guitar skills delivered a moving performance of "Gary's Song." Luke Cho (COM M2) also impressed the crowd with his heartfelt rendition of "Good Love is on the Way" by John Mayer, accompanied by his vocals and guitar.

Other notable performers included Adam Ali (COM M1), who brought a touch of jazz with his saxophone performance of "Autumn Leaves." The faculty also joined in the festivities, with Dr. Cusick and Victoria Cusick delivering a memorable performance on vocals and guitar, playing "Layla" by Eric Clapton and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" by The Beatles.

Dr. Puglisi (COM Faculty) added an extra element of surprise with a captivating magic show, leaving the audience in awe. Dr. Sheffield and Dr. Culler (COM Faculty) offered a dramatic performance of "One for my Baby, One for the Road," drawing heartfelt applause for their emotive delivery.

A Wide Range of Talent

Other performances included Andrew Doan (COM M2), who captivated the crowd with his clarinet performance of "Unravel." Bethany Joy (COM M2) also delivered a powerful vocal performance, singing "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele.

A lively dance performance by Cindy Luo, Richard Ma, and Stephanie Zhang (COM M2s) showcased the rhythm and energy of CNUCOM’s student body. The event concluded with a show-stopping dance routine by the CNUCOM Dance SIG, featuring Ritu Gaikwad, Deeksha Panuganti, Sonal Sachdeva, Vanshika Goyal, Stephanie Zhang, Snighda Uppu, Dhiraj Ramireddy, and Marcus Carrillo. Their dynamic choreography and synchronized moves brought the house down and closed the night on an energetic high.

Community and Charity in Harmony

The CNU Talent Show was more than just a night of incredible performances—it was a celebration of the diverse skills and talents within the CNUCOM community. From the students to the faculty, everyone had a chance to contribute to the event's success. Beyond entertainment, the event highlighted the importance of coming together for a common cause, with funds raised going toward the Medball fund, benefiting future CNUCOM students and initiatives.