Where It Began
From fellowship to purpose.
The story of Friends of St. John’s (FOSJ) began with an enduring commitment: to give back to the institution that had shaped generations of Johnites.
When the first Johnites arrived in the United States in 1971 and later established their careers, many remained deeply connected to St. John’s.
Alumni contributed to equipment, computers, hospital facilities, and other needs.
As the College prepared for its Silver Jubilee in 1987, Fr. Percy, then Director of St. John’s, appealed to alumni for support.
Johnites responded generously—but their contributions offered no U.S. tax benefit.
Growing the Mission
Giving generosity a home.
Dr. Ephrem Thoppil (1964) envisioned a better way: a tax-exempt organization through which North American Johnites could support their alma mater.
Together with Drs. Willie Gomes, George Varghese, and Marian Kamath, he pursued that vision.
In 1993, Friends of St. John’s was established as a U.S. tax-exempt charitable organization.
Dr. Willie Gomes became its first President; Dr. Ephrem Thoppil served as Secretary/Treasurer; and Drs. George Varghese, Marian Kamath, and Jovita Crasta served on the Board.
“What began as individual acts of generosity now had a home.”
Growing the Mission
Supporting care, education and opportunity.
Despite the complexities of transferring charitable funds to India, Johnites continued to give.
FOSJ supported medical education, research, pediatric cancer care, geriatrics, infrastructure, teaching excellence, and other important needs.
A New York-area fundraiser led by Dr. Marian Kamath raised approximately $90,000 toward rebuilding a Catholic hospital in the Andaman Islands after a devastating tsunami.
In 2013, Johnites rallied behind the Golden Jubilee Memorial Learning Center, raising approximately $500,000. By this period, Dr. Varghese recalls that nearly $1 million had been raised through FOSJ since its inception.
As administrative and regulatory requirements evolved, FOSJ adapted, ultimately establishing a more direct pathway for support through the St. John’s Medical College Alumni Association (SJMCAA).
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Presidents & Leaders of FOSJ
In Loving Memory · 2012
Dr. Ephrem Thoppil
Dr. Ephrem Thoppil envisioned a better way for North American Johnites to support the institution that had shaped their lives.
His vision helped lay the foundation for Friends of St. John’s and transformed a tradition of individual generosity into an enduring organization and mission.
His contribution remains woven into the story of FOSJ and the generations of Johnites who continue to carry that vision forward.
The Next Chapter
The story continues with all of us.
Today, FOSJ continues its mission to support St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, in its pursuit of excellence in medical education, service to the needy, and clinical research.
