Campbell Medicine celebrates fifth graduation with 165 graduates
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ne hundred forty-seven Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and 18 Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degrees were conferred in the School of Osteopathic Medicine’s fifth Commencement Ceremony on May 6, 2021 at Barker-Lane Stadium. The commencement exercises were the University’s first in the Spring 2021 graduation week celebrations and marked a return to in-person celebrations while still observing health safety precautions with limited attendance and social distancing requirements. All health care providers and educators, graduates, faculty, and staff have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Jim Powers, associate dean for clinical integration, welcomed the graduates. “We are so proud of each of you – the amazing things you have accomplished, your hard work, your persistence, dedication and resilience. Most importantly we are proud of who you are as caring compassionate people with a genuine heart for serving others.” “Not only have you completed incredibly rigorous academic programs, but you have done it in the on-going SARS COV-2 pandemic – the greatest public health emergency in over a century. In the face of
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2021 ANNUAL REPORT
this adversity, you stepped up. You overcame so many challenges, and you grew in ways you never imagined. Dr. J. Bradley Creed, president of the university, commended the graduates for their embodiment of school motto over the past year – ad astra per aspera – “to the stars through difficulty”. “This year has an added bonus within it – you have had a front row seat. Your attention has been arrested in ways it would not have been otherwise when you studied immunology, epidemiology, infectious disease, comorbidities, and
public health. It has accentuated your learning and as you look back you will remember this as a time when history was made. We will continue to learn from this year, and we are excited about the days ahead for you.” Dr. Kevin O’Connor, physician to the President of the United States, delivered the keynote address reminding the students they share this accomplishment with their loved ones who supported and cheered them on to this day and asked them to be good doctors.
