Despite the overcast skies and chilly temperatures, the Downers Grove Campus was in a celebratory mood today as MWU hosted commencement ceremonies for the College of Health Sciences and Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The morning graduation for CHS welcomed over 100 new graduates from Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, and Clinical Psychology to the ranks of MWU alumni. One of the highlights of the program were the remarks given by the presidents of each graduating class. Paul Seguin, D.P.T., highlighted all the service projects that he and his classmates had completed during their 2 years, 11 months, and 10 days at MWU ("but who's counting!"). With his classmates laughing along with him as he recounted special memories, it was clear that the PT students were a unified group. Courtney Stumpe, M.O.T., likewise focused her remarks on the friendships established at MWU and the caring faculty. Michael Ornburn, M.B.S., got his inspiration from a fortune cookie, which stated (and I'm paraphrasing), "Even experts start out as beginners." He talked about their path toward becoming an expert and how their education will continue in the years head. He also noted that if becoming an expert didn't work out for them, the fortune cookie also provided them with six lucky numbers to try at the lottery. Finally, Shanda Wells, M.A., quoted verbatim what they had learned from their faculty while at MWU, such as "You can never spend too long on a physical exam," and "Something may be happening up here, but something else could be happening down there." Even taken out of context, the entire audience laughed along with the memories of the class. Shanda also confessed that her class was anxiety-ridden, but that is only because they are committed to providing the best care for their patients.
In the afternoon, CCOM welcomed more than 160 new osteopathic physicians. In keeping with a long-held tradition, 17 CCOM alumni were able to hood their relatives during the ceremony. The student remarks were given by valedictorian Alan Shahtaji, D.O. Alan, who has been a national leader of osteopathic student organizations and who even won a date and free trip to the Super Bowl when the Bears played a few years ago, did not disappoint in his very candid and very funny remarks. He recalled all the great times had by the class and focused on how they will remain committed to being the best physicians they can be. The CCOM ceremony also featured two special musical highlights: two CCOM graduates and two current students formed the Quartet Tympani and treated the audience to a beautiful musical interlude of "Palladio" with their cello, viola, and violins. CCOM alumnus, Bill Hampton, D.O., once again returned to his alma mater as a member of the Brass Ensemble, which provided the processional and recessional music for the ceremony.
Finally, Dr. G stressed in her remarks the importance of family and the value of caring for others. On this beginning of the Memorial Day weekend, she recognized all of the graduates, faculty, and audience members who have served in the U.S. military and thanked them for her service. As each graduate crossed the stage, Dr. G warmly congratulated them, as they all beamed with the pride of their accomplishment.
My best wishes to all of our graduates as they embark on their postdoctoral training and their careers as health care professionals. We look forward to seeing you back again as alumni! To all of you, have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.
