In the serene setting of Dartmouth’s Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center lawn, Friday, June 13, became a memorable day for 116 graduates from the Geisel School of Medicine, marking the dawn of their journey in various health fields. According to Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, their accomplishments were met with applause not just from family and friends, but from the entire Dartmouth community.
A Ceremony of Reflection and Purpose
Craig Westling, Geisel’s Associate Dean for Health Sciences, opened the annual Class Day event by commending the graduates for their determination and compassion. “In a world shaped by profound inequities, your commitment to serve with skill and heart is vital,” he reminded them.
Emmanuel Mensah, the keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s roots while forging new paths. His Ghanaian phrase, “keeping it real,” resonated deeply as he shared a poignant tale of altruism that defines leadership in healthcare.
Lessons from Peers and Pioneers
Amol Saxena, an alum with expertise in sports medicine, encouraged graduates to “keep networking” and emphasized the uniquely human touch that even artificial intelligence cannot replicate. His words underscored the value of personal connections and adaptability, vital tools in today’s ever-evolving medical landscape.
Key Takeaways from Student Voices
Throughout the ceremony, student speakers like John Ross and Victoria Callahan echoed a shared spirit of resilience and dedication. Geisel Dean Duane Compton lauded them for advocating principles that address current global challenges, encouraging them to maintain their commitment to community welfare.
Recognition of Excellence
The event acknowledged exceptional achievements across various programs, including prestigious awards such as the Henry Masters and Karen Ashley Leadership Awards. The awardees, including Nicole Winn and Pooja Patel, exemplified dedication to health science and were celebrated for fostering positive change.
A Call to Action in Health
Graduates were urged to embody the values learned at Dartmouth as they move forward. Mensah’s wisdom to “serve others, question the status quo, and embrace humility” was not just a call for innovation but a reminder of the human tapestry that binds the Geisel legacy.
Continuing the Celebration
The Geisel Class of 2025 stands ready to exit the halls of academia and enter a world in dire need of their expertise and compassion. They do so with a collective intention to create impactful change, honoring the teachings of their mentors and charting new paths in health sciences.
As they embark on these journeys, their stories inspire not just a community but the global health landscape they are set to transform.