Photos: Commencement 2015
On Friday, May 15, keynote speaker and acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns delivered a rousing call to action to Washington University graduates that had the thousands in attendance at all-university Commencement on their feet.
In addition to all-university Commencement on the Danforth Campus, many graduate degree candidates were honored at their individual programs’ recognition ceremonies Thursday and Friday.
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All-University Commencement
More than 2,800 graduating students from all Washington University schools and programs proceeded into Brookings Quadrangle on Friday morning for the university’s 154th Commencement ceremony.
Among the honorary degree recipients were keynote speaker and filmmaker Ken Burns, neurobiologist Gerald D. Fischbach, MD, plant biologist Mary-Dell Chilton, PhD, and musician Herbie Hancock.
In his address to graduates, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton recognized contributions of the many graduates who led community engagement efforts while students at Washington University.
“Indeed, our students have been leaders in (areas that enhance our community),” Wrighton noted, “including medical students participating in Saturday morning clinics, engineering and medical students founding IDEA Labs, and undergraduates who are a part of the Civic Scholars program of the Gephardt Institute.
“Our new graduates provide the basis for my optimism that the future is bright. Our alumni amplify the work of the faculty and staff, and we will follow with interest the contributions of our newest alumni.”
More all-university Commencement photos on Flickr »
MD Commencement Recognition Ceremony
Following a long tradition at the School of Medicine, graduates of the Doctor of Medicine programs entered the theater for their individual recognition ceremony amid the sounds of bagpipes as the John Ford Highland Bagpipe Band played a processional. The ceremony was held at Ferrara Theatre at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis.
School of Medicine alum C. Garrison Fathman, MD, gave the keynote address. Fathman is a professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Immunology, and director of the Institute for Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
The recognition ceremony was bittersweet for Larry J. Shapiro, MD, who plans to step down as executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine later this year. Noting that this is the 12th and likely the last Commencement he’ll oversee, Shapiro said he couldn’t imagine better company.
Administering the Declaration of Geneva – the physician’s oath stating dedication to the humanitarian goals of medicine – Alison J. Whelan, MD, assured the graduating physicians, “You are confident, you are skilled and you are so ready for your next step.” Whelan is the senior associate dean for education at the School of Medicine.
Joint Recognition Ceremony: Clinical Investigation, Population Health Sciences, and Applied Health Behavior Research
Scholars graduating from the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, Master of Science in Applied Health Behavior Research and Master of Population Health Sciences programs were recognized at a joint ceremony for degrees awarded by the Clinical Research Training Center.
The ceremony was Thursday in the King Center of Bernard Becker Medical Library on the Medical Campus. Speakers included Larry J. Shapiro, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine; Victoria J. Fraser, MD, the Adolphus Busch Professor and head of the Department of Medicine; and Adetunji T. Toriola, MD, PhD, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences.
Program in Occupational Therapy Diploma Ceremony
Graduate candidates in the master’s and doctoral OT programs celebrated at Graham Chapel on the Danforth Campus. Keynote speaker Nico Dosenbach, MD, PhD, instructor in neurology at the School of Medicine addressed the graduates. The faculty speaker was Kathy Kniepmann, OTD, assistant professor of occupational therapy and of neurology, and student speakers were Meagan Kreps Nichols, candidate for a master’s in occupational therapy, and Laura McCarty, candidate for a doctorate in occupational therapy.
More Occupational Therapy ceremony photos on Facebook »
Program in Physical Therapy Diploma Distribution & Hooding Ceremony
Program in Physical Therapy doctoral candidates were hooded at a ceremony in the Khorassan Ballroom of The Chase Park Plaza. The keynote speaker was Mark Reinking, PhD, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training and program director of the Program in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University.
Faculty speaker Beth Crowner, DPT, associate professor of physical therapy and of neurology, inspired graduates to “be an idol to your patients.” Crowner is also division director of clinical practice in physical therapy.
The student speaker was Emily Dana Besancenez, a candidate for a doctorate in physical therapy.
Program in Audiology & Communication Sciences Recognition Ceremony & Diploma Distribution
Graduates of the Master of Science in Deaf Education, Doctor of Audiology and PhD programs received their diplomas at the Program in Audiology & Communication Sciences (PACS) recognition ceremony on the Medical Campus.
The keynote speaker was Richard A. Chole, MD, PhD, the Lindburg Professor and head of the Department of Otolaryngology.
Audiology & Communication Sciences ceremony photos on Facebook »
More Commencement Photos
See photos and tweets from our graduates and their friends and family on Storify.