Over 250 excited and very proud family members and friends joined members of the graduating class, faculty, administrators and distinguished guests to witness the commencement for the doctoral graduates of AUIS School of Medicine.
The unique harmonics of the Great Highland Bagpipe, played by piper, David Gregory, led the graduate processional and officially opened the ceremony.
Graduates received heartfelt words of congratulations and inspiration while addressed by Dr. Don Penney, MD, AUIS Dean of Clinical Affairs and Dr. Renu Agniholtri, MD, President of AUIS.
Marsha Landvatter, Class Valedictorian and native of Nova Scotia, Canada, took the podium and reminded her fellow graduates that, “Much like a wooden boat on the ocean we were at the mercy of its direction and pull. Together we have weathered the storms of board exams, late nights, early mornings and endless work weeks. When our journey seemed hopeless we had the support from the faculty, staff and our loved ones encouraging us from the shore. Like the calm before the storm we finally catch a glimpse of the other side only to realize that we’re just beginning on this journey.”
Sen. Harcourt Husbands, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of Barbados, officially congratulated and welcomed, Milo Pinckney, Managing Director of AUIS, AUIS students, faculty and staff on their recent expansion to the island of Barbados.
After the recognition of graduates and the presentation of diplomas, the services were concluded with the graduate’s recitation of the Hippocratic Oath, led by Dr. Tina Thompson, MD, AUIS Clinical Chair.
A reception and refreshments followed in the Millennium Gate Museum. Special acknowledgement to Hannah Taylor, AUIS Receptionist, for coordinating the celebration.
