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Convocation '03
"Welcome to the Family"

by Steven D. Bevier

The College of Osteopathic Medicine held its annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony at the Wharton Center on August 22, 2003. The ceremony was the official welcome to the Class of 2007.

This year’s entering class has expanded to include 143 students, the largest in MSUCOM’s history. The class was introduced by William Falls, Ph.D., associate dean for student services and then

Darryl Beehler, D.O., president of the American Osteopathic Association, coats Liam Sullivan.

each first-year student was presented with a white lab coat by an MSUCOM faculty member as a symbol of his or her entry into the medical profession. The students strode across the stage to the delight of friends and family and were greeted by Dean William Strampel, D.O., and special guest Darryl Beehler, D.O., president of the American Osteopathic Association.

This year’s convocation address was delivered by Edward N. Hodges III, J.D., chairman of the board of directors for Botsford General Hospital. Mr. Hodges was also recognized as one of four distinguished individuals who were honored earlier

in the day with the Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service. The medals are presented to persons who have made a lasting impact on the osteopathic profession. This year’s other recipients were MSUCOM Professor Emeritus Lynn F. Brumm, D.O.; Past President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association and MSUCOM alumna Carol Monson, D.O.; and former Director of the AOA’s Department of Education W. Douglas Ward, Ph.D.

The 2003 Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service honorees: (l. to r.) Edward N. Hodges III, J.D.; Lynn F. Brumm, D.O.; Carol L. Monson, D.O.; and W. Douglas Ward, Ph.D.