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The journey was long and difficult, but the dreams of 131 determined men and women were finally realized. The students became doctors as the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine held its annual hooding and commencement ceremony at the Wharton Center on Thursday, May 1. Hundreds of family, friends and supporters came out to witness the occasion as the graduates were minted with their new D.O. degrees.
Dean William D. Strampel, D.O., opened the ceremony with a greeting followed by an introduction of the keynote speaker, Steven Pitt, D.O., MSUCOM Class of 1986. Dr. Pitt shared stories of his years of experience as a forensic psychiatrist and offered advice for the graduates on the importance of communication and cooperation in the medical world.
Dr. Pitt’s address was followed by the presentation of student awards. William Sanders, D.O., received the Richard L. Alper Memorial Award for his distinguished community service. The Judith K. Weiswasser Memorial Award, recognizing an outstanding woman graduate, went to Mia Flor Wimberley, D.O. The Dean’s Recognition Award was given to Nikolai Butki, D.O. and the MOA Outstanding Graduating Senior Award was presented to Jamil Rizqalla, D.O. Dr. Rizqalla, who is also the class president, then addressed his classmates, congratulating them on their accomplishments and wishing them luck for the future.
William Falls, Ph.D., associate dean for student services, then presented the degree candidates. With friends and family cheering them on, each of the graduates strode across the stage to receive the coveted green hood, the symbol of their doctorate degrees. Then the new D.O.s recited the osteopathic oath, officially signaling their arrival into the community of physicians.
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