Convocation 2000 

August 25, 2000

Welcoming the Class of 2004, the thirtieth annual Convocation ceremony was held August 25, 2000 in the Pasant theater at the MSU Wharton Center. The venerable Phillip E. Greenman, DO, FAAO, senior associate dean emeritus and professor emeritus of osteopathic manipulative medicine, addressed the audience and the newest members of the MSUCOM community. To the incoming class, Dr. Greenman described the challenges they could anticipate and the standards expected of them as students of osteopathic medicine. In his closing remarks Dr. Greenman challenged the future DO’s to live up to their calling: make sure, he told them, "when you retire you can say that ‘I made a difference.’"

After Dr. Greenman’s address, the Walter F. Patenge Medals of Public Service were awarded. Floyd T. Meachum, DO, FACOFP and Kenneth C. Taylor, DO received medals to honor them as osteopathic physicians who exemplify the highest standards of family medicine practice. Dr. Meachum is a practicing physician at Manor Medical Clinics in Detroit, while Dr. Taylor developed a family practice in Traverse City, Michigan and held numerous staff positions at the Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital.

Michael I. Opirari, DO was honored as a hospital administrator who exemplifies the highest standards of humane, concerned administration and public involvement. Dr. Opirari is the executive vice president and chief medical officer of the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital Corporation.

Former Michigan Governor William D. Milliken also received a medal for his leadership and contributions to public policy and public welfare.

After the medal presentations the Class of 2004 were given their white coats and officially welcomed into the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The White Coat Ceremony celebrates each student’s choice of a career in osteopathic medicine and encourages him or her to accept the obligations incumbent with that choice. As Dr. Greenman exhorted in his convocation address, the students of the incoming Class of 2004, like all students before them, will be expected to dedicate their lives to providing competent medical service with compassion and respect for human dignity.

by Jason Mui and Krister Friday

Editor's note: Jason Mui writes for the MSUCOM news bureau on a volunteer basis under a program coordinated by the MSUCOM Office of Public Relations and the MSU Service Learning Center.