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Graduates, families and friends began to enter the Kimmel Center early on commencement day, Thursday, May 26. The morning rehearsal, under the direction of Dr. James Caldwell, dean of Student Affairs and Shannon Boss, University registrar, went smoothly, leaving graduates time for lunch before a return to the Kimmel to don their caps and gowns for the 2 p.m. start.
Excitement and anticipation mixed with nerves for the graduates, while the mood inside the hall was full of pride and happiness, as families and friends watched the graduates and faculty process down the aisles. With a warm welcome by Salus president, Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, the University’s 110th commencement ceremony began.
Keynote speaker this year was Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, vice chair of the Montgomery County (PA) Board of Commissioners. A nationally-recognized public health policy expert, until recently Dr. Arkoosh was professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. She urged the graduates to “grab your future and mold it,” telling them to “lead their lives with intention.” Dr. Arkoosh also told her audience that“healing comes in many forms, so remember to be present for your patient,” explaining that sometimes just listening is as important as treatment.
The graduates were welcomed as the newest members of the Salus University Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Dennis Lyons ’73, who congratulated them and told the graduates the Alumni Association is “eager to provide professional help in your new endeavors and I hope you will think of us as a resource, and continue to be part of this institution for years to come.”
By the ceremony’s end, two Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Biomedicine; 29 Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degrees; 157 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees; 16 master’s degrees (MS and MEd) in Low Vision and Blindness Studies, five Master of Public Health, and 42 Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) degrees had been awarded, along with 35 post-graduate Optometry Residency certificates.
