It is a mid-May tradition for the University of Michigan Medical School to celebrate its class of graduating seniors with a rousing ceremony in Hill Auditorium. Because the historic venue remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our community gathered virtually to celebrate the Class of 2021 and their many accomplishments!
Our Commencement Ceremony streamed on May 14th and featured remarks from our honored speaker, Joneigh S. Khaldun, M.D., MPH, a U-M alumna, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan and chief deputy director for health in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; student speaker Steven Goldenthal; and Gifty Kwakye, M.D., a faculty member chosen by the class as the Senior Award recipient.
In addition, University and Medical School leadership delivered remarks, and guided our graduates through many of the traditional segments of the ceremony, including recitation of the Hippocratic Oath. Graduation award recipients were also honored.
View the 2021 Commencement Program.
A Message from our Dean
"To the class of 2021, I extend heartfelt congratulations to each of you. The past year has been difficult and a challenge, but you have successfully and with grace accomplished the final milestones of your training. As much as you have learned in the past four years, you will learn more, much more as you advance in your careers. You will gain a new appreciation for what it really means to be the decision-maker in complex and difficult situations. Now, as we look to the future and create what will become a new normal for our profession, I am confident that your commitment and compassion will prepare you for the next phase of your training and your careers. You are the next generation of physician leaders that will shape the future of health care."
Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, U-M Medical School; Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs; CEO, Michigan Medicine
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2021!
Our community shared congratulations, thank you notes and words of encouragement for all to see on a special social media wall.