Dear Larner Community,
With our academic year coming to an end, and the Class of 2023 now graduated, I want to take a moment to reflect on the weekend and the year that has passed. I also want to thank and congratulate all of you – faculty, students, and staff – for your efforts and accomplishments.
The Graduate College ceremony took place on Saturday, May 20th, where doctoral and master’s degree recipients from the Biomedical Engineering, Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical and Translational Science, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience, Pathology, Medical Science, and Public Health graduate programs received their hoods. My thanks to Associate Dean Jan Carney for her participation in that event.
On Sunday morning, at the University’s Commencement Ceremony, I had the privilege of witnessing the highest academic honor that UVM can bestow, University Distinguished Professor, given to three members of the LCOM faculty. Congratulations to Dr. Mary Cushman, Professor of Medicine, Dr. Stephen Higgins, Professor of Psychiatry, and Dr. Gary Stein, Professor of Biochemistry.
I also want to congratulate Dr. Sarah Heil, Professor of Psychiatry, who was named a UVM 2023-2024 University Scholar in the category of Basic and Applied Science, honoring her research excellence and her talent in fostering academic achievement in others.
That afternoon, in the iconic Ira Allen Chapel, 106 members of the Class of 2023 received their hoods and diplomas, took the Oath, and emerged as the newest generation of physicians. My thanks to all who participated, including Class of 2023 graduates Naomi and Michael Koliba Lawler, who sang so beautifully. Among the speakers, inspiring words were provided by Class of 2023 student speaker, Daniel Castro, and our commencement speaker, Dr. Gaurab Basu, Class of 2010. This Class of 2023 gives us all great pride and hope for the future.
In the coming season, I hope you can take a breath, pause, and reflect on your collective accomplishments – on the progress you and your colleagues have made this year at our College: the students you’ve educated; knowledge you’ve created; the patients you have cared for; and the lives you have touched. You have made a difference.
I hope you and your families get some time to relax and have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Stay well,
Richard L. Page, M.D.
Dean
