Dean's Message
June 2009
Commencement weekend was a historic one for the School of Medicine. It started at the School of Medicine Ashbel Smith Distinguished Alumnus (ASDA) Awards Reception, where this year’s honorees, Drs. Joseph S. Coselli, Michael D. McKinney, G. Walter McReynolds, and Robert B. Wilkins, were recognized. In the room that evening were three world-renowned heart surgeons (all ASDA award recipients)—Drs. Denton Cooley, Joseph Coselli and Charles Fraser, Jr. We are extraordinarily proud of their accomplishments, and of the institution that provided their medical education. In addition, two of this year’s ASDA award recipients, Drs. McReynolds and Wilkins, distinguished in the fields of otolaryngology and ophthalmology respectively, were born and raised in Galveston. The next day, for the first time in UTMB history, two Chancellors graced the stage for commencement—Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, Chancellor of The University of Texas System, who served as Commencement Speaker, and Dr. Michael McKinney, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, also one of this year’s ASDA award recipients. And our Class of 2009 made history. No medical school class since the storm of 1900 has faced challenges similar to those faced by the Class of 2009 this year. They faced the chaos created by Hurricane Ike with great courage and heart, and in doing so, demonstrated for all of us a special kind of grace.
I would like to thank the Chairs and faculty members who attended the ceremony and participated in this very special day for our students. I am extremely grateful for your dedication, and for the efforts of all those in Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Campus Police, Catering, Biocommunications, and the Provost’s Office, who worked tirelessly to make the day possible for our graduates.
The ceremony was filled with wonderful and celebratory moments and featured student soloist, Natalie Ward, the Student A Cappella Group, Syncope, and the UTMB musical group Don’t Quit Your Day Job.
Video segments of commencement are available below. You can also see a video clip of the ceremony at UTMB Newsroom or YouTube.
• Message from Dean Garland Anderson
• Speech of Commencement Speaker, Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa
• Speech of Student Speaker, Dr. Kristopher Hooten
• "The Impossible Dream" sung by student soloist, Natalie Ward
• Gold-Headed Cane Award Ceremony
• "It Blowed Away" sung by UTMB student singing group, Don't Quit Your Day Job
Sincerely
Garland D. Anderson, M.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
Dean,
School of Medicine
Thomas N. and Gleaves T. James Distinguished Chair
Garland D. Anderson, M.D.
Executive Vice President
and Provost
Dean, School of Medicine
Thomas N. and Gleaves T. James Distinguished Chair