Thursday, May 16, 2024
The Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024’s hard work for four years was celebrated last week during Liberty University’s 2024 Commencement Week that featured a Graduation Gala, Military Commissioning Ceremony and a Hooding Ceremony.
The week began on Wednesday evening with the Graduation Gala, where students gathered inside the Amazement Square Banquet Hall in downtown Lynchburg for dinner, fellowship and awards that were handed out to various students.
Several faculty members were in attendance to present awards and celebrate the student-doctors they have taught for four years. 17 student-doctors received awards as voted on by their peers. The awards ranged from OMM and Anatomy Fellow Recognition to Clinical Service Awards. Colleen Hayes was given the Academic and Clinical Excellence Award, one of the most prestigious awards of the night.
Numerous students were acknowledged with certificates for Honors and Highest Honors, while 34 students were honored for their many years of service in the tutorial program. 22 students were honored for their time as LUCOM Ambassadors and eight were honored with a Samaritan’s Purse Recognition.
The night ended with more fellowship, conversation and excitement in preparation for Thursday’s activities.
The special week continued with a Commissioning Ceremony for Military Graduates inside the Blue Auditorium at LUCOM on Thursday afternoon. 2nd Lieutenant Nathan Luu, president of the LUCOM student-chapter of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, began he ceremony with a prayer.
Mark E. Rolfs, DO, PharmD, CAQSM administered the oath of office to two Army graduates, while Lieutenant Colonel Mark J. Arriola, United States Air Force, Retired administered the oath of office to 12 Air Force graduates and Captain Mike Coleman, US Navy Retired administered the oath of office to three Navy graduates.
Once the graduates took the oath their friends and family placed the pins on their uniforms. The 17 graduates were then gifted challenge coins, which are small, medallion-like tokens, often adorned with the emblem or insignia of the presenting organization. They serve as a symbol of membership, belonging, and camaraderie. The coins are used to acknowledge an individual’s achievements, dedication, or exemplary service, and serve as a tangible reminder of the appreciation and respect of their peers and superiors.
After the military were honored, the Hooding Ceremony rounded out the week for LUCOM. Students in attendance at the Commissioning Ceremony funneled down to main campus after visiting with loved ones to prepare for the biggest ceremony of the weekend.
The Hooding Ceremony was hosted at the School of Music Concert Hall where individuals were gathered to hear their names called, walk across stage, get hooded, shake hands and celebrate with family and friends.
The processional began and the student-doctors, faculty and platform party all filled into the empty spaces of the concert hall. After everyone was seated the ceremony began with a prayer from Timothy O. Leonard, MD, PhD, and opening remarks from Dean Joseph R. Johnson, DO, FACOOG (Dist). Then President Dondi E. Costin, PhD gave remarks to all the graduates.
Shortly after, keynote speaker Teresa Hubka, DO, president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association, gave her comments to the Class of 2024.
“Today marks a profound moment in each of your lives—a culmination of many years of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the noble pursuit of healing,” she explained.
“Class of 2024, you are joining the proud profession of osteopathic medicine, becoming physicians who truly value the relationship between the physician and patient, who will work with patients to help them seek good health, and who recognizes that a person’s state of health depends on the body, mind and spirit,” she added. “You are a physician who works to become a trusted advocate and resource to their patients.”
“As you leave the halls of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, you are ambassadors of compassion, champions of healing, and beacons of hope in a world that is in desperate need of healing and transformation,” she concluded. “Go forth in the world, carry with you the wisdom of your education, the compassion of your hearts, and the courage of your convictions. Congratulations, Class of 2024. The world awaits your brilliance, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to healing.”
A few minutes later, the first group of the 149 individuals walked onto stage as student-doctors and walked off the other side as doctors and the seventh graduating class of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Commencement Week concluded with the 2024 Commencement Main Ceremony on Friday inside Williams Stadium that featured speakers and fulfillment of hard work from the 51st graduating class of Liberty University.
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