Commencement 2021: An ‘Untraditional’ Tradition

Commencement is one of my favorite times of the year. There is such excitement in the air. It is a time of celebration for our students and their families. Our faculty feel a sense of accomplishment as they are deeply invested in the success of our students. It is a time of exciting new beginnings as our graduates proceed into the real world to practice their skills and put their education to use.  

The 2020 and 2021 graduates have certainly had an unusual and challenging educational experience. Last May, we canceled our graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I stated then that, prior to the pandemic, I could not have ever imagined anything powerful enough to cause us to cancel commencement. But like most everyone across the nation, we did. Of course, the students still received the degrees they had earned, but without the usual celebratory pomp and circumstance. Ceremonies like commencement are important milestones in our lives, important inflection points. I am very glad this year we are having ceremonies, albeit not exactly the same as in years past. Like everything else in our lives, it’s a bit different right now. 

In a conversation with one student, a concern was expressed to me that perhaps the world would view this group of health care professionals and scientists as somehow “not as good” as graduates of prior years. The concern was that the external world (including future employers) might think the students’ experience and education were so different and atypical that they might not be as prepared for the next step as they should be.

The graduates this year have had a different experience: Some components of their curricula have been delivered virtually or in a hybrid format; some large group classroom activities have been converted to small group; some in-person learning has been converted to simulation or another hybrid delivery model; and there has been less in-person interaction with faculty. 

However, all of the graduates have completed all components of their required curricula. All have passed the courses and exams required to graduate. All have completed their required competencies. And more.

In short order and with no syllabus or playbook, these graduates have abruptly adapted. They have been resourceful. Like the rest of us, they have lived through a pandemic with all the stress and uncertainty it has brought to each of us individually and to our families. They have learned to learn differently. They have managed disruptive change. They have developed creative ways to care for and celebrate each other. In many instances, all this has been done while seeking ways they could volunteer and be part of the UMMC response to the pandemic. They have SURVIVED. Health professional school is very hard under ideal circumstances. The graduates who will cross the stage this year at commencement have conquered not only the academics required for their degrees, but have also demonstrated the mental and emotional fortitude to do so under the most challenging circumstances I have seen in my lifetime. When it comes to grit, strength, resilience and perseverance – they have learned lessons well ahead of their time. I could not be more proud!

I want to send a big thank you to all of the faculty. They have also navigated uncharted waters with a positive spirit. The success of our students is a reflection of the dedication and excellence of the faculty. 

Students, as you leave us, keep these few things in mind. Proceed with courage and be proud of what you have accomplished. Learn from everyone and every encounter in your life. Listen to your patients. Care for your fellow human beings. Choose kindness. Choose respect. Be persistent. Look for the joy. Have a good time. In all things, leave it better than you found it. In reality, you have already done all of these things along your journey. You have inspired me and many others. You are ready for the next step. Go out there and conquer the world. And especially, we ask that you either stick around or come back to play a part in the effort of creating A Healthier Mississippi.