The honorees, including UMSON's Erika Friedmann, PhD, participating in the Universitywide ceremony May 18 offer words of wisdom to the Class of 2023.
We asked the Universitywide commencement honorees and student speaker what advice they would like to pass along to UMB’s Class of 2023. Here are their responses:
“Success is being happy and leaving the world a little bit better than you found it.”
Norman R. Augustine, MSE
Former Chairman and CEO, Martin Lockheed Corp.
President’s Distinguished Gold Medal Recipient
“Keep your eyes wide open. There is so much to do, and emerging science, tools, and technologies may take you in directions you never anticipated — take them, and take risks in your career. They can be so rewarding.”
Martha Somerman, DDS, PhD
Former School of Dentistry Faculty Member and Former Director, National Institute of Dental and Cranofacial Research
Honorary Degree Recipient
“Be a lifelong learner. Never stop learning and growing. Take risks. Seize opportunities. Use what you learn in the service of others.”
M.J. Tooey, MLS, AHIP, FMLA
Former Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, Health Sciences and Human Services Library
Honorary University Marshal
“Seek out the opportunities that your education and training have and will provide you. Use them to help improve health care and better serve our patients. Consider the road less traveled. It is paved with opportunity.”
Raymond C. Love, PharmD, BCPP, FASHP
Professor and Vice Chair of Collaborative Initiatives, School of Pharmacy
Honorary Student Marshal
“I’m confident that you received good grounding during your education at UMB. Now it’s time to use it to keep your feet on the ground while you reach for the stars.”
Erika Friedmann, PhD
Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School of Nursing
Honorary Faculty Marshal
“Don’t strive to make your presence noticed; just make your absence felt.”
Susan McKechnie, CPA
Former Assistant Vice President for Financial Services and University Controller
Honorary Staff Marshal
“Even though the Class of 2023 is made up of graduates from many different schools and disciplines, I want to urge everyone to stay connected to each other and help each other out as we embark on our respective careers. You never know who you will cross paths with, or whose services or expertise you will need!”
Joanna Z. Ye
Doctor of Physical Therapy Student, School of Medicine
Student Speaker
Read about the honorees and student speaker at this link.