CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES

Students, especially today’s graduates, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning! It’s going to be a great day because it’s COMMENCEMENT DAY!

Commencement signifies the beginning of a new chapter in your professional lives. It is a time of celebration and pride—for our students, their families and friends, and for our faculty and staff. It should also be a time of reflection—on what’s next, on how fortunate you all are to assist others – and an opportunity to thank those who helped you get here.

As you reflect on your accomplishments and contemplate the future, you’ll see that the things that matter most to you remain constant. You chose healthcare or teaching as a profession because of your sincere desire to improve the lives of others. That hasn’t changed; in fact, it’s more important now than ever. The exciting and rewarding careers you are embarking on enhance your ability to help people and improve their lives. This is a real gift—one that must be cherished, honed, and continually nurtured throughout your professional lives.

Throughout your professional journey, advances in technology, including AI, will enhance your ability to care for patients, clients, and students. While extremely helpful, technology should never become the primary focus of your attention. Treat your patients and clients, not the technology. While collecting data on each patient is crucial, your primary job is to rely on the skills and experience you have gained to accurately interpret the data and effectively communicate its implications to those in your care, ensuring their welfare remains central to everything you do.

When you chose healthcare, teaching or research as a profession, you also committed to lifelong learning. Salus, and soon Drexel, will always be your academic home. Never stop asking questions, challenging your assumptions, and sharpening your skills. We will be here to help you continue your professional journey.

One of the traditions I started when I came to Salus almost 11 years ago was to informally talk with the graduating class the morning of the ceremony, following rehearsal. I look forward to continuing that tradition later today.

Finally, as you prepare to venture beyond our gates, I want to thank you for entrusting your education to us. You are leaving here SALUS STRONG, ready to forge a path to excellence in your profession and enhance the lives of everyone you touch.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay strong, and keep in touch!

CONTRATULATIONS GRADUATES!