Final Commencement as Dean for Dr. Antonio M. Gotto
Two-hundred and seventy-four degrees in the medical sciences were conferred onto graduates of Weill Cornell Medical College at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 23, as Cornell President Dr. David Skorton urged them to carry a sense of "empathy, inquiry and engagement" into their professional lives in medicine.
"These qualities are exemplified by the teachers and mentors here at Weill Cornell and have been developed by you during your time here," Dr. Skorton told the graduates. "And they will see you through the challenges and changes that lie ahead in all of your lives."
The commencement exercises were particularly significant for Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr., the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College. The ceremony was Dr. Gotto's final commencement as dean of the Medical College, a position he has held for 15 years.
Dean Gotto is "a doctor's doctor," said Dr. Skorton, adding that he has been an "academic triple threat" during his time at Weill Cornell, "excelling in teaching, research and clinical care and adding a fourth dimensions with distinction in global health."
After Dr. Gotto retires at the end of this year, he will continue to serve Weill Cornell as vice president of the Medical College and co-chair of its Board of Overseers.
During the commencement ceremony, graduates received 90 master's degrees, 60 doctorate of philosophy degrees, and 124 doctor of medicine degrees, including 31 to students at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.
The student speakers at commencement focused on the challenges of earning a degree from Weill Cornell, as well as the enduring support of colleagues, friends and family who helped them achieve their goal.
One hundred twenty-four M.D. degrees were conferred to members of the WCMC class of 2011.
"During our time here, we have all had moments where we felt totally helpless and overwhelmed by material or problems we faced," said Jason Gray, the student speaker for the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. "But each of us is sitting here today because we did not let that problem stop us."
Gray added that while "inner motivation" helped students to overcome difficulties, "each of us had a variety of supporters who nurtured us during our struggles."
Said Weill Cornell Medical College student speaker Jody Waldron, "The only part of my speech today that I'll ask you to remember is this: None of today's 200-plus graduates got here alone."
While students reflected on the difficulties of earning their degrees, and the shared sacrifice of those who helped them, WCMC alumni reminded students that they were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to study at Weill Cornell.
"Doing what you love is not a job, it's a gift," Kathleen Scotto, M.D., Ph.D., '83, a professor of pharmacology and vice president of research at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, told the graduates. "You have everything right now that you need to have a great career and a great life."
During commencement, Dr. Scotto was awarded the Graduate School of Medical Sciences Alumni Award of Distinction; Anne Gershon, M.D., a professor of pediatrics and director of pediatric infectious disease at Columbia University, received the Medical College Alumni Association Award of Distinction; and Charles Bardes, M.D., professor of clinical medicine and associate dean of admissions at Weill Cornell Medical College, received the Siegel Family Faculty Award for teaching excellence at Weill Cornell. Awards were also presented to Medical College and Graduate School students during convocation on May 20.
In closing, President Skorton offered graduates two final pieces of advice. "Always remember your humility," he said, and "Take a moment to celebrate, because you really deserve it."