Congratulations to our graduates and everyone at the Stritch School of Medicine on this special occasion, in this unprecedented year.
Dean Marzo, faculty, staff, families, friends, loved ones and especially our new graduates, our new doctors. In any year, commencement is a special event on an exciting day. It is a rite of passage steeped in history, marking a profound transition. It is always an emotion filled ending, yet with a sense of exciting and boundless possibility.
This year, however, what we have come to know as familiar yet unique for each class, is vastly different. Our celebration is virtual. Our exhilaration is still there, however it is tempered by a sense of trepidation as the world faces the grief, anxiety, and uncertainty of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Yet, though our exuberance may be softened, our resolve is not.
As students and now graduates of the Stritch School of Medicine, you are already engaged with the world and making a difference in it. Now you go forth, as did the early Jesuits, in the face of multiple threats, to soothe a hurting world, to bring healing, comfort, and clarity in your actions and to make a real difference in the lives of others. By your solemn oath, you have pledged to consecrate your lives to the service of humanity maintaining the utmost respect of every human life; a truly heroic commitment, especially in this chaotic time. It is a commitment that inspires faith and gives hope not only to your patients, but also to all of us.
You are going forth today in the midst of a global pandemic in which medicine and science must lead the way, and expert, compassionate medical professionals are the front line. You will not only serve and heal others but you will add to the knowledge shared by those who have taught you how to engage with the world: your teachers, your families, your patients, your friends, mentors, your communities.
Through the opportunities for service woven into your training, you have worked directly with patients in need and on behalf of communities left behind. Many of you have participated in basic and clinical research that will help advance treatment and reduce suffering and others have already helped to chart new courses and delivery approaches to infectious disease, immunology, public health and environmental health.
You did all of this in a framework of education that continually reminds us, as did St. Ignatius, that the vibrancy of the human spirit is directly related to the health of the human body and the strength of our communities.
You are prepared for whatever comes your way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are honored and grateful for the gifts you have shared with us, and now, with the world.
As I close, I would like to offer one final gesture of respect and gratitude to each one of you….
Graduates of the Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University Chicago, I tip my “virtual” hat to you - congratulations!
(BLESSING)
Graduates, wherever you are, please, now, just close your eyes and quiet your hearts for just a moment longer. Family members and guests who may be in attendance, please join with us in a final blessing over our graduates.
(All recite blessing)
May God Bless you and sustain you
on this your graduation day.
May the Creator of this vast universe
keep you safe as you go forth
from this place that has nourished
your mind and soul.
May the Almighty look down upon you and
give you
Success in all your endeavors;
Courage in all your struggles and
challenges;
Understanding in all that is new to you;
Wisdom to choose what is right and do
what is good;
Perseverance in all you undertake;
Serenity and peace in the knowledge that
You are not alone, that you are loved.
May the Lord of All look kindly upon you
this day and forever.
Congratulations, Graduates!