Commencement 2011

On Friday, May 13, the 161st class of students graduated from the U-M Medical School during the annual Commencement ceremony in Hill Auditorium. Dean James O. Woolliscroft, M.D. (Residency 1980), emceed the ceremony and conferred degrees to 180 new U-M-trained physicians. “We look to you to continue the tradition of leadership established by generations of Michigan Medical School graduates making contributions that better the lives of millions,” Woolliscroft said. Of the graduates, 29 earned dual degrees in fields such as public health, business and clinical research, and 11 received Ph.D.s as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program.

Former U-M Head Football Coach and Associate Athletic Director Lloyd Carr served as the keynote speaker, telling the class, “I have talked to a number of faculty, and what I’m impressed with is the fact that they have all said that you were coachable. You did not fumble the ball, which is awfully important to me.”

Student speaker Stephanie Sherman, in comparing the varied paths of herself and her fellow classmates to the Choose Your Own Adventure books popular during their youth, said, “The Class of 2011 encompasses 180 protagonists in 180 different medical adventures.”

Sherman also paid tribute to classmate Sujal Parikh, who died in an accident while on a medical trip to Uganda in November. Woolliscroft presented Parikh’s parents with his diploma, Alpha Omega Alpha honor society certificate, and the Patrick John Niland Award, which honors a graduating student who, in the eyes of his or her classmates, most exemplifies a cheerful, friendly demeanor and a patient, honest and compassionate approach to medicine.

Near the close of his speech, Carr gave the students a particularly “maize-and-blue” piece of advice. “You are Michigan,” he said. “Don’t ever forget that.” —MF

View photos from Commencement 2011

View a video of the 2011 U-M Commencement ceremony