International American University, on Friday, 22 May, celebrated its inaugural commencement as 25 students received their Doctor of Medicine degree at the Dallas Museum of Art, in Dallas, Texas.
“This is a milestone for our university,” said Manmadhan Nair, president of International American University. “The members of the graduating class will excel in their medical careers and prove to be noble representatives for IAU.”
The inaugural class is comprised of students from Canada, Djibouti, Nigeria, Syria and the United States.
The Honorable Kenny Anthony, LLM, Ph.D. and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, delivered the keynote address, with Dr. Vistasp Karbhari, president of University of Texas at Arlington also giving remarks.
Nair commented, “We are deeply indebted to the Prime Minister and to the people of Saint Lucia for partnering with the University in providing a home for our institution. We can’t think of anyone more deserving of the honor of speaking at our inaugural commencement than the Prime Minister. He invited us to establish IAU in Vieux Fort in 2003.”
After receiving degrees, students participated in the time honored tradition of the hooding ceremony, led my Paul Cherian, MD, founding dean of the college of medicine and Cletus Carvalho, MD, executive dean of the college of medicine. The hoods presented to students represent a rite of passage, formally acknowledging student achievement and accomplishment. Students were then asked to recite the Hippocratic Oath, reminding graduates of their commitment to high standards of performance and behavior to aspire to as they begin their professional careers.
Concluding the ceremony was the announcement of Paul Cherian, MD, being named dean emeritus for IAU’s College of Medicine. Graduates Ann Kwon, Asfand Khan and Jeffrey Schachter were recognized as Distinguished Graduates for earning high scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
Following the ceremony, the University hosted a banquet to honor all graduates where former U.S. Senator, Ron Paul addressed the audience, encouraging graduates to be humble patient-centered physicians. The banquet concluded with IAU’s founding members and Sibi Bopalakrishan, director of public and community relations, being honored with the 2015 Institutional Service Award.
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