Next month, the MD Class of 2020 and students from the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and the Master of Science in Medical Engineering degree programs at WMed will be honored during a virtual commencement ceremony that will be shown on the medical school’s Facebook page.
WMed leaders made the difficult but necessary decision to make significant changes to this year’s ceremony in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s virtual gathering, which is scheduled for 1:00 pm. EST on Saturday, May 16, 2020, takes the place of the in-person awards and commencement ceremonies that had been planned for our graduates.
“The decision to avoid coming together in a large group to celebrate our graduates was made with the sole focus of prioritizing the health and safety of the WMed community and the wider community of healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Peter Ziemkowski, associate dean for Student Affairs.
As the virtual commencement ceremony draws closer and full plans take shape, the WMed website will be updated with information. The medical school’s Office of Student Affairs is collaborating with many others at WMed to ensure a virtual celebration that recognizes students’ achievements and the support of their loved ones throughout their academic journey.
Additionally, this year’s graduates are being welcomed to return to Kalamazoo in May 2021 to receive special recognition in-person during the commencement ceremony.
Family and friends, as well as members of the WMed community and the Kalamazoo community are strongly encouraged to connect to the virtual commencement ceremony on May 16 as we celebrate our students’ accomplishments and a major milestone in their journey as healthcare professionals.