Honorees and their guests were formally welcomed by Dean of the School of General Studies Peter J. Awn, who highlighted the importance of a physician's quest for knowledge, justice, and truth in the pursuit of the alleviation of suffering.
Tyler Lopachin delivered the student address, and spoke about the experience of being a Postbac student. Lopachin praised his fellow students, who he explained come from varied backgrounds but are united by a strong drive and a willingness to support one another. He also thanked his professors, who he said taught him to "examine the world critically."
To close the ceremony, Senior Associate Dean Victoria Rosner congratulated graduates and thanked all those who supported Postbac students throughout their tenure at Columbia University. Rosner remarked that the diverse experiences of Postbac Premed students will make them better communicators and more compassionate care providers, and assured graduates that they are "ready for what lies ahead."
