Message from the President

It is my honor to welcome you to Midwestern University’s virtual commencement ceremony for the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, Class of 2021. While I truly wish we could all be gathered together in person for this momentous and joyous occasion, I know that the true spirit of Midwestern University is not dependent on a place, time, or gathering. I continue to be impressed by and grateful for all our students, faculty, and staff at Midwestern University. They have worked together to respond to new challenges with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Our Midwestern University family comes together today to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our extraordinary students. Our commencements have always focused on our graduates while acknowledging the faculty, loved ones, and supporters who helped them reach this important milestone. I personally thank every graduate for being a member of the Midwestern University academic community and entrusting us with their dreams.

You began orientation as strangers, but today, you graduate as friends and colleagues. The Class of 2021 is a remarkable one. Many of you received awards and scholarships from your College, from professional pharmacist societies, and from industry leaders. You were recognized for your professionalism, for your research, and for achieving your student goals. Your College Dean and professors describe your class as resilient, adaptable, and able to selflessly work together for the betterment of the pharmacy profession. As you go out to begin your careers, please keep that passion for excellence as a motivator for your success and the well-being of your patients.

While you were studying at Midwestern, you celebrated nearly a dozen weddings and engagements, and one baby was born. Commencement is a joyful event that celebrates all of your accomplishments, but it is also an opportunity to remember love ones who, although no longer with us, made a big impact in your lives. I know this class experienced the loss of many loved ones and close friends, including the loss of your widely respected and beloved Assistant Dean, Ms. Paula L. Giometti, M.B.A. I invite you to reflect on the care, love, and generosity you received from those special individuals, and, if you wish, dedicate your graduation to them. It is my sincere hope that you will always cherish the memories of your loved ones’ kindnesses and support throughout your education, and that those memories will encourage you to return those kindnesses to your patients and communities.  

The list of service-related accomplishments for your class is long and distinguished. The College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, Class of 2021 volunteered at many events in the community hosted by worthy organizations. You advocated for your profession at conferences, provided screenings at health fairs, and have taken opportunities to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination process at both clinical rotation sites around the U.S. and at points of distribution (POD) throughout Illinois; from patient intake and information, reconstitution and prefilling syringes to vaccine administration, our pharmacy students have been eager to put their knowledge and skills to work to serve the community. You set a wonderful example for our University community, and we urge you to continue to do so as you transition to your professional lives.

Today, you are receiving your Doctor of Pharmacy degree and joining the ranks of outstanding alumni who serve the healthcare community all around our nation and the world. The lessons you learned over years of study and clinical rotations will serve you well as you begin your pharmacy careers. Some of you will be staying in Illinois to practice; the rest will be working across the nation and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Wherever you go, we know that you will represent Midwestern University and your College well. Our graduates are leaders in all healthcare fields, representing Midwestern University with pride wherever they practice. You, like all of those who have graduated before you, have the necessary skills to be an exceptional and compassionate member of the healthcare team.

We celebrate our Class of 2021 and know that they leave Midwestern University with the full love and support of their faculty and staff. We are so proud of each and every one of our graduates who will soon join the team of healthcare heroes caring for our nation. Thank you for choosing Midwestern University to be a part of your journey.