Class of 2008 Celebrated at Certificate Ceremony

More than 90 students were recognized as candidates for and recipients of the Certificate in Premedical Sciences at the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program’s Premedical Sciences Certificate Ceremony on May 16 in Low Memorial Library Rotunda.

Honorees and their guests were formally welcomed by GS Dean Peter J. Awn who also introduced the keynote speaker. The keynote address, entitled “Linear, Circular, Random,” was given by James Valentini, chairman and director of undergraduate studies and professor in the Columbia University Department of Chemistry.

The keynote address was followed by a presentation by the Premedical Association officers who recognized many faculty members in the biology and chemistry departments for their support and encouragement throughout the duration of the Postbac program.

A highlight of the ceremony was the student address given by Peter Smith, a former actor turned aspiring physician. Smith playfully roasted Deborah Mowshowitz, associate professor and director of undergraduate programs and lab operations in the Columbia University Department of Biology. He recalled a “Mowshism,” which he described as “the joys of boiling lead over a crock pot…”

Next, Andrew Sunshine, associate dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, recognized postbac alumni from 2007 for their acceptances to such medical schools as Brown University, Columbia University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, University of California San Francisco, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University and Yale University.

Upon the closing of the ceremony, Ellen Watts, assistant dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, honored Mary McGee, dean of the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program and GS dean of students who was recently appointed the dean of Alfred University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students, faculty and guests joined together to wish McGee the best in her future position.