Midwestern University Graduates Ready to Begin Successful Careers

Midwestern University held commencement ceremonies on its Downers Grove Campus on May 23rd and 24th to celebrate nearly 700 graduates who are beginning their professional careers in healthcare.

During the ceremonies, Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, acknowledged the many achievements of the graduates during their years of rigorous study and clinical experiences. She also encouraged them to remember the values they learned as Midwestern University students. “I want you to always remember that you are well-trained, you are well-educated, and you can be successful.” Dr. Goeppinger told the graduates. “As you move forward, go with confidence that you are ready to become part of the healthcare team.”

The following commencements took place on the Downers Grove Campus:

• The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine honored 193 graduates who earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Among the graduates, 59 percent will enter primary care residencies, while the rest of the class will pursue various specialties including emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, neurological surgery, ophthalmology, radiology, psychiatry, and anesthesiology. In addition, 45 percent of the class will stay in Illinois for their postdoctoral programs, with the rest traveling to 28 other states.
• The Chicago College of Pharmacy graduated 178 students with Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees. The graduates will begin their professional pharmacy careers in a variety of healthcare settings. In addition, several graduates have been accepted into postgraduate residency programs.
• The College of Health Sciences graduated students from several programs. Fifty students earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, 106 students earned advanced degrees in biomedical science, 45 students earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.) degree and one student earned a Doctor of Health Science degree.
• The College of Dental Medicine-Illinois celebrated the graduation of 126 students earning Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degrees. The graduates will pursue careers in general practice dentistry, dental specialty residencies, the military, and the public health sector.

The commencement ceremonies were held in the auditorium of Cardinal Hall and featured remarks from members of the graduating class and a special recognition of those students beginning their healthcare careers in the military.