Pre-commencement and Commencement Ceremonies Held
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Pre-commencement activities were held on Wednesday, May 18 at the UNO Lakefront Arena,
including the awards ceremony, presentation of doctoral hoods, and taking of the Hippocratic
Oath.
Commencement was held the following day, also at the UNO Lakefront Arena, together with the other five professional health schools. Dr. Steve Nelson, LSU Health New Orleans Interim Chancellor, presided over the ceremony. LSU Board of Supervisor Jay Blossman conferred degrees and LSU President William F. Tate, IV delivered the Commencement Address. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, LSU Board of Supervisor James M. Williams, and Special Advisor to President Tate Keena Arbuthnot also attended.
Doctor of Medicine candidate KirbyAnne Elizabeth Plessala delivered the Invocation. Plessala also received the Chancellor's Award. Michael Cesar Bates received the Dean's Award from the School of Medicine.
During President Tate's speech, he told the graduates, “You are entering a world filled with pseudoscientists cherry picking data offering contradictory arguments and conspiracy theories. You must demonstrate courage. In most every case of science denial and conspiracy, there are a small set of heroic acts by well-trained minds and individuals with big hearts who sacrifice for the greater good of the folks that we are charged to help. They are empathetic leaders who seek to serve. Class of 2022, the world needs truth-seeking professionals with courage and empathy.”
“As the state's most comprehensive health university, LSU Health New Orleans educates Louisiana's caregivers, research scientists, educators and other health professionals,” notes Dr. Steve Nelson, Interim Chancellor. “As our graduates enter the health care workforce, they will immeasurably improve the quality of life in our city and state.”
