Carl H. June, MD

Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs Charles B. Cairns, MD, addressed the graduates, stating, "You are graduating at a time when our nation, and indeed our world, face unprecedented challenges and obstacles, but also opportunities that I am confident you are equipped to face to make the world a better place.”

During the ceremony, MD program graduates recited the Physician's Pledge, promising to dedicate their lives to serve humanity and to put the health and well-being of their patients first. The Graduate School’s graduates took an oath to maintain scientific integrity, commit to lifelong learning, and to uphold excellence while showing compassion.

Gregory Blake, MD ’18, lieutenant commander in the United States Navy medical corps and a cardiology fellow at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, led the Oath of Office for MD Officers, for those physicians serving in the military.

MD and graduate students were honored with awards at separate ceremonies leading up to Commencement. Dean Cairns announced the Dean’s Special Awards recipients, recognizing faculty for outstanding clinical teaching at College of Medicine affiliates and regional campuses. Newly added this year, the Dean’s Excellence Awards recognized those with demonstrated distinction in basic science, graduate medical education, innovation, and leadership for both faculty and professional staff.

Drexel University Provost Paul E. Jensen praised graduates’ achievements and wished them future success.

Julianna Kinsolving, MD

“To our graduates — you were called to this path because you understand, in the deepest way, what it means to serve. Whether through direct patient care, pioneering research, medical technology or public health initiatives, your work will touch lives in ways that may not always be immediately visible, but will always be deeply meaningful,” Jensen said.

Graduates and attendees heard an address from honorary degree recipient Carl H. June, MD, Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. Drexel conferred upon Dr. June the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, for his vast contributions to the fields of oncology and immunology, “Class of 2025, who knows how your careers and your life trajectories have been modified by recent events and the pandemic. You have to embrace change, risk and uncertainty,” said June. "Your unplanned forks in the road here at Drexel will prove useful to you throughout your careers.”

Student speaker Julianna Kinsolving, MD, Class of 2025, said to her fellow graduates, “It is not our titles or degrees, nor education, that reveal the true nation of our character. It is our actions. Use your voice and the privilege of your education to uplift those around you. Protect what is right. And know that the future holds hope, so long as we choose it.”