KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 20, 2012) – Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine conferred the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree (D.O.) on 256 graduates at its 126th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 19, in Weaver Auditorium on the KCUMB campus.
In partnership with Rockhurst University, KCUMB also conferred the M.B.A. in healthcare leadership dual degree to 21 graduates. KCUMB’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Biosciences jointly conferred the M.A. in bioethics dual degree to 11 graduates.
KCUMB alumna Karen Nichols, D.O., professor of internal medicine, dean of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, and immediate past president of the American Osteopathic Association, delivered the keynote address.
In a heartfelt message, Dr. Nichols conveyed to the graduates what it means to care for patients.
“Being a physician is about caring - especially being an osteopathic physician,” she said. “Your patients don’t care what you know until they know that you care. Every tiny, little gesture that you make affects someone, someone’s family, some patient, and they understand that you care.
“We’re here today to dedicate 256 minds, 256 pairs of hands. But, more importantly, we’re here to dedicate 256 hearts … dedicated to serve humanity,” Dr. Nichols said.
H. Danny Weaver, D.O., FACOFP, president and chief executive officer, presided over the ceremony. Darin L. Haug, D.O., FACOI, FACOP, executive vice president for academic and medical affairs and dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, administered the osteopathic oath.
The commencement ceremony concluded a week of activities allowing members of the Class of 2012 to reunite and celebrate their milestone through community service and recognition of achievement.
On Wednesday, May 16, more than 30 graduates left their mark on the Northeast Neighborhood, home to KCUMB’s campus, as they volunteered at Della Lamb Community Services Center, planting flowers and vegetables, landscaping the grounds, and assisting with holiday gift wrapping.
A baccalaureate service took place on Friday, May 18, at the Independence Boulevard Christian Church and was followed by an awards presentation and celebratory reception at the Downtown Kansas City Marriott/Muehlebach Hotel.
About KCUMB
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences is a fully accredited, private university, with a College of Biosciences and a College of Osteopathic Medicine. Founded in 1916, its College of Osteopathic Medicine is the oldest medical school in Kansas City, Mo., and the largest in the state.