Celebrating Emory School of Medicine’s Class of 2025

From May 9-12, the Emory School of Medicine honored graduates prepared to lead in education, biomedical research, and patient care. 

Explore highlights from the graduation ceremonies for the Doctor of Medicine class, the Doctor of Physical Therapy class, the Master of Medical Science Genetic Counseling class, and the Bachelor of Medical Science Medical Imaging class. 

Reverbating bagpipes opened the May 9, Doctor of Medicine (MD) commencement. Dean Sandra L. Wong welcomed attendees with a message of pride and perspective, “The students are at the heart of everything we do. And at this time of the year, it’s so exciting to see our students become our colleagues.” 

She reminded the crowd, “I know you will all go out and accomplish so much. But remember, it’s not necessarily just what you will do. It’s how you do it. Do your life’s work with passion and pride.”

Commencement speaker Steven D. Leach, 86M, a renowned surgical oncologist and Emory alumni, emphasized the importance of compassion, curiosity, humility, and gratitude in medicine. 

As a proud Emory graduate, Leach had firsthand knowledge of the power and value of an Emory education. “We are the lucky ones,” he said. “We’re the ones who get to take care of folks. We’re the ones who get to discover new knowledge. And we’re the ones who get to discover the miracle that resides in each patient we encounter. This is our great fortune as physicians.” 

The ceremony included a recognition of faculty excellence:  

• The Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Education was presented to Karen Law (medicine). 
  
• The Evangeline T. Papageorge Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Jennifer Spicer (medicine). 

PhD and dual-degree graduates were hooded, followed by the MD class.

Next, class president Maeve McNamara recalled the powerful moment as an intern when a patient first called her “my doctor,” which filled her with pride, connection, and purpose. McNamara feels similarly about her fellow graduates, “I can say with confidence that after we’re done here, I’ll continue to feel that same swell of pride when I run into you doing amazing things in the future and I get to say, ‘that’s my classmate.’”  

She closed with, “Class of 2025, I have loved this place, and I love you people. Congratulations! I miss you already.”

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) diploma ceremony took place at Glenn Memorial Auditorium on May 9. George Fulk (rehabilitative medicine) welcomed the audience and introduced Dean Wong. As she championed Emory’s status as one of the top physical therapy programs in the country, Wong reflected on some of the virtues that shape the Emory experience.

"We are about lifelong learning. Learn from your patients, learn from your peers. We learn when things go right because it affirms things we know. Also, remember to learn when things don’t go exactly as planned. Remember to stay curious: we will do it better next time.” 

The commencement speaker was Katherine Sylvester. Sylvester is a physical therapist, remote health monitor for women’s health, and a VBAC-certified doula. Her energetic speech included three valuable lessons in compensation, autonomy, and balance. She encouraged the Class of 2025 to “Do what makes you happy. It’s worth it to find a place where you can.”

After the diplomas were awarded, students Katherine Hendry and Diamond Mungroo presented remarks on behalf of the graduating class. Hendry paid homage to her family and acknowledged how her classmates inspired her. She said, “Changing the world starts by learning, and learning starts by admitting what we do not know.” Mungroo shared self-care advice, reminding the audience that, “You can be the best provider in the room and still honor your own peace, your own limits, your own needs.” 

For the closing benediction, Rabbi Jordan Braunig read “The Raincoat” by the 24th U.S. poet laureate Ada Limón. The poem’s subject matter—about an adult reflecting on their mother taking them to physical therapy as a child—felt especially poignant on the grey afternoon before Mother’s Day weekend.

On May 10, the Genetic Counseling Training Program class of 2025 convened within the James B. Williams Medical Education Building. Though the rain came down, their enthusiasm remained high. The program director Lauren Lichten (human genetics) voiced pride for the class, “You have made it. We are so proud to now call you our colleagues. We are looking forward to seeing the mark you leave on our profession.” 

Emory associate professor of human genetics Kathryn Garber was this year’s commencement speaker. She extended words of wisdom for dealing with life's ups and downs, “Relish your milestones but remember they are infrequent. Life is made up of individual days. And it’s important to stop and appreciate the small things,” she reminded the auditorium. Later, Jenna Mathwig presented Garber with the Teacher of the Year award.

After the hooding ceremony, the class speaker, Levi Thompson discussed overcoming imposter syndrome. “Our desire to do well is a representation of how passionate we are to help others. And as we move forward into this next chapter, whatever that looks like for each of us, I hope we can carry the strength, compassion, and curiosity that brought us here.” 

Program leader Nadia Ali (human genetics) presented Student of Year awards after Thompson’s address:

• The Genetic Counseling Student of the Year Award was presented to Kelsey Ryann Krumanocker and Rahma Ali. 
• The Supervisor of the Year Award was presented to Callan Russell (human genetics). 
• Associate director Ami Rosen (human genetics) presented the Dr. Cecelia Bellcross Research Award to Tatum Elizabeth Scholl and Emily Peery. 

At Cannon Chapel on May 12, the Medical Imaging Program’s class of 2025 gathered to mark the end of their journey with reflection, recognition, and community.

The program director Kimberly Cross (radiology and imaging sciences) began the ceremony by sharing wishes that the graduating class had written for themselves three years ago.

Next, Ajeenah Bullock (radiology and imaging sciences) took the stage. She spoke about the graduates' remarkable ability to navigate uncertainty and complexity, highlighting their collective resilience and determination. She emphasized how these traits—courage and adaptability—have enabled them to face challenges and will continue to guide them as they move forward in their careers. Bullock also praised the practice of radiology, noting how radiologists have the unique ability to “make the invisible visible."

This was followed by faculty and student honors: 

• The Patricia Aycock Kimbell Technologist Educator of the Year Award was presented to Matthew Whitworth. 
• The Valedictorian Award was presented to Shokoufeh Rabbani. 
• The Colleague Award was presented to Shokoufeh Rabbani. 
• Most Improved Award was presented to Shokoufeh Rabbani. 
• The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Performance as a Clinical Educator in the Radiologic Science was presented to Karen Mosely, clinical preceptor, Emory Dunwoody.  
• Outstanding Clinical Student of the Year was presented to Guadelupe Godoy-Morfin. 

After the presentation of diplomas, the Class of 2025 stood and faced their loved ones while turning their tassels. 

Graduates Amanda Torsel, Leslie Moore, and LaToya Gotel shared reflections. Torsel commented, “Thank you for all the support I never had to ask for. I will cheer for you always.” Leslie Moore talked about finding confidence and community in the program. Gotel’s speech honored her late mother. She was joined by her son on stage in an unscripted moment of affection.

Gotel concluded, “This is the beginning of something extraordinary. And we did it!”