PHOTOS: Graduate Students Celebrated at 198th Commencement

“You will lead us through all that the 21st century has to offer,” Jefferson Interim President H. Richard Haverstick Jr. told the Class of 2022.

By Mike Bederka May 26, 2022

In the culmination of years of work, the Class of 2022—some with their babies in tow—walked across the stage to be recognized at Jefferson’s 198th Commencement on May 25.

Over two ceremonies at the Kimmel Center, the University honored graduates from Sidney Kimmel Medical College, the Colleges of Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences and graduate Colleges of Design, Engineering and Commerce, Architecture and the Built Environment and Life Sciences.

Along with students graduating at ceremonies earlier this month, the Class of 2022 boasted over 2,300 members.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College graduates (l-r) included Martin Morris, Kyle Rodgers and Alexandra Melo. — Sidney Kimmel Medical College graduates (l-r) included Martin Morris (with his son Grant), Kyle Rodgers and Alexandra Melo (with her son Nico). (Photos by ©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)

“You will lead us through all that the 21st century has to offer,” says H. Richard Haverstick Jr., Jefferson interim president. “You will help us turn great challenges into tremendous opportunities. We’re proud of who you are and proud of all you’ve accomplished.”

Dr. Mark L. Tykocinski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, praised graduates for their grace and resiliency during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. The Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College also stressed the importance of taking a breath, indulging in a sense of awe and appreciating the magnificence of life.

“A dose of wonder can do wonders for you—therapeutic, rebalancing,” Dr. Tykocinski says. “In midst of the modern world’s crescendo of negativity, souls still soar. You must first open the shutter and let the light in, and then, take a step back to see the image in its totality.”

Scenes from Commencement — Dr. Marion Siegman, chair of the molecular physiology and biophysics department, earned an honorary degree. She has spent over a half-century as a researcher and educator at Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

During the joyous ceremonies, Jefferson also bestowed the President’s Award to philanthropists Bruce and Judi Goodman and recognized four industry leaders with honorary degrees:

Richard Gozon, former interim president of Jefferson and currently a member of the Jefferson Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee and the Jefferson Academic Board.
Renée Cardwell Hughes, executive, financial expert and Haverford Trust Company board member.
Dr. Prabhakar Basavprabhu Kore, chairman of KLE Society, chancellor of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research and chancellor of KLE Technological University.
Dr. Marion Siegman, a world-renowned expert in smooth muscle physiology and professor and chair of the molecular physiology and biophysics department at Jefferson.

“Continue to be a student,” Dr. Siegman urges grads. “Question, observe, reflect and critically evaluate. No development can occur without doing so.”

See below for more photos from the Commencement ceremonies.