Media Contact: Jack Mazurak at 601-984-1970 or jmazurak@umc.edu.
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JACKSON, Miss. â A record 846 physicians, dentists, nurses, allied health professionals and graduate students in the health sciences were awarded degrees during the University of Mississippi Medical Centerâs 58th Commencement, held May 23 at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.  Â
Thousands gathered to cheer on loved ones and share in the celebration of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's 58th annual commencement ceremonies May 23 at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson. A record 846 students received degrees in the health professions.
University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones and Dr. James Keeton, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, presided over the ceremony in which the following degrees were conferred:
⢠In the School of Medicine, 130 graduates received the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.
⢠In the School of Dentistry, 36 graduates earned the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree.
⢠In the School of Nursing, 323 graduates received degrees â the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree was awarded to 256 graduates, 61 earned the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree, and six earned the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree.
⢠In the School of Health Related Professions, 287 graduates received degrees - the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) was awarded to 60 graduates, the Masterâs in Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.) was awarded to 38 graduates, the Master of Science (M.S.) degree was awarded to 31 graduates in health sciences, and two graduates in health informatics and information management. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree was awarded to 59 in radiologic sciences, 27 in dental hygiene, 28 in medical laboratory science, 33 in health sciences, seven in cytotechnology, and two in health informatics and information management.
Mechelle Keeton of Jackson is hooded by her father, University of Mississippi Medical Center Vice Chancellor James Keeton, as she receives her Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Health Sciences during commencement ceremonies May 23 at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.
⢠In the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, 24 graduates were presented the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, and 46 received the Master of Science (M.S.) degree.
âItâs a thrilling moment to see a person begin a new chapter as a health-care professional,â Keeton told the graduates, reminding them theyâre at only the beginning of their learning process.
Said Jones: âItâs good to know that thereâs a new generation ⦠that we can now look to for care. You share a common legacy with all who have gone before you: a mark of quality.â
Thousands cheered as jubilant graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. âGo, mama!â one audience member yelled. Others were just as passionate. âAlleluia! Thank you, Jesus!â screamed another.
The six students who received top honors were:
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Clara Maria Gomez-Sanchez of Madison, who received the Waller S. Leathers Award for the medical student with the highest academic average for four years;
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 Rebecca Lynsey Cumberland of Florence, who received the Wallace V. Mann Award for the dental student with the highest academic average for four years;
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Brennan Morris Williams of Brandon, who received the Christine L. Oglevee Memorial Award as the outstanding School of Nursing baccalaureate graduate;
â¢Â Mindy Reed Lafayette of Saltillo, who received the Richard N. Graves Award given to the School of Nursing advanced-standing student deemed most outstanding in the areas of academic and clinical performance;
â¢Â Katie Summers Fondren of Sidon, who received the Dr. Virginia Stansel Tolbert Award for the highest academic average in the School of Health Related Professions; and
â¢Â Samuel Olusegun Adeosun of Ridgeland, who received the Charles Randall-Trustmark Award for outstanding research achievement in the School of Graduate Studies.
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