Dr. Donna E. Shalala, President of the University of Miami and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, urged the Drexel University School of Public Health 2007 graduates to draw upon their learning, freedoms and convictions to make a positive mark upon society.
"This is a complex time we’re living in. This is also a scary time in the world – and it is precisely now that our character and our understanding of our remarkable history must guide us," said Dr. Shalala, who gave the commencement address to graduating students from the School of Public Health, as well as Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions and College of Arts and Sciences.
The commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, June 16 at the university’s Daskalakis Athletic Center. At the ceremony, Dr. Shalala spoke to the graduates about the importance of protecting individual freedoms in their everyday lives.
"You have gone to college in a city and a state known to many as the birthplace of democracy. Take what you have learned here in Drexel’s classrooms. Because, your job, from now on, is to support and defend the freedoms of the people with whom you will be working and living," said Dr. Shalala.
Referring to the tragedy earlier this year at Virginia Tech, Dr. Shalala also urged the graduates to continue learning and understanding.
"Learning is the opposite of walking away, shaking our heads and throwing up our hands. Rather, learning is an act of conviction about our ultimate ability to understand tragedy and thereby someday to diminish or prevent it."
"Learning, understanding, respecting difference, taking responsibility, and having the courage of your convictions are things I want you to continue to do for the rest of your lives," charged Dr. Shalala.
Making comparisons to the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow characters from The Wizard of Oz, Dr. Shalala continued, "Know that each one of you has inside the courage, the heart and commitment, and the capacity to learn what is necessary to making a life that makes a difference."
"Make learning your promise to yourselves and to your futures. Learning is an act of hope. Let it illuminate the rest of your lives," concluded Dr. Shalala.
"Stressing individual freedoms, health and human rights is critical to preparing graduates who can have a positive effect on the health of the public. We congratulate all of our graduates from the Class of 2007, and wish them all the best as they move forward in helping to address today's most pressing public health concerns," said Marla J. Gold, MD, Dean of the Drexel University School of Public Health.