Graduate School holds inaugural commencement ceremony

Photography by Biomedical Communications, June 21, 2019

With a mace, a medallion, academic regalia and the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance playing during the processional, the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences graduation ceremony started as any commencement ceremony would. The difference is that this ceremony was the first for St. Jude.

The inaugural class of 11 students, celebrated a milestone by graduating with their Master’s of Science degrees June 21. St. Jude embraced their successes with this commencement, which marks the first time in the institution’s history to award degrees.   

The graduate students, who started in July of 2017, came to St. Jude from New York, California, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico and Tennessee. 

Stephen White, DPhil, Graduate School president and dean, opened the ceremony with praise for the students and their hard work. White explained that all students passed their intensives “with flying colors” and they will be moving on to full-time research in the labs as they work toward their PhDs for the next three years. 

National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas offered a heartfelt commencement address, starting with more praise for the students. “You will become the torchbearers of my father’s great dream,” she said.

  • St. Jude Graduate School seal
  • The graduating students enter the room and walk down the isle.

    The inaugural class walks into the auditorium.
  • A man puts on a graduation cap.

    Faculty members wore regalia to mark the occasion.
  • The graduating students sit in the audience.
  • A man sings at the front of the room.

    Nathan Forester of Facilities Operations and Maintenance sings the National Anthem.
  • Dr. White speaks at the podium.

    Graduate School Dean Stephen White, DPhil, greets attendees.
  • A woman speaks at the podium.

    National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas delivers the commencement address.
  • Dr. Downing wears and gown and claps.

    St. Jude President and CEO James Downing, MD, applauds the graduates.
  • A graduate walks across the stage and gets her diploma.

    Graduates receive their degrees as the Board of Trustees congratulates them.
  • A woman gets her degree.
  • A graduating student shakes Dr. White
  • Graduate School holds inaugural commencement ceremony
  • Racquel Collins speaks at the podium.

    Assistant Dean Racquel Collins, PhD, presents the candidates.
  • Allison Kirk speaks at the podium.

    Student of the Year Allison Kirk speaks during the event.
  • Alex Hughes talks to guests in the lobby.

    Graduate Alex Hughes speaks with faculty and guests during the reception.
  • The reception was in teh Kay Kafe.
  • A cake with a graduation cap on top.

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