Anschutz Medical Campus graduates its first class
(May 23, 2008) The University of Colorado Denver held its first commencement for more than 950 graduates of the five health sciences schools at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
Graduates receiving degrees included 64 students from the School of Dental Medicine, 225 from the School of Medicine program, 197 from the College of Nursing, 174 from the School of Pharmacy and 299 from the Graduate School.
The landmark event was also the inaugural commencement for the UC Denver College of Nursing BS Worksite Program cohort, which works in conjunction with University of Colorado Hospital (UCH). This unique program came out of the need for more nurses in Colorado due to a nursing shortage as well as the desire of hospital employees to become more involved in patient care.
In addition, the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program (CHAPA) class of 2008 was the first class to receive the Master of Physician Assistant Studies-Pediatrics degree.
CU President Bruce D. Benson and UC Denver Chancellor M. Roy Wilson, MD, MS, spoke at the commencement ceremonies in the Educational Quadrangle.
Individual school convocations were held after the main ceremony.
Photo: Graduate Susan Goebel, who received her PhD in neuroscience from the Graduate School, waits for her turn to march as she heads the line of PhD students.
Congratulations downtown Class of 2008!
(May 19, 2008) Led by Marshal Linda deLeon, graduates, regents, guests and volunteers from the Downtown Campus community gathered at the UC Denver spring commencement May 17 to celebrate triumphs and new beginnings. “This commencement day signifies both victories won and challenges ahead,” deLeon told the thousands on hand.
President Bruce Benson and Chancellor M. Roy Wilson bestowed the coveted University of Colorado degrees upon 629 undergraduates, 421 graduate candidates and 11 doctoral candidates.
Provost Mark Heckler presented the 2008 Excellence in Teaching and Service awards to faculty and recognized outstanding students from the graduating class. “The heart of the university rests in its laboratories, studios and classroom,” Heckler stressed.
Graduate Alycia Arnold, an English Writing major, is excited about the new challenges. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life and I know I’m ready to enter the professional world thanks to the opportunities I’ve had here at UC Denver.”
Wilson concluded the ceremony by addressing the 1,061 graduates. “It will soon be time for you to go into the world as part of the University of Colorado family,” he said. “It is my pledge to you that we will maintain our core commitment to teaching and research excellence as the state’s premier research university.
“I vow that we will continue to make you proud of your alma mater.”