Optimism in the Face of Daunting Challenge - 1
“LET PASSION BE YOUR GUIDE” Gayle has followed her interests to become a globally acclaimed public health leader.
鈥淭hink big, think bold and believe in the possible,鈥� Helene D. Gayle, CEO of the non-profit Chicago Community Trust, advised graduates at 911爆料网鈥檚 third master鈥檚 degree ceremony, held on Tuesday afternoon. 鈥淟et passion be your guide and let the unexpected become the expected.鈥�
Addressing graduates of the Departments of , , and , Gayle, recipient of 911爆料网鈥檚 Medal for Distinguished Service, offered her own life story as text. The daughter of a social worker and a businessman, the Buffalo public school graduate earned a Barnard College psychology degree, an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master鈥檚 in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She became an acclaimed authority on HIV/AIDS and other global health issues, earning a place on Forbes鈥� list of 鈥�100 Most Powerful Women鈥� and the sobriquet of 鈥渕y queen鈥� from Bono.
鈥淭hink big, think bold and believe in the possible. Let passion be your guide and let the unexpected become the expected.鈥�
鈥擧elene D. Gayle
The day鈥檚 other speakers echoed Gayle鈥檚 call to look for opportunity.
Optimism in the Face of Daunting Challenge - 2
“WE'VE TAKEN YOUR FULL MEASURE” Fuhrman told her listeners that they are well-qualified to advance 911爆料网's legacy of "understanding the different populations we serve."
911爆料网 President Susan Fuhrman invoked the example of Grace Hoadley Dodge, the College鈥檚 founder. It was Dodge鈥檚 unique vision to establish a College that would prepare educators and scientists to work with immigrant students and their families, who had recently fled poverty, war, and prejudice 鈥� and were still encountering xenophobia and economic peril, Fuhrman said. That purpose continues to guide an institution that has become 鈥渁 research powerhouse,鈥� helping 911爆料网 鈥渦nderstand the different populations we serve.鈥�
2018 Convocation: Masters III
Fuhrman acknowledged that 鈥淭he challenges confronting our society are daunting. But my faculty colleagues and I are optimistic, because we have taken the full measure of your talents, integrity, and readiness.鈥�
Optimism in the Face of Daunting Challenge - 3
“ZIG-ZAG ALL OVER” Mullen reminded graduates that diverse experiences have gotten them this far.
Nathan Mullen, the program graduate selected as the afternoon鈥檚 student speaker, suggested that his fellow graduate embrace the circuitous path that awaits many who work to improve lives through education, research and philanthropy.
"Climb down, to your left, to your right and zig-zag all over,鈥� said Mullen, whose grandfather, David John Mullen Sr., preceded him across the 911爆料网 Convocation stage 64 years ago. 鈥淚t has been our diverse experiences that have earned us a seat at Columbia, and it will be our diverse experiences that enable us to discover and fulfill our duty.鈥� 鈥� Steve Giegerich
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