KCU began its second century of commencement ceremonies with a record.
A total of 361 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Biosciences received masters and doctoral degrees Saturday, May 20, 2017. It is the largest graduating class in the history of the University.
Students walked across the stage in front of an audience of nearly 3,000 at Municipal Auditorium and another 1,000 friends and family from around the country and even the world who tuned into see it on YouTube.
David Adkins, JD, executive director and CEO of The Council of State Governments, Lexington, Ky., and former Kansas State Senator and Representative, gave the keynote speech: “The Dawn of a New Century,” addressing the first graduating class since KCU celebrated its centennial year in 2016.
Adkins gave an engaging speech, often using humor, even as he addressed serious science and health care issues such as antibiotic resistance, disease pandemics and lower vaccination rates.
He encouraged graduates to use the education they received at KCU to inform public policy makers about the needs of their patients during the current polarized political climate.
“Our friends, our neighbors and people we may never meet are confronting their own health care challenges,” Adkins said. “As a nation we deserve, much like your classes, to come together and make certain that America is able to provide its citizens with the promise of the best possible wellness.”
During the ceremony Adkins received an honorary doctorate of humane letters, an honor awarded to individuals for their contributions, both personal and professional, to the betterment of all humanity.
“We so enjoyed having David Adkins help celebrate the commencement of KCU’s class of 2017,” said Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and chief executive officer of KCU. “We share his vision of a healthy nation. We are proud of the fact that despite the challenges ahead, our graduates are fully prepared and committed to dedicating their careers to improving the well-being of the communities they will serve.”
