KCU celebrates pinning of COB classes of 2024 and 2025

Kansas City University (KCU) celebrated students entering the College of Biosciences (COB) with a pinning ceremony August 12, 2023. Student Doctor David Ambriose, a 2022 COB alumnus who is now a member of KCU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026, served as keynote speaker. With his remarks, Ambriose inspired students to build a sense of community with classmates, faculty and staff; optimize the resources offered at KCU; and be present in and out of the classroom.

“As we all know, this journey called life has its highs and lows. It also has setbacks but that’s the beautiful thing about it: there’s always a second chance. A chance to bounce back, to learn from our mistakes, and to be stronger for it. A test score doesn’t define you,” said Ambriose. “A GPA doesn’t define you, you do! The attitude you have these next few months will have a huge impact on what happens next.”

Among the students entering the COB, many are pursuing KCU’s one-year pre-health professions Master of Science of Biomedical Sciences. Others are working toward a two-year research track.

“As COB students, you hold great promise for making important life-saving discoveries through research, improving the behavioral health of our community, or furthering your studies in medicine, dentistry, the health professions or biomedical science,” said KCU President and CEO Marc B. Hahn, DO. “In doing so, you all will further our University’s mission of improving the well-being of the communities we serve.”

The pinning ceremony is an important milestone symbolizing a transition into the world of professionalism in the biosciences. The occasion provides an opportunity to congratulate our students for the achievements and perseverance that brought them to KCU, while encouraging them to pursue continued academic success. The event concluded with a reception immediately following the ceremony. KCU provided livestream of the ceremony for friends and family unable to attend.

KCU’s COB program began modestly in 2005 with just 18 biomedical students. Since that time, combined classes have grown nearly 700 percent.