Faculty, Family, and Friends Share in Celebration of the 2019 Commencement for the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

On Saturday, May 18th, 250 graduating students of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine were present at the Mahalia Jackson Theater to participate in the graduation ceremony. Students were dressed in full academic regalia as they were called up to the stage by their dean and accepted their diploma case as they walked across the stage.

Graduates lined up inside of Mahalia Jackson Theater while a brass band played. Dean LaViest took selfies with the class of 2019 at the start of the ceremony. 

Former dean Pierre Buekens received the first Creighton Wellman Medal. In his speech he talked about Creighton Wellman’s fascinating career and his book “Life is too Short” in his speech.

The graduate student speaker, Emily Szklarksi, had everyone pull out their keys – keys representing the access they need to share and duplicate. The ceremony ended with a reading of an oath authored by the graduating class of 2019 representing their commitment to be good stewards of public health, and the recessional featured the Pin Stripe brass band and a second line into Armstrong Park.

A reception with refreshments began in Armstrong Park after the ceremony, where graduates with their families and guests celebrated.

At the very end of the reception the second line moved into the French Quarter.

Congratulations to the class of 2019 and we look forward to your many accomplishments to come in the future!