Class of ’19 encouraged to be agents of change for planetary health at commencement
May 21, 2019
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing celebrated the graduation of nursing students at a commencement ceremony May 17 at Northrop. The graduates included 124 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, 83 Doctor of Nursing Practice students, four post-graduate certificate students and five PhD candidates.
Sam Myers, MD, MPH, director of the Planetary Health Alliance and principal research scientist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, delivered the commencement address and encouraged the class of 2019 to be critical agents of change for planetary health. Emily Gallina, BSN ‘19, and Mary Whipple, PhD ‘19, spoke on behalf of students. Sheryl Ramstad, DNP ’17, JD, RN, PHN, president of the School of Nursing Alumni Society, welcomed the school’s newest members to the alumni community.
A few highlights from the ceremony are below.
Sam Myers, PhD, Planetary Health Alliance director
“The same extraordinary scientific and technological developments that have pulled humanity out of poverty, increased our life expectancies and driven unprecedented gains in human development in less than one person’s lifetime are also fueling an almost unimaginable ballooning of humanity’s ecological footprint.”
“Addressing planetary health will require breaking down silos, moving upstream in our thinking, and collaborating across disciplines to help deliver a sustainable society ... And who better to lead that change than nurses?”
“Fluent in science, dedicated to the care of others and trained to work collaboratively in large teams, you could be critical agents of change for planetary health.”
“Here at the University of Minnesota, under Dean Delaney’s leadership and that of so many others, you have done as much to promote a cross-disciplinary program in planetary health as any university in the world.”
Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, FNAP, School of Nursing dean
“Class of 2019, you inherit a legacy of leadership and firsts. You also inherit a legacy of being a member of the most trusted profession. As a graduate from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing your potential is boundless.”
Kendall Powell, University of Minnesota regent
“It is inspiring to witness this day, as you emerge from the University of Minnesota prepared to provide excellent care and knowledgeable leadership in health care.”
Robert McMaster, PhD, University of Minnesota vice provost and dean of undergraduate education
“Whether you choose a clinical, administrative, educational or research path, as graduates of the University of Minnesota’s highly-ranked School of Nursing, you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to be leaders in the field.”
Mary Whipple, PhD ’19, on behalf of doctoral students
“Nurse scientists and clinicians have been at the leading edge of improving health for many years, and the University of Minnesota School of Nursing has prepared us to continue this important work.”
Emily Gallina, BSN ’19, on behalf of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students
“I know wholeheartedly that we are a group of people primed and ready to use our individuality collectively to contribute to nursing in unprecedented ways.”