graduation

VCOM Graduates More than 600 New Physicians Across Its Four Campuses

ebailey — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:57:50 +0000

VCOM Graduates More than 600 New Physicians Across Its Four Campuses ebailey Mon, 06/02/2025 - 14:57

VCOM Graduates More than 600 New Physicians Across Its Four Campuses

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May 2025 was a milestone month for VCOM as graduation ceremonies took place across all four campuses. Graduation speakers shared insights and advice ranging from Dr. Seuss to Plato.

Graduating from medical school is a significant achievement—one that requires immense dedication, perseverance, and no small financial investment. But for these new physicians, medicine is more than a career—it’s a calling, whether they’re planning to practice family medicine in their hometowns or pursue a specialty in a larger hospital setting.

VCOM Provost Debbie West highlighted the College’s impressive history, noting that VCOM has graduated more than 6,300 physicians since its first graduating class in 2007. Altogether, VCOM alumni—including the Class of 2025—will provide nearly 1 billion patient care visits over their practice lifetimes. In her remarks, Provost West told the graduates, “Your academic achievement isn’t the only reason we chose you to be a VCOM student. We chose you for your compassion, cultural competence, humility, persistence, and ethical responsibility to yourself and others. Those qualities have served you well over the past four years and will continue to do so throughout your career.”

Indeed, those same qualities are the hallmarks of a VCOM education and they are an important part of the College’s mission, which these new physicians will now take with them as they start their careers, amplifying the impact of VCOM across the country.

At VCOM-Carolinas, graduation speaker Leith States, acting assistant secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, used The Lorax by Dr. Seuss to emphasize the importance of caring enough to make a difference.

We are at a time of disruption and change in our profession. New ideas and innovative approaches to care delivery and public health are needed, and a new generation of stewards must make them a reality. No pressure to you all, but we’re looking to you to take the torch and do great things.

Leith States , Acting Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

At the Auburn campus, which had the largest number of family cloakers in campus history, graduation speaker David Thrasher—VCOM-Auburn board member and associate professor at the UAB School of Medicine—spoke of the responsibility of being a physician. Quoting his own medical school mentor, Dr. Thrasher said, “There is no greater opportunity, obligation, or responsibility that can fall on any human being than to become a physician.”

At the Louisiana campus, speaker Roderick Clark, MD, a distinguished nephrologist and medical leader, reminded graduates that physicians are uniquely qualified to lead not only in practice, but also in their communities and in government. “As you go out into your career, you’ll be called to do good things, and I recommend that you take the time to do them,” he said. “You’ve been given a gift, but it’s a gift to share—and if I may quote Plato, ‘Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.’”

The VCOM Class of 2025 achieved an impressive combined final match rate of 99.6% across all campuses, with 635 graduates. Their initial match rate of 97% exceeds the national average for all U.S. DO seniors (92.6%) and U.S. MD seniors (93.5%). Read more about VCOM’s Class of 2025 matches on our website.

graduation

By Amy Ostroth -

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates the Class of 2025: A New Generation of Osteopathic Physicians

ebailey — Tue, 13 May 2025 19:27:52 +0000

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates the Class of 2025: A New Generation of Osteopathic Physicians ebailey Tue, 05/13/2025 - 15:27

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates the Class of 2025: A New Generation of Osteopathic Physicians

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On May 9th, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Louisiana proudly celebrated the graduation of its second class of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. This distinguished group of 151 graduates represents a wide range of backgrounds, hailing from 22 states and six countries. Many who call Louisiana home, and nearly 44% will remain in Louisiana or neighboring states for residency, continuing their commitment to serve the region's communities.

This class includes seven student-parents who balanced the demands of medical school with raising families. Their collective perseverance and dedication resulted in a 100% residency match rate, an extraordinary achievement that reflects their readiness to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.

The commencement ceremony featured musical performances by the VCOM-Louisiana SOAP Notes, an a cappella group of osteopathic medical students, who sang both the national anthem and the alma mater. The event also included messages from Dean Mark A. Sanders, DO, JD, MPH, LLM, MS, FACOFP, FCLM, and Dean Emeritus Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS. DFACOS, who offered greetings from the American Osteopathic Association as the AOA speaker of the house.

The Class of 2025 entered VCOM with a shared vision, captured in a statement they adopted at orientation: a pledge to honor the legacy of those before them and to serve underserved communities with humility, empathy, and integrity.

Commencement speaker Roderick Clark, MD, MBA, FACP, FASN, a respected nephrologist, chair of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and president of the Louisiana State Medical Society, offered graduates guidance grounded in a lifetime of experience.

Students, today you will receive your Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. It’s been an eight-year journey for most of you to arrive at the foot of the mountain, and now the climb begins. The climb will be worth it, because the view and the sense of accomplishment are spectacular.

Roderick Clark, MD, MBA, FACP, FASN , Chair of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

With their education, values, and vision, the Class of 2025 is now moving forward to shape the future of healthcare, ready to serve, lead, and heal.

graduation

Louisiana

By Danielle Voumard -

Virginia Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:46:39 +0000

Virginia Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:46

Virginia Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: VCOM II

Campus: Virginia

When: May 2, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm EDT

Carolinas Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:45:46 +0000

Carolinas Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:45

Carolinas Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: DuPre House

Campus: Carolinas

When: May 15, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm EDT

Auburn Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:44:17 +0000

Auburn Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:44

Auburn Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: Auburn Campus Multi-Purpose Room

Campus: Auburn

When: May 16, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm CDT

Louisiana Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:40:21 +0000

Louisiana Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:40

Louisiana Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: Bayou Pointe Event Center

Campus: Louisiana

When: May 8, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm CDT

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:29:04 +0000

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:29

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: Monroe Civic Center Arena

Livestream on YouTube

Wednesday, May 7th

GRADUATION CHECK-IN*

8:00 am - 4:00 pm | MPR 129-132

Your graduation portraits with cap and gown will be taken at this time. The Registrar's office will distribute check-in times.

GRADUATION DROP-IN

5-8 PM at Surge Entertainment Center

Hosted by LOMA

Thursday, May 8th

GRADUATION REHEARSAL & CLASS PHOTO*

9:00am | Monroe Civic Center Arena

MILITARY PROMOTION CEREMONY

3:00 pm | Bayou Pointe Event Center

(Military graduates arrive at 2:30 pm)

GRADUATION AWARDS RECEPTION

6:00 PM - 8:00 pm | Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus

Awards reception, hors-d'oeuvres and live music

Friday, May 9th

GRADUATION CEREMONY*

10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Monroe Civic Center Arena

(Graduates with family hooders arrive by 9: 00 am)

GRADUATION CEREMONY RECEPTION

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | VCOM-Louisiana

Campus tours, punch, and dessert

DIPLOMA PICK- UP*

12:30-til | Monroe Civic Center Arena

Pickup will immediately follow the ceremony. Note: diplomas will only be issued to the graduate and will not be mailed

Events marked with * are mandatory

Order Student, Family Hooder, or Faculty Regalia

Hotel Accommodations (PDF)

Things to do in Monroe

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

VCOM Diploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

Campus: Louisiana

When: May 9, 2025 10:00am to 12:00pm CDT

Auburn Graduation Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:27:17 +0000

Auburn Graduation Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:27

Auburn Graduation Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: Neville Arena

Livestream on YouTube

Information and Guidelines for Ordering Student Regalia for Graduation

Please click the link below to order your graduation regalia. This link will take you to the R. M. Hendrick Graduate Supply House website. The information you provide will help ensure that you receive appropriately sized regalia. The graduation fee you have already paid covers the cost of your regalia. On the ordering page, make sure to select “Yes” to the statement “I have reviewed my responses above to verify accuracy” before clicking the submit button. Additionally, you will be able to keep your regalia as a memento of your graduation from medical school. The deadline for placing your order is Friday, March 14, 2025, at midnight.

Website: www.gradsupply.com/vcom

(Once you are on the site, read through the information on the cover page, then click “Complete your Order” to go to the ordering page).

If you have any questions about ordering regalia, please contact Meredithe Kelsoe at mkelsoe@auburn.vcom.edu.

Information and Guidelines for Ordering Family Hooder Regalia

VCOM allows select family members to support you on stage as you are hooded during the graduation ceremony. While the President will present your D.O. hood and place it on you, certain family members are invited to be with you. This opportunity is only available to your spouse, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, aunts/uncles, and ONLY if they have a D.O. or M.D. degree. Family friends, mentors and family-like individuals are not included, and no other degrees are permitted. The cost for renting family hooder regalia is $76.00 and you can pay with a credit card online.

*Family regalia is rented and IS NOT to be kept. It must be turned in after the ceremony before you can receive your diploma!

Any student with a family hooder must complete this survey for the family hooder to participate in graduation: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVBnOZ1CO4

The deadline for placing the order for Family Hooder regalia is Friday, March 14 at midnight and family hooders will order and pay for their regalia directly on the website. The student will pick up the family member’s regalia when they pick up their own regalia.

*For questions about family hooders, please contact Meredithe Kelsoe at mkelsoe@auburn.vcom.edu.

Each graduate will receive two copies of their diploma. You may choose to get both framed. This year we have two framing companies available for you to use based on your preference.

The first is Cameragraphics located in Auburn, AL. The second is a national vendor, Church Hill Classics. Both deliver exceptional quality framing. More information about both is listed below.

Cameragraphics

To Order

Fill out the Online order form

Order and Payment deadline: Friday, April 18, 2025

After you submit your form, you will be directed to PayPal to pay for your order. If you have any issues with payment, please call CameraGraphics at (334) 821-2524 and ask for the Framing Department.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to pay for their order.

Cameragraphics is a local business in Auburn, Alabama. With over 40 years experience they are well known for their work with many businesses around town including Auburn University. Highlights of this service include:

Solid Wood Frames
Conservation UV Protective Glass
Acid-Free Materials
Dust Cover on Back with Hanger
VCOM Medal
Drawing Print of VCOM-Auburn

Framed Diploma(s) will be completed with diploma inserted and picked up graduation weekend after family regalia is returned.

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

VCOM Diploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

VCOM is working with area hotels to accommodate traveling family and friends.

Hotel Info (PDF)

The Auburn / Opelika area has many beautiful sights, activities, restaurants, and places to stay for visiting guests. To explore options you have while visiting for graduation we highly recommend checking out AOTourism

AOTourism

AOTourism is a fantastic initiative through the local Chamber of Commerce that highlights everything offered in the Auburn / Opelika area.

To find specific information please follow the links below:

Lodging Accommodations: https://www.aotourism.com/Accommodations/
Dining Availability: https://www.aotourism.com/Dining/
Schedule of Local Events: https://www.aotourism.com/Calendar/
Shopping: https://www.aotourism.com/Shopping/
Directions for Traveling to Auburn / Opelika: https://www.aotourism.com/Meet/Getting-Here/
Transportation Services: https://www.aotourism.com/Transportation/

Campus: Auburn

When: May 17, 2025 1:00pm to 3:00pm CDT

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2025

ebailey — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:23:05 +0000

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2025 ebailey Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:23

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Dress: Business casual attire

Graduates, Faculty, Stage Party, and Family Hooders arrive by 9:15

Schedule of Events (PDF)

Livestream on YouTube

Order Student or Family Hooder Regalia

Order Faculty Regalia

Church Hill Classics

Handcrafted in the USA and custom-sized specifically for the official Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine diploma.

VCOM Diploma Frame Options at Church Hill Classics

Campus: Carolinas

When: May 16, 2025 10:00am to 1:00pm EDT

Virginia Graduation Class of 2025

ebailey — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:14:31 +0000

Virginia Graduation Class of 2025 ebailey Tue, 12/17/2024 - 09:14

Virginia Graduation Class of 2025

Tags: graduation

Location: Burruss Hall (Doors open to guests at 12:00 PM)
Dress: Business casual attire

Graduates, Faculty, Stage Party, and Family Hooders arrive by 12:15 PM

Schedule of Events (PDF)

Virginia Tech Parking Info (PDF)

Livestream on YouTube

Hyatt Place - $179
Book Here Or Call 540-552-7500

Residence Inn - $179
Book Here Or Call 540-750-4400

The Inn at VA Tech - $155
Book Here Or Call 540-231-8000

Courtyard by Marriot - $129-144
Book Here Or Call 540-552-5222

Hilton Garden Inn - $129
Book Here Or Call 844-202-4693

For reservations made over the phone, mention that you are traveling for VCOM’s Graduation to receive the group rate.

Campus: Virginia

When: May 3, 2025 1:00pm to 3:30pm EDT

graduation

VCOM Graduates More than 600 New Physicians Across Its Four Campuses

VCOM-Louisiana Celebrates the Class of 2025: A New Generation of Osteopathic Physicians

Virginia Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Virginia Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Carolinas Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Carolinas Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Auburn Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Auburn Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Louisiana Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Louisiana Military Promotion Ceremony Class of 2025

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2025

Louisiana Graduation Class of 2025

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, May 7th

Thursday, May 8th

Friday, May 9th

Ordering Regalia

Hotel Accommodations

While in Monroe

Diploma Frame Info

Auburn Graduation Class of 2025

Auburn Graduation Class of 2025

Ordering Regalia

Diploma Information

Hotel Accomodations

While In Auburn

AOTourism

To find specific information please follow the links below:

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2025

Carolinas Graduation Class of 2025

Ordering Regalia

Diploma Frame Information

Virginia Graduation Class of 2025

Virginia Graduation Class of 2025

Hotel Info