With an oversized toothbrush held high above their heads, the jubilant Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) Class of 2023 marched into Harvard Yard to join more than 9,000 graduates from around the University for Harvard’s 372nd Commencement ceremony held on Thursday, May 25.
The celebratory moment marked the culmination of years of hard work and determination for the predoctoral and postdoctoral students, who persevered through a global pandemic to pursue their advanced degrees.
“It feels great. I’m excited to be a dentist,” said Jessica Murphree, DMD23, who led the procession of her class.
Degree candidates from the 13 Harvard graduate schools and Harvard College were recognized by school by their deans. As Dean William Giannobile acknowledged HSDM’s graduates from the stage, they stood and cheered. Harvard President Larry Bacow welcomed the HSDM graduates into a demanding branch of medicine. HSDM awarded 61 degrees which included 35 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree recipients, 18 recipients of Master of Medical Sciences, and 12 recipients of Doctor of Medical Sciences degrees.
Among the Harvard degree recipients was Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks who received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. In his remarks to the new graduates, he urged them to fight indifference and defend the truth and likened them to the next generation of superheroes.
“For the truth to some is no longer empirical. It’s no longer based on data, nor common sense, nor even common decency,” Hanks said as he invoked “veritas,” the Latin word for truth, Harvard’s motto. “The responsibility is yours. Ours. The effort is optional. But the truth, the truth is sacred.”
After the University Commencement concluded, the DMD graduates raced back to the Longwood campus for the Class Day ceremony held on the Harvard Medical School (HMS) quadrangle in the afternoon.
Paulina Miller, DMD23, served as co-moderator of the Class Day ceremony along with HMS classmates Ahmed Ahmed, MD23 and Nicky Joseph, MD23. Miller introduced her friend and HSDM Class of 2023 president, Rubee Sandhu, DMD23, who spoke about the bonds of her class and the sense of community that brought them together.
“Here's to the memories we have shared and the ones yet to come. And here’s to always remembering that in our wonderful, amazing, and one-of-a-kind community, we are and always will be–better together,” Sandhu said.
Class Day keynote speaker, Emmy award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta took the stage to give the graduates advice from his 30-year career in medicine and journalism. He reflected on the stories of his patients and how doctors should always listen and be kind.
“I'm still learning every day from those stories,” Gupta said. He urged the graduates to learn from their patients and underscored that their skills and abilities are needed today more than ever during a time of great health care challenges here and around the globe.
HSDM Dean William Giannobile and HMS Dean George Daley both addressed the class and congratulated the graduates on becoming doctors. They pointed to the accomplishments of the class and the difference they can make in health care.
Dean Giannobile highlighted the many ways the HSDM graduates contributed to community outreach and inclusion efforts during their time at HSDM.
Following his remarks, each of the 35 DMD graduates was called to the stage to receive their doctoral hoods and diplomas. Many of the graduates will go on to specialty residencies across the country, others will pursue private practice, military service, or practice in community health centers.
"It is clear to me through their actions, the Class of 2023 sees a future where they can serve as advocates and leaders and use their voices to lift others," said Giannobile. "I encourage you to dream big and keep that sense of connection and curiosity you found here. Keep stretching your brains as you continue to learn and grow. We can’t wait to see where your journey will take you."
