The Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of PA Studies recognized 86 new Master of Medical Science (MMS) graduates at its annual Hooding and Commencement Ceremony in Wait Chapel on the evening of May 17. Earlier in the day, PA faculty and staff celebrated with the Class of 2024 at the Graduate Awards Brunch and Champagne Toast in the Biotech Atrium.
The commencement ceremony included greetings and congratulations from Wake PA Chair Gayle Bodner and Dr. Ebony Boulware, Dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Chief Science Officer and Vice Chief Academic Officer of Advocate Health.
“Today reflects your years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” Dean Boulware said. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary impact you’ve made in our community and beyond. From leading initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the PA profession, to selflessly serving our community through acts of kindness and compassion, and through projects and discoveries that improve patient care, each of you have made a lasting impact here.”
Raveen Mooney, Wake PA Class of 2021, delivered the commencement address. A dedicated health professional with a dual commitment to military and civilian service, Mooney currently practices in outpatient internal medicine in Washington, D.C., and serves as a clinic supervisor for the D.C. Army medical detachment. In her remarks, Mooney gave a thoughtful and moving analysis of leadership, drawn from her own experiences as well as great thinkers throughout history.
“Leadership, my friends, is not always standing on a stage; it's not always being in front of a group of people exerting control. Leaders know the power of listening, too,” Mooney said. “[Leaders] work to be better and hold themselves accountable. They are good at giving feedback and being on the receiving end. I'm sure Wake PA has prepared you for that. Leaders are never too proud to admit their shortcomings and are okay being human. They inspire, they give hope. We need leaders who believe in the beauty of humankind, who show grace and extend the olive branch, leaders who understand the power of what it means to be different and are still able to respect the civility of tradition.”
Following Mooney’s keynote, Dean Boulware presented the MMS candidates and Michele Gillespie, Provost, Wake Forest University, conferred the degrees. Each graduate was called to the stage and hooded by PA faculty members.
As part of Wake PA’s innovative, interdisciplinary Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), 10 members of the Class of 2024 had earned a Master of Science in Management, and six others had earned a Master of Studies in Law, before beginning the PA program. The ELP aims to produce highly capable, leadership-oriented PAs, equipped to succeed in complex health care environments.
After each graduate had crossed the stage, Professor Catherine Shull lead them in the recitation of the PA Professional Oath and celebrated their achievements with a hearty shake of a black and gold pom pom.
The ceremony closed with reflections and encouragement from Wake PA alumnus Ercell Tate (’73) and Program Director Brian Peacock, and a final benediction by the Reverend Michelle M. Nicolle, Chaplain for Innovation Quarter.
For additional photos and videos, visit Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s PA Graduation 2024.