PCOM South Georgia Biomedical Sciences Commencement Program

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomes you to the Commencement Ceremony of PCOM GEORGIA

honoring the Classes of 2022

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Master of Science in Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Program *Fanfare and Processional Faculty Marshals ................................................................................Elizabeth Levine, MA, MCP Lindsey Caruthers, MS, PA-C *Invocation Chief Campus Officer, PCOM Georgia ..................................................................R. Bryan Ginn, Jr.

* The Star-Spangled Banner ..........................................................................Ruth Pierre, ’22 PharmD Introduction Dean, Health Sciences ...................................................................................Gregory McDonald, DO Welcome President and Chief Executive Officer ..................................................................Jay S. Feldstein, DO Remarks Associate Provost......................................................................................Linda R. Adkison, PhD, MS Presentation of Candidate for Honorary Degree........................................................Dr. McDonald Conferring of the Degree ...............................................................................................Dr. Feldstein DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS, HONORIS CAUSA LaDawn Hackett, MD, MS Radiologist at VM Industries Address .............................................................................................................................Dr. Hackett Remarks Director, MS Program in Biomedical Sciences, PCOM Georgia .........................Lori Redmond, PhD Presentation of Candidates for Degrees in Course .....................................................Dr. McDonald Conferring of the Degrees ..............................................................................................Dr. Feldstein Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Presentation of Candidates for Degrees in Course .....................................................Dr. McDonald Remarks Chairperson and Program Director, Physician Assistant Program, PCOM ...........................................................Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C Conferring of the Degrees ..............................................................................................Dr. Feldstein Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant Studies PCOM Alumni Association Remarks Vice President, PCOM Alumni Association.............................................Ms. Shanda Lucas-O’Dennis Closing Remarks .........................................................................................................Dr. McDonald * Recessional *Audience please rise

Overview Established in 2005, PCOM Georgia is a private, not-for-profit, accredited institute of higher education dedicated to the healthcare professions. e Suwanee, Georgia, campus is affiliated with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a premier osteopathic medical school with a storied history.

PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy and graduate degrees in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science, and physician assistant studies. Emphasizing “a whole person approach to care,” the Suwanee campus focuses on educational excellence, interpro fessional education and service to the wider community.

PCOM extended its commitment to the Southeast in 2019 by establishing PCOM South Georgia, an additional teaching location in Moultrie, Georgia. is campus offers a full four-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. e College is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which has recognized PCOM Georgia as a branch campus since 2004. e campus is authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission as a branch campus of PCOM. Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the College, its branch campus, and its additional location. In addition, PCOM Georgia’s programs hold specialized accreditations through the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical erapy Education, and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

Commencement Speaker LA DAWN HACkETT, MD, MS La Dawn Hackett, MD, MS/Biomed ’08, is an alumna of the 2008 inaugural class of the Biomedical Sciences master’s degree program at PCOM Georgia. She feels her work experience prior to matriculation helped lead to her current career as a radiologist.

During undergraduate school at Spelman College in Atlanta, Dr. Hackett worked part-time in the Radiology Department at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Prior to earning her master’s degree, she worked as a nuclear medicine technologist. ese opportunities led to a future career in medicine.

However, the path forward was not a direct one.

Dr. Hackett believes she enhanced her analytical and study skills while forming strong friendships as a student in the Biomedical Sciences program. Upon graduation, she was accepted to the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and was awarded the Stoney scholarship for academic excellence.

Sadly, prior to the white coat ceremony during her first year, her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She pushed onward and credits her educational foundation at PCOM Georgia as aiding in her resolve to succeed. Not only did she attain her doctorate degree in medicine and serve as vice president of her class, but she also matched to a competitive radiology residency position.

Dr. Hackett’s post-graduate training spans six years, including an Internship in internal medicine and four years of a diagnostic radiology residency at the Medical College of Georgia. She completed a one-year fellowship in abdominal radiology, with an emphasis in image-guided procedures at Emory University, while simultaneously managing a small rental property business.

Today, Dr. Hackett mentors students, from high school to medical school. In addition, she is following in her family’s footsteps as an educator. Dr. Hackett has provided more than 100 hours of radiology instruction to first and second year DO students at PCOM Georgia since fall 2018.

Her lectures are interactive, bridging image-rich teaching with board curriculum and clinical medicine. Her approach seeks to redefine beliefs about the radiology profession, enticing students to consider it as a possible career choice.

Dr. Hackett serves as a PCOM Georgia faculty facilitator for interprofessional education s essions, seeking to cultivate a collegial work environment and sharpen student’s emotional intelligence. In February 2020, she was presented with an Alumni Award by Student National Medical Association leaders for her service to the PCOM Georgia community. is enterprising physician established a small business in 2018 and is expanding her services to include content creation, healthcare consulting and video production for healthcare companies.

In addition, Dr. Hackett has published several articles and is active in numerous community and professional organizations.

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Master of Science in Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies

Awards

Awards

W

e congratulate all of our award recipients for their distinguished academic performance and service to the College and community.

2022 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

DEAN’S AWARD IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Awarded to a member of the graduating class who attained the highest scholastic average.

Young Liang Ye

DEAN’S AWARD IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES MEDICAL SIMULATION CONCENTRATION Awarded to a graduate with academic excellence and potential for contributions to the field of study and profession.

Maryam Vessalpour

THE FACULTY AWARD IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES THESIS TRACk Awarded to a graduate in the thesis track who is recognized by the faculty for outstanding academic achievement and who represents the highest ideals of the graduate program.

Anna Anastazja Staskiewicz

THE FACULTY AWARD IN BIOMEDICAl SCIENCES NON-THESIS TRACk Awarded to the graduate in the non-thesis track who is recognized by the faculty for outstanding academic achievement and who represents the highest ideals of the graduate program.

Jovante Dockery

Awards BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES LEADERSHIP AWARD This award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, high academic achievement, and the ability to effectively represent the class in college and community affairs.

Darlene Okafor

THE FACULTY AWARD IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONCENTRATION Awarded to a graduate in the Organizational Leadership track who is recognized by the faculty for outstanding academic achievement and who represents the highest ideals of the graduate program.

Raven Elyse Waymyers

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AND DIVERSITY AWARD Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has made a unique contribution to create an environment of shared responsibility and ownership for diversity and inclusion at PCOM, as well as demonstrating emerging and sustained commitment thereto.

Darwin Mendez

Awards

W

e congratulate all of our award recipients for their distinguished academic performance and service to the College and community.

2022 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PROVOST AWARD Provost’s Award recognizes academic excellence and potential for contributions to the field of study and profession.

Natalie Cervelli

FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENT Awarded to a graduate who, while on rotations, consistently showed eagerness to learn clinical medicine while maintaining respect for patients, preceptors, fellow healthcare workers and other students.

Ethan Carey

SARA SOMERS RUPERT HUMANITARIAN AWARD Awarded to a physician assistant graduate who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to those in need. The recipient exemplifies the philosophy of health care service and compassion above self.

Brooke Allman

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AND DIVERSITY AWARD Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has made a unique contribution to create an environment of shared responsibility and ownership for diversity and inclusion at PCOM, as well as demonstrating emerging and sustained commitment thereto.

Melanie Beaz

Degrees in Course July 26, 2022

Degrees in Course MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Irene O. Acheampong

Camilo Hernandez

Darryl Reginald Peoples

General Studies

Organizational Development and Leadership

Organizational Development and Leadership

Umair Azhar

Matthew Hicks

Mierra Robinson

Organizational Development and Leadership

Medical Education

Organizational Development and Leadership

Alexandra L. Beasley

Tiffani Elizabeth Holness

Mansoor Saqib

General Studies

Organizational Development and Leadership

Public Health

Megha Bhagavan

Samantha Nichole Jester

Avini Sharma

General Studies

Forensics

Medical Research

Naima Bibi

Sarah Elizabeth Johnson

Vlad Stefan Sirbu

General Studies

Medical Simulation

General Studies

Mariah Blanks

Robert katims

Rakkia Smith

Medical Simulation

Medical Research

Organizational Development and Leadership

Aaliyah Brown

Anasha Tamrita kawall

Anna Anastazja Staskiewicz

Medical Simulation

Medical Research

Medical Research

Jaci Carithers

Darwin Mendez

Meshora Suthanthira

General Studies

Forensics

General Studies

Alexa Cornwell

Priya Merai

Antwon Taylor

Medical Research

Organizational Development and Leadership

Medical Simulation

Vikas Damineni

Jeannel T. Miclat

Shanoya Jhenelle Starsh ompson

Medical Research

General Studies

Medical Simulation

Najah Renee Davis

Dhwani V. Mistry

Maryam Vessalpour

Organizational Development and Leadership

Organizational Development and Leadership

Medical Simulation

Cody Dennis

Brittany Louise Nichols

Raven Elyse Waymyers

Medical Simulation

General Studies

Organizational Development and Leadership

Jovante Dockery

Tahirah Nimi

Danielle Williams

General Studies

Medical Research

Neurobehavior

Wesam Ead

Darlene Okafor

Young Liang Ye

Organizational Development and Leadership

General Studies

Organizational Development and Leadership

Mikayla kierston Grenon

Nikita Patel

Jaclyn Zibman

Organizational Development and Leadership

Organizational Development and Leadership

Medical Simulation

Degrees in Course MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES Brooke Allman

Nicole Ann Frinzi

Maegan Mercy Mendoza

Melanie Baez

Cassidy Rose Heflin

Camille Danielle Montgomery

kathryn Elizabeth Bagnardi

krista Lynn Helveston

Jacob Daniel Newsome

Rachel Ryan Busino

Allyson Jarvis

Ryan Patrick Rogers

Tatiana Cardaniuc

Sarah Catherine koenigsfeld

kristina Shchukin

Ethan Carey

Mattea krasicky

Elizabeth Ann Stubbs

Natalie Cervelli

Peyton Ledford

Justina Li Vega

Nicholas John Coia III

Izabella Matatova

Cierra Jazmyn White

Rebecca Lynn Collins

kirsten Leigh McAfee

Leah Chen Liu Williams

Tara M. Dambach

Saher Meherally

Hanson Wright

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Boards of Trustees Administration Alumni Association

Boards of Trustees Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Officers Chairman of the Board

Thomas J. Gravina

Vice Chairman

John P. Kearney

President and Chief Executive Officer

Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81

Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, MBA, FACOFP

Vice President for Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Peter Doulis, CPA

Chief Legal Affairs Officer and Assistant Secretary

David F. Simon, JD

Chief Advancement and Strategic Planning Officer

Carrie Collins, PhD, JD

Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer

Marcine Pickron-Davis, PhD

Chief Campus Officer – PCOM Georgia

R. Bryan Ginn, Jr.*

Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees

Lynn A. Kush

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine James H. Black, D.O. ’62, LLD (Hon.) John B. Bulger, D.O. ’95, MBA Timothy P. Burgess Joseph A. Dieterle, D.O. ’70 elma Dye-Holmes, Ph.D. Matthew O. Elkes Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81 Julie R. Fox, M.B.A. Marla D. Golden, D.O., ’88, M.S., F.A.C.E.P.** omas J. Gravina

*Officer of the PCOM Board only **Faculty Representative ***Alumni Representative

Jerel A. Hopkins, Esquire John P. Kearney Vincent Lobo, D.O. ’65 R. David McCleskey A. Scott McNeal, D.O. ’88 Dana C. Shaffer, D.O. ’85 *** Wayne T. Sikes Virginia A. Stallings, M.D. Kenneth J. Veit, DO ’76, M.B.A., F.A.C.O.F.P.

Administration Jay S. Feldstein, DO President and Chief Executive Officer kenneth J. Veit, DO, MBA Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Peter Doulis, CPA Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer David Simon, JD Chief Legal Affairs Officer R. Bryan Ginn, Jr. Chief Campus Officer, PCOM Georgia Carrie Collins, JD, PhD Chief Advancement Officer and Strategic Planning Officer Marcine Pickron-Davis, PhD Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer Linda R. Adkison, PhD, MS Associate Provost, Accreditation, Growth and Development H. William Craver III, DO Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medical Program, PCOM South Georgia Robert DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP .

Dean, School of Professional and Applied Psychology Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medical Program, PCOM Georgia Gregory McDonald, DO Dean, School of Health Sciences Shawn Spencer, PharmD Dean and Chief Academic Officer, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Joseph kaczmarczyk, DO, MPH, MBA Vice Dean, PCOM Osteopathic Medicine Program Arthur Sesso, DO Senior Associate Dean of Osteopathic Curricular Innovation and Oversight and Chair, Surgery David kuo, DO Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Director of Medical Education

kerin Fresa, PhD Associate Dean, Osteopathic Curriculum, PCOM Nikita Mirajkar, PhD Associate Dean, Curricular Execution Osteopathic Medicine Program Naushad M. khan Ghilzai, PhD, BPharm Associate Dean for Academic Affairs School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Michael Becker, DO, MS Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Marla Golden, DO Associate Dean of Clinical Education PCOM Georgia, PCOM South Georgia Stephanie H. Felgoise, PhD, ABPP Associate Dean for Academic Integration of the School of Professional and Applied Psychology Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology Michael Lee, PhD Assistant Dean, Professional and Student Affairs, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Julie Wickman, PharmD Assistant Dean, Clinical Education, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Sue Hingley, PhD Interim Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM Lisa Corbin, PhD, LPC, NCC Chair, Department of Counseling Jessica Glass kendorski, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D Chair, Department School Psychology, PCOM Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C Chair, Physician Assistant Studies PCOM and PCOM Georgia Ruth Maher, PT, PhD, DPT Chair, Physical erapy, PCOM Georgia

Avadhesh C. Sharma, PharmD, PhD Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Jennifer Shaw, PhD Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences PCOM South Georgia John Tovar, PharmD Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Richard White, PhD, FAHA Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM Georgia

Administration (continued) Oliver Chen, PhD Chief Library Services Officer Jane Z. Dumsha, PhD Chief Research Operations Officer Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD Chief Research and Science Officer Joanne Jones, MBA Chief of Campus Operations PCOM South Georgia Erik Langenau, DO, MS Chief Academic Technologies Officer

Brian Mann, MA, PA-C Chief Simulation Operations Officer Patience Mason, MEd Chief Student Affairs Officer Samuel A. Matheny, MEd, MA Chief Student Services Officer, Offices of Financial Aid and Registrar Maureen O’Mara Carver Registrar

PhiladelphiaCollegeOf Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Association 2022 Council Members

Executive Committee Officers

Members at Large

Paul LaPoint, D.O. ’90, President

Christopher Brown, M.S./C.C.H.P. ’11

Shanda Lucas O’Dennis, M.S./O.D.L. ’09,

Ashara Cashaw, Psy.D. ’13

Vice President

Dipan Desai, D.O. ’02

Michael Becker, D.O. ’87, President Elect

Elisa Giusto, D.O. ’18

William Swallow, D.O. ’79, M.S./F.M. ’20,

Gretta Gross, D.O. ’97

Past President Ruark Lanham, M.S./O.D.L. ’07,

William Pesce, D.O. ’89 Preston Williams, M.S./P.A. ’07

Awards Committee Chair Jessica Masser, D.O. ’07, Nominating Committee Chair Rashim Lancit, Ed.S. ’13, Fundraising Committee Chair Jennifer Dwyer, D.O. ’08, School of Osteopathic Medicine Chair Jennifer Alvarado, M.S./F.M. ’08,

Student Representatives Matthew Peterman (D.O. ’25), Student Representative, South Georgia Sagar Darira, (D.O. ’25), Student Representative, Georgia Joseph Tran, (M.S./Bio-Med ’22), Student Representative Philadelphia

School of Health Sciences Chair Prerakkumar Adhuria, Pharm.D. ’17, School of Pharmacy Chair Krystal Carter, M.S./C.C.H. ’10,

Alumni Association Board Representative to PCOM Board of Trustees Dana C. Shaffer, D.O. ’85

School of Professional and Applied Psychology Chair PCOM President & CEO Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81 Deputy Chief Advancement Officer Necie Liggeons, M.S./O.D.L. ’20

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Mace and Baton The College Seal The Academic Costume

The Mace and Baton Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia Campus academic processions are led by the bearer of the College mace, who precedes or accompanies the president of the College.

The bearers of the mace and baton serve as marshals of faculty.

The medieval mace was first a protective device for the clergy, who were not allowed to carry swords. Later, the mace became ceremonial and is carried today in the Houses of Parliament in England and also in the United States House of Representatives where, when in position to the right of the Speaker of the House, it is a symbol of his or her authority.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s original mace and baton were designed by Paul T. Lloyd, DO ’23, and created by William F. J. Ryan of New York, a member of the International Academy of Heraldry. The mace and baton were presented to the College by the Alumni Association in 1972. Faculty marshals in all academic processions since that time have carried them.

The mace and baton were replicated for PCOM Georgia by Henry Hopkins, III, a silversmith of Baltimore, Maryland. They were formally presented to President Matthew Schure on May 14, 2009, by Paul Evans, DO ’79; H. William Craver, III, DO ’87; Gary H. Watson, PhD; and the Alumni Association of PCOM, whose generous contributions made the replication of the mace and baton possible.

A sphere with a golden crown tops the mahogany staff heralding sovereign authority of the College to grant academic degrees by virtue of the powers given it by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Engraved on the sphere is the caduceus, the symbol of medicine. The caduceus represents the staff of Aescsulapius, the Latin name for Askelepios, the Greek god of medicine, son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis. A snake is entwined on the staff ’s branch because the serpent was held sacred to the gods and was an early symbol of medicine.

Three coats of arms appear on the upper of the two hexagonal modes: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (directly beneath the caduceus), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia (the locale of the College since its founding in 1899). PCOM’s coat of arms is engraved on the top of the marshal’s baton, a symbol of authority in keeping with the title and office held by the marshal.

The metallic elements of the mace, to wit the hexagonal modes and the globe, are bronze-based with heavily plated rhodium. The coronet is gold-plated and the staff is South American mahogany.

The College Seal

The College seal first appeared in 1925 embossed on the cover of The Synapsis, the College’s first yearbook. Volume One of The Synapsis was published by the junior class of Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in honor of the graduating class of 1925. The first seal incorporated the College motto mens et manus, “mind and hand.” The seal’s origin is unknown, as is its designer.

In 1938, Edgar O. Holden, DO ’22, dean of the College from 1924 to 1943, and Russell C. Erb, PhD, associate dean from 1937 to 1943, proposed and designed a coat of arms. The coat of arms appeared for the first time in the 1938 alumni magazine and featured a heraldic design that applies to the osteopathic profession. The three triangles are symbolic of the three segments of the vertebral column, which has a significant part in the science of osteopathic medicine. The hand emerges from a noble crown indicative of the regal aspect and dignity, as well as the healing powers of the human hand when applied to the art and science of osteopathic medicine. The College motto was retained and the coat of arms was utilized as the College seal in various motifs through the mid-1980s.

An adaptation of the first College seal was re-introduced in 1986. Today’s College seal, similar to the original, was adopted following the College’s Centennial Celebration in 1999.

The seal features a centrally placed shield within which are shown a scroll and a flaming torch of knowledge. Immediately above is the College motto, reflecting the College’s osteopathic origin.

Uppermost and arranged in a radial pattern are streaks of solar brilliance. Separated from either side of the shield are branches of laurel joined and bound together at the center, close to the base of the shield. These components exemplify teaching, learning and the attainment of knowledge leading to successful careers in the healthcare professions. The name of the College and the year of its founding encircle the seal.

The Academic Costume The history of academic costume originated in medieval times and stems from the early days of the oldest universities. It is thought that long gowns were first worn for warmth in the cold lecture halls. And hoods may have covered the tonsured head (shorn crown) of priests and monks who made up the faculty. One university insisted on the tonsure for scholars. The hoods were replaced by the skull cap, which in turn was displaced by a headgear somewhat like that worn today.

The faculty and students of European universities still wear a diversity of academic regalia.

However, in 1893, a United States intercollegiate commission dictated a uniform code that has been accepted by most American colleges and universities.

The commission devised three types of gowns and three types of hoods for the bachelor’s, the master’s and the doctorate degrees. All gowns are black except for the associate in arts degree, which is gray.

The bachelor’s gown features pointed sleeves and is worn closed; the master’s gown has an oblong sleeve and may be worn open or closed. The gown for the doctorate degree has bellshaped sleeves slashed with three velvet bars. The front of the gown is faced with velvet and is worn either open or closed.

The colorful hoods are lined with silk in the color or colors of the institution granting the degree (PCOM’s colors are maroon and gray). In addition, the hood is trimmed with velvet facing representing the academic discipline in which the degree has been granted: white for arts; letters or humanities; golden-yellow for science; purple for law; lemon-yellow for library science; sapphire-blue for commerce or business; light blue for education; brown for fine arts, dark blue for philosophy; green for medicine–the color of life and growth (Fellows of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons wear hoods trimmed with crimson). The length of the hood varies according to the degree: short for the associate and bachelor’s degree, medium for the master’s and long for the doctorate.

Mortarboards are generally recommended for caps, although soft, square-topped caps are permissible. Tassels may be black or gold and are usually gold for the doctorate degree. While there is no rule for the position of the tassel, many colleges and universities (including PCOM) request the candidates to wear the tassel on the right side and to shift it to the left at the moment the degree is awarded.