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Congratulations Class of 2020
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The University of Pikeville honored the academic achievements of more than 270 graduates at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s degree levels in its first-ever virtual commencement on May 2. Sixty-one Doctor of Optometry degree recipients from the inaugural graduating class of UPIKE’s Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) joined 123 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine degree recipients from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) in a separate virtual commencement. Both ceremonies were held virtually in response to COVID-19 restrictions and are available for viewing at Pikeville.stageclip.com.
“While this is not the celebration we had planned, we are pleased to offer recognition of our graduating students online,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “We welcome all graduating students back to campus in either December of 2020 or May 2021 to celebrate with us in person.”
In his keynote address during KYCOM/ KYCO’s ceremony, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Steven J. Stack, M.D., MBA, FACEP, congratulated the new graduates, reminding them that the world in which they are beginning the next phase of their clinical journeys will be unlike any other.
“On the road that lies ahead, let compassion be your compass,” Stack explained. “As healers, how you connect with your patients and show them you care are some of the most important choices you make and skills you learn. Be competent, be confident and be professional, but always be compassionate.”
Theresa Dawahare, M.A, associate professor of education and Timothy Whittier, Ph.D., professor of biology and director of study abroad, were honored as the first- and second-place recipients, respectively, of the prestigious William Wade and Helen Record Walker Teaching Excellence Award. John Howie, Ph.D., professor of psychology, was awarded the honor of Faculty Emeritus.
Commencement week activities for the College of Nursing and Human Services also included the virtual pinning ceremonies for eight new professional social workers and 44 new nurses.
