May 22, 2020 - “Looks like We MADE it!” (In case you are not familiar, this is the title of an old song by Barry Manilow from days gone by, which comes to my mind as I write to you today.)
A semester like no other semester of education in recent history has been completed with the excellence, grace, and finesse, characteristic of Union University! Many lessons far beyond the practice of pharmacy have been mastered during this time. Thank you, and congratulations to students, faculty, staff, preceptors, and alumni on your adaptability, perseverance, and resilience!
On May 16th, graduating students were conferred their degrees. In case you missed it, I must share with you an excerpt from the UU News release regarding the special way in which this was done.
‘Spring graduates from Union University received a special message on Saturday on what was supposed to be their graduation day – a personalized video greeting from Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver.
Oliver recorded videos, typically between one and two minutes in length, for each of Union’s 595 graduates. The videos were sent to each student by email and text message May 16, the day Union’s spring commencement ceremonies were originally scheduled. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commencement has been rescheduled for June 20.
Each video included Oliver signing the student’s diploma along with a personal word of congratulations and message of encouragement.
“I wanted to do this as a way to encourage the class of 2020 who has had to miss so much and to pray for and bless each of them individually,” Oliver said. “Union is a place that takes seriously our core values of being excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused and future-directed.”’
Oliver sends personalized video congratulations to all 595 Union graduates
This effort by the President of Union University tangibly demonstrates the essence of what Union University is and stands for from the top down. We are devoted to our students and are dedicated to living out our core values in everything we do.
Although their degrees will have already been conferred, we are excited about the Commencement ceremony on June 20th, when we will officially hood our graduates. They have worked hard and waited with great anticipation to walk across the stage for that moment, and they will not be denied.
We have a busy summer ahead and, of course, continue to follow CDC guidelines. However, we are looking forward to seeing our students in the classroom setting in the fall.
Thank you again for your support and prayers.
Have a safe and healthy summer!
Best wishes,
Sheila Mitchell, Pharm.D.,FASHP
Dean, Union University College of Pharmacy