Anticipation and excitement filled the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center as students, faculty, staff, friends and families gathered to celebrate the 242 graduates of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences’ Class of 2023.
The 34th spring commencement ceremony for the College was held on Friday, and it marked the passage of these students into the next chapter of their lives. The event was broadcast via livestream for loved ones who could not attend and the recording can be watched using the same link.
This year CPHS awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree to long-time friend and advocate, Robert “Bobby” L. Ransdell, Sr., who has served and supported the University and the health sciences programs for many years. “I’m so proud to be a small part of Campbell University,” said Randsdell. “Each one of you inspires me — you just don’t know how much.”
Read Ransdell’s full bio in the commencement program.
Award-winning journalist, founder and editor of NC Health News Rose Hoban delivered the graduation address. She challenged the graduates to make the healthcare system better. Hoban said,
“I issue a challenge to you at the beginning of your careers in healthcare to contemplate ways to make the healthcare system better,” she said. “It’s time for health care workers to put their shoulders to the wheel and make the system a better place for you and for your patients, and I would argue that doing that is something that will help you in the long run.
“Our health care system is crying out for change and our patients crave it. You are the future of health care. And if you want it to be a system where you can see yourself working happily for decades to come, you will have to make it better, and I know you can make it happen.”
After the address, University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark L. Hammond presented the candidates for graduation to University President Dr. J. Bradley Creed, who conferred the degrees upon the students with “all rights, privileges and responsibilities pertaining thereto.”
Michael L. Adams (’96 PharmD), dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, concluded, “Thank you class of 2023, and welcome to the alumni of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.”
