SNMA organization holds graduation reception

From left: Marcus Harris, M.D., joins other Dillard University graduates, Davette Johnson, D.D.S., Kimberly Bernard, Pharm. D., Renee Jackson, Pharm.D., and Rico Lewis, graduate studies Class of 2010.

Kristie Haynes, M.D., UNMC associate professor and SNMA faculty adviser, center, enjoy the reception with SNMA members Chase Turner, first year graduate studies student, left, and Chantal Afuh, fourth-year medical student.

For Marcus Harris, M.D., and his family, graduation weekend held a lot of “firsts.”

Dr. Harris is the first in his family to become a doctor, the first to earn a graduate degree and he is among the first members to graduate from the UNMC/Dillard University partnership program.

“It’s hard to put it into words,” Dr. Harris said. “It is a fulfillment of a dream, a historic moment for me, my family and my Student National Medical Association (SNMA) colleagues.”

The Dillard partnership began in 2002 as a pipeline to recruit promising health professional students from the historically black college in New Orleans. The initial partnership expanded to include students from other colleges and universities.

Since then, several students and faculty have spent summers in Omaha and worked on research projects, attended educational seminars and networked with UNMC faculty and students. The goal is not only to increase student exposure to science but also encourage them to apply and enroll at UNMC.

Joining Dr. Harris are Dillard graduates in the College of Dentistry and College of Pharmacy.

“Even though we were in different programs, it was great to have a circle of people you already knew, people to lean on in difficult times and a great support system,” Dr. Harris said.

“It’s hard to put it into words. It is a fulfillment of a dream, a historic moment for me, my family and my Student National Medical Association (SNMA) colleagues.” Marcus Harris, M.D.

His SNMA colleagues also provided a much-appreciated support system at UNMC. For more than 25 years, the organization has held a graduation reception for students and their families.

“I remember my own SNMA reception 20 years ago,” said Kristie Hayes, M.D., UNMC associate professor and SNMA faculty adviser. “The SNMA students have worked side-by-side in the community and at UNMC for years, so this is a great farewell event to celebrate their accomplishments and cheer them on for the work ahead.”

Dr. Harris will soon start his internal medicine residency at UNMC. But for now, he and his colleagues are taking a moment to enjoy their success.

“It just feels good for the group to graduate together,” Dr. Harris said.