Campus leaders and fellow students officially welcomed 190 newcomers (this number includes all 2022 enrollees) to UNMC Graduate Studies at its annual matriculation ceremony Aug. 16.
Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean for Graduate Studies marked the occasion by letting new students know this is the 80th anniversary of graduate studies at the medical center. Each new student received a commemorative medallion.
“During the next few years, you will be taught by some of the best research faculty in America,” Dr. Davies said. He noted that postgraduate programs train students to become leaders, teachers and critical thinkers.
Jared Garrison, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, gave the keynote address. He apologized for being a downer for focusing on challenges, but “most people do not need advice for the good times.” He said his grad school career was one of the best times of his life – but it also included moments of stress, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment and even anger.
He offered six points to remember:
- Drive is more important than intellect: “Everyone in this room is smart.”
- Avoid brinksmanship: Figure out what you can learn from others, both good and bad, rather than butting heads with them.
- Accept failures and learn from them, as failure is a part of science, and a part of life. “Blaming others is unhelpful even if it holds some truth.”
- Accept constructive criticism: “This can be a challenge. It still is for me.”
- Pay attention to your own self wellness: Keep your relationships, do activities outside of the lab, don’t forget to exercise. “Never forget everyone on the campus is committed to your wellbeing. … Everyone struggles sometimes.”
New graduate students also heard from Sheritta Strong, MD, assistant vice chancellor for inclusion; Katie Muilenburg, president of the Graduate Student Association (GSA); and Lisa Bilek, PhD, president of the Graduate Studies Engagement Council of the UNMC Alumni Association.