While its spring commencement ceremonies have been postponed, Samford University’s College of Health Science still conferred 273 master’s and doctoral degrees on Friday, May 1, to graduates of its four schools: School of Health Professions, Ida Moffett School of Nursing, McWhorter School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health. 

In addition, 114 second-year Doctor of Pharmacy students were awarded a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy studies.

“The health care system that you are about to enter is vastly different than the one we knew only a few months ago,” said Nena Sanders, vice provost of the College of Health Sciences, in a video sent to graduates. “As the world seemed to slow down, the work of the health care professional increased. You are essential. The knowledge and skills that you have gained have prepared you to care for those individual and communities in a way that no one else can.”

Graduates of the four schools represent a wide spectrum of health care fields, including pharmacists, social workers, physical therapists, nurse anesthetists, audiologists, speech language pathologists, athletic trainers, nurse practitioners, health care and nurse administrators, public health professionals and more.

Throughout the week, faculty and staff within the schools honored and celebrated their graduates through virtual gatherings, videos and individual messages. 

“Graduates, you have completed your degree,” Sanders continued. “Go, answer your call. Serve. And because of this, the world will be better for it.”