News & Events

Graduates Honored at Student Scholarship and Awards Breakfast

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Graduation festivities kicked off May 15, 2008 with the annual Student Scholarship and Awards Brunch at the M&T Bank Pavilion in the Hippodrome Theatre. The brunch, which started just last year, gives graduating students who have been supported by scholarships the chance to thank the donors who established these rewards.

Joseph Yeh, president of the Class of 2008, spoke of the importance of this financial support to him and his classmates. "Knowing full well the expense of medical school and the current climate of medical reimbursements, I chose to pursue a career in medicine anyway," Yeh told the audience. "Why? Because I honestly believe that this profession is what I was put on earth to do. Now, it goes without saying that your generous gifts made my decision a lot easier. With all the demands and the constant stress of medical school, I have truly been blessed with one less burden to worry about."

Yeh is confident that he and his classmates will make the most of the support they have been given. "Benjamin Franklin once said, 'An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.' " Yeh said. "Now your investment will begin to pay off as we gingerly step across the stage to get our medical degrees. For all of us, I thank you, sincerely and repeatedly, for your help in making this possible. I applaud and encourage all donors to continue your commitment to the training of future physicians at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. We are a wonderful investment."

Awards named in honor of outstanding faculty, alumni and friends of the school were also presented to students who have shown the most promise in a wide variety of medical specialties. "I want to offer my congratulations to the students who have worked so hard to achieve these honors and awards," said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, School of Medicine. "Thank you all for your relentless pursuit of excellence everyday."