ARUBA (TIP): Xavier University School of Medicine Aruba celebrated their 2022 commencement ceremony on June 4, 2022 at Xavier’s brand-new residential campus. There were a total of 52 graduates in the class, with more than half of them joining the ceremony in-person in Aruba.

The ceremony was started by the emcee, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Arun Dubey. Dr. Dubey first welcomed the graduates, families, and friends. In his speech, he told all in attendance that “It takes a lot of people to turn the mission at Xavier into a reality, and we are so lucky to have such great faculty and staff. I know they have found it a privilege to be part of your experience.”
Chairman Mr. Edwin Casey next addressed the crowd. He explained that it was not just graduates’ hard work that had led them to this point, but also the support of the people around them, including family and friends as well as Xavier faculty and staff. Mr. Casey added “Graduation is the beginning, not the end. Few great journeys are completed alone. Those that stand with us make us stronger and make them stronger.”

Mr. Casey then introduced Dr. Ismail Mourad, the Salutatorian from the Class of 2022. Ismail explained to the graduates that this was not just the end of one journey, but the beginning of the rest of their lives, noting to his fellow graduates that “we become M. Ds, but more important than the title is the responsibility of being a guardian of your community’s trust and care, and providing them with the utmost respect and compassion for the rest of your career.”

Board of Trustee member Dr. P.K. Prahalad followed, giving a speech entitled The Biggest Challenges for the Twenty-First Century and How Little We Know About It. Dr. Prahalad explained that “only by understanding the causes and consequences of the tidal wave of multimorbidity that confronts us will we be able to respond effectively and transition to more patient-centered health systems characterized by high-value, integrated primary care.” He explained that this aligns with the mission and vision of Xavier University School of Medicine, noting to the graduates that this has been our mission at Xavierl, and that “we have laid our foundation, now go rise and grow beyond.”

Next up was Chancellor Dr. J.G. Bhat, who explained to the graduates that doctors need to provide care to patients above and beyond their technical knowledge. Dr. Bhat exclaimed that “Sick people need something more than a doctor. You must also be a healer, an advisor, and often a cheerleader for their cause.”

Dr. Bhat then introduced the Valedictorian from the Class of 2022, Dr. Nikhale Malik. Nikhale underscored the need for the graduates to practice medicine with empathy. He remarked that “In medical school we have studied countless pathologies, examinations, medications, side effects, bacteria, the list goes on. Despite this, it is important that we remain cognizant of the patient experience so that we can empathize with them and enhance the quality of care we can provide.”

President Mr. Ravi Bhooplapur also spoke to the graduates about keeping the passion and drive as they embark on their careers in the medical field. He added that “You have made your mark on our institution and leave Xavier better than when you arrived. Remember you will always have a home with Xavier University School of Medicine.” He concluded his speech reminding the students to stay in touch with their classmates, faculty, and staff.

His Excellency Endy Croes, Minister for Education and Sport of Aruba, was the keynote speaker and addressed the graduates on perseverance and overcoming challenges in their lives. Minister Croes beamed with pride that Aruba has played a role in developing 52 new doctors for the global healthcare system. He also urged the graduates to remember their time in Aruba fondly, adding “You may all not have been born in Aruba, but I am sure that wherever you go, you will remember us and will keep the nation of Aruba in your hearts.” Minister Croes was then presented with an award by President Bhooplapur in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to the people of Aruba and his support of advanced medical education through collaboration,

After the absentee graduates were recognized, all of the graduates in attendance received their diplomas and were given their Medical Doctor hoods.

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Richard Pestell, Vice President for Academic Affairs, leading the graduates in the Hippocratic Oath and President Bhooplapur officially conferring the degrees.

A party was thrown for all of the graduates, families, friends, and dignitaries after the ceremony, including a live band, carnival dancers and drumline, and catered food and drinks.

The Xavier University School of Medicine Class of 2022 included:
1. Mary Abdelmalak
2. Noor Abdulla
3. Mohammed Anwer
4. Aaron Armorer
5. Swathi Arunachalam
6. Rana Atamna
7. Navtej Athwal
8. Adeyemi Ayandeji
9. Dupinderjit Bhangal
10. Nimish Biswal
11. Alice Bukrinsky
12. Riyadh Chowdhury
13. Gina Cicero
14. Sanchez Colo
15. Rebeen Darwish
16. Luisa Devia
17. Harpreet Dhanjal
18. Henna Dhir
19. Naveed Elahi
20. Juan Garcia Vaca
21. Lakisha Haran
22. Amin Ibrahim
23. Johannes Jacobs
24. Sriharsha Jammula
25. Haseeb Khan
26. Arya Koolaee
27. Allexes Koroleva
28. Amanpreet Mahal
29. Shreyas Maheshwar
30. Nikhale Malik
31. Rajver Mann
32. Nadir Matti
33. Andrew Melek
34. Hardee Mistry
35. Layuren Moodley
36. Ismail Mourad
37. Mohammad Nadim
38. Ugochi Ojinnaka
39. Tochukwu Okafor
40. Kellon Olusola
41. Jorim Parmar
42. Vivek Patel
43. Sayani Patra
44. Diana Puicea
45. Stephanie Rawana
46. Andrew Rofail
47. Sawanjit Saini
48. Rasha Saleh
49. Chrissy Sharma
50. Sarah Tahir
51. Veera Thind
52. Israel Umoh
Graduation is a special time for these students as we are able to celebrate and reflect on all they have achieved during their medical school journey with Xavier University School of Medicine. The administration, faculty, and staff of Xavier is excited to see all the great success our students will have in the future and are proud to call them alumni.

For more information about Xavier University School of Medicine, visit XUSOM.com.
(Based on a press release issued by Xavier University School of Medicine)