On May 12, 106 new graduates of the Keck School of Medicine of USC celebrated with family, friends and fellow graduates in Town and Gown at USC’s University Park campus.

Having earned bachelor’s degrees in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention or Global Health, the graduates were jubilant as Program Director Elahe Nezami, PhD, associate dean for graduate affairs (undergraduate, masters and professional programs), encouraged them to enjoy congratulations the entire day, as they had earned such praise. Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, dean of the Keck School and director of the USC Gayle and Edward Roski Eye Institute, was among the school’s leadership at the celebration.

Beyond the graduates’ achievements, the ceremony also highlighted the 20th anniversary of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies at the Keck School.

“This has been 20 years of hard work,” Nezami said. “This program has been a pioneer in the field of undergraduate education that has been celebrated and followed by others.”

Recounting the very first graduation of Health Promotion students, Nezami remarked that she was gratified to see the program continue to shape future leaders in health care, as it has for decades.

Commencement speaker Peter V. Long, PhD, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation, implored graduates to always serve others, no matter what their educational or career paths may be.

Graduates from the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Health Promotion and Global Health programs take a class photo after commencement. (Photo/Grad Images)

Graduates from the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Health Promotion and Global Health programs enter Town and Gown during a satellite commencement ceremony, May 12 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)

Graduates from the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Health Promotion and Global Health programs enter Town and Gown during a satellite commencement ceremony, May 12 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)

Graduates from the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Health Promotion and Global Health programs pose during a satellite commencement ceremony, May 12 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)