More than 200 graduates walked the stage at 蘑菇视频 Institute鈥檚 on Saturday, May 17. The ceremony, the 23rd commencement for KGI, was held at Gardiner Spring Auditorium at Chaffey High School.
The ceremony included a few historic firsts for the Institute. The commencement ceremony included the first cohorts to graduate from the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) and The Chan Family Master of Physician Associate Studies (MSPA) programs 鈥� the MSPA program celebrated a completion ceremony in December 2024, and graduates were invited to walk at the May ceremony.
This was also the first commencement for President Mohamed Abousalem, who joined KGI in July 2024.
鈥淎ll our graduates exemplify the mission of our great institution 鈥� to educate the future ethical biotechnology, healthcare, and research leaders who will heal and uplift our local and global communities,鈥� said President Abousalem. 鈥淲hen they first arrived at KGI, they brought their desire and passion along with a belief that this institution would get them where they wanted to go. Now, they are ready to take the next step, ready to build the career they want, and they will succeed.鈥�
Robert A. Bradway, chairman and CEO of Amgen, received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Life Sciences degree in recognition of his significant leadership contributions to the biotechnology field. Bradway previously served as the keynote speaker for KGI鈥檚 2016 commencement ceremony and is the 13th person to receive an honorary degree from KGI.
Dr. John Carpten, chief scientific officer of the City of Hope, served as the commencement speaker. Rebecca Herrera, 鈥�25 MS, who was the Student Government president for the 2024-2025 academic year, provided the student address.
鈥淎s we step into the next chapter of our lives, we must strive for excellence, knowing our work will improve lives, advance technology, and shape the future,鈥� said Herrera during her remarks.
鈥淪o, have the audacity to believe you can, or at least take that chance. If you don't, someone else will. When the world gives you two options鈥攂e the third. Apply for that job you don鈥檛 feel entirely qualified for. Raise your hand to have a seat at the table where decisions are being made. Let your voice and ideas invoke meaningful change.鈥�