Hello and Goodbye

The last two weeks of summer are interesting times at MWU. We welcome our newest students early in the week, and bid farewell to our recent graduates at week's end.

This week in Glendale, we held orientation for students in our College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, Arizona College of Optometry, and College of Health Sciences programs in Occupational Therapy, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Clinical Psychology, and Biomedical Sciences. All of these classes were full, and the newest first-years hail from as far away as Indonesia, with many from Canada, a lot from Chicago, and a great deal from the Valley and mountain states...with nearly every geographic region in between represented. The two-day orientation introduced them to Dr. G and the administration, all of their deans, program directors, and faculty, and many key staff members. They enjoyed group breakfasts and picnics and even were able to slip down a water slide to beat the heat.

Today, it was time for graduation for the College of Health Sciences and our programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Nurse Anesthesia, and Clinical Psychology. Approximately 130 graduates walked across the stage to receive their master's hoods from their faculty and be congratulated by their Dean and then the University President. Family and friends came to applaud their graduate and enjoy the special day.

So, this week was one of beginnings and endings, of hellos and goodbyes. We'll do the same next week in Downers Grove. These weeks truly condense into a short timeframe our mission of educating tomorrow's healthcare team. New students begin their programs, while successful graduates enter the workforce. When you boil it all down, this is what we do at Midwestern University. Congratulations to our newest students and our newest alumni. We are so proud of all of you!