PCOM's graduate programs commencement ceremony was held at the Mann Center for Performing Arts, an outdoor venue in Philadelphia.
On August 3, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) celebrated its 22nd annual graduate programs commencement to award students who’ve completed masters and doctorate-level coursework. These graduates will go on to serve in a number of professional fields including healthcare, education and public health. The event was hosted at the Mann Center for Performing Arts.
Speaking to the graduates, Jay Feldstein, DO ‘81, PCOM’s president and CEO shared, reflected on the challenges of the past year, saying “You had to navigate your graduate studies amid a global pandemic, amid uncommon political unrest, amid sweeping movements against racism and for equity and justice. Yet, you did so with grace, determination, dignity, and courage. You were—and will continue to be—on the front lines—in the roles for which you have been trained.”
Robert G. Cuzzolino, EdD, served as the commencement speaker for this year’s ceremony. During his speech, Dr. Cuzzolino praised the graduates’ commitment to learning during the pandemic and reminded them of how important their professional knowledge will be in a changed, post-pandemic world.
Dr. Cuzzolino has been with PCOM for over 40 years and during that time he has shown an unwavering commitment to strengthening the College’s offering of graduate degree programs. Dr. Cuzzolino retired as vice president for graduate programs and planning in October 2019.
At this ceremony, PCOM awarded the following degrees: Master of Science in Forensic Medicine, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science in School Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology, Educational Specialist in School Psychology and Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies.
Robert L. Leahy, PhD; Mark David Lockett, MD, FAAUCM and Samuel A. Spiegel, PhD were also awarded honorary PCOM degrees during the ceremony.
Guests were invited to view the ceremonies live on social media via Facebook and YouTube. PCOM followed the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the City of Philadelphia to ensure the safety of attendees.
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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