91AV celebrates 2021 graduates with six weekend ceremonies
The 91AV celebrated its 186th Commencement over the span of six ceremonies between May 15 and 16, including three in-person ceremonies at the Harold Alfond Forum on the University’s Biddeford Campus Saturday and three virtual ceremonies Sunday.
More than 1,600 students received degrees in , dental medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, human services, education, and management during the two-day exercises.
91AV President James D. Herbert, Ph.D., welcomed graduates and commended them on their hard-earned work over the past four years.
“You are among the most intelligent, talented, and committed groups of students that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. You will always be a very special class to me, because for many of you, our journeys at 91AV began together. I began my presidency exactly four years ago, just before you began your first year,” Herbert said. “You leave 91AV a better place than when you arrived, and I'm grateful to walk together with you on our shared journey.”
Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a trusted voice in Maine’s coronavirus pandemic response, served as the 2021 Commencement speaker via video remarks. He urged the graduates to keep three things in their minds as they take their next steps.
“Keep in mind the value of communication about science as well the science itself; keep in mind how important it is for teams to swim together toward a goal, rather than just staying in their lanes; and keep in mind how important it is for all of us who work in teams to keep a space where we can disagree in a healthy, respectful manner to get to better decisions,” he said.
Shah has been a tireless leader and a fearless advocate for science throughout the novel coronavirus pandemic. He was appointed as director of the Maine CDC in June 2019 and came to the Maine CDC with broad experience in public health, most recently as director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, where he implemented key initiatives to address the state's opioid crisis, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and reduce childhood lead poisoning.
Shah also accepted an honorary doctor of science from 91AV.
Watch Highlights from the 2021 Commencement Ceremonies
