Class of 1998 celebrates new beginnings

Graduates of the Class of 1998 were filled with particular pride at this year’s commencement ceremonies, partly because the keynote speaker is an American hero, and partly because he is one of their own. Among the many outstanding alumni Wayne State University has produced, Jerry Linenger, MD, PhD, is perhaps the most celebrated. Not only is he a physician, he is also a NASA astronaut and seasoned space traveler. Linenger delivered the commencement address on June 4 at the Detroit Opera House, where he also was awarded an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters. (See related story.)

Robert Sokol, MD, dean of the School, urged graduates to "practice medicine with a profound respect for the most important and fundamental aspects of our profession--and a persistent recognition of those values that remain worthy and constant." Dr. Sokol reminded the physicians in the audience, "Remember, our purpose is first and primarily to heal. It has been so since the days of Hippocrates, and it is now your responsibility to ensure that it remain so."

This year’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Roger Spry, assistant dean for academic affairs and administration. Spry joined the School of Medicine in 1971 as director of fiscal affairs. He was later promoted to assistant dean and has since been responsible for the general administration and fiscal management of one of the nation’s largest medical schools. "Roger Spry has played a critical leadership role in Wayne State’s emergence as one of the nation’s top medical schools," said Dr. Sokol. "We are grateful for his dedicated and invaluable service."