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Commencement
2012 Commencement Speaker: Dr. Vivian Pinn, M.D.
We are delighted to announce that this year’s Commencement speaker is Dr. Vivian Pinn, M.D. former Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Before retiring in August of 2011 Dr. Pinn completed a national initiative to reexamine priorities for the women's health research agenda for the 21st Century, involving advocates, scientists, policy makers, educators, and health care providers in a series of scientific meetings across the country that ultimately informed the ORWH's new strategic plan. One of the objectives of the ORWH is to increase the number of women in leadership roles in research and academic institutions. Pinn points out that while more women are entering the field of science, a 'leadership gap' still exists between men and women in research.
Dr. Pinn came to NIH from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she had been Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology since 1982, and has previously held appointments at Tufts University and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Pinn, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, earned her B.A. from Wellesley College, and received her M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1967, where she was the only woman and only minority student in her class. She is a member of long standing in many professional and scientific organizations, in which she has held positions of leadership, including being the 2nd woman president of the National Medical Association in 1989.
Dr. Pinn has received numerous honors, awards, and recognitions. Most recently, The Foundation for Gender Specific Medicine honored Dr. Pinn in May of 2011 with the "Athena Award." In March 2012 she will be awarded the inaugural Bernadine Healy Award at the 20th Annual Congress on Women's Health for her visionary leadership in advancing women's health.
Dr. Pinn is excited about coming to Sweet Briar and bringing her message to the class of 2012. Look for more information about her on the commencement website: http://sbc.edu/president/commencement.
Letter to Families from Senior Class President, Alexandra St. Pierre:
November 11, 2011
Dear Parents and Families:
Barely seventh months stand between the senior class of 2012 and our graduation. It is with a sense of bittersweet reflection that we enjoy the fall season at Sweet Briar, sign-up for our last semester courses and pass through the final thresholds of being a senior. Throughout the trials and triumphs of college, you as parents and family members have lent your love and loyalty upon which our success has been founded. Now, after four years, it is time to celebrate the completion of this endeavor and look towards graduation.
Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 12th, 2012. Do also note that a number of events are planned for Friday, May 11th including an Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate, and the President's reception. A complete schedule is posted below. Now is the time to begin making arrangements and booking reservations for accommodations at area hotels. Several area colleges will be sharing the same graduation weekend and thus we do urge families to arrange accommodations now. For your convenience, a list of area hotels can be found here: Area Hotels
The class of 2012 has often been noted by faculty and staff alike for our exceptional camaraderie, dedication to the principles of our institution and outstanding academic achievement. We look forward to having you partake in the celebration of our graduation and on behalf of the class of 2012- thank you for your continued support!
Best Regards,
Alexandra St. Pierre
Senior Class President
Commencement Schedule for 2012:
Thursday,
| Baccalaureate Rehearsal
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| Friday, May 11, 2012 10:30 a.m. | Rehearsal (Seniors and graduate students only) Quad Upchurch Field House, Fitness and Athletics Center in the event of rain |
| 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. | Baccalaureate Service and Awards Ceremony |
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | President's Reception |
Saturday, | 103rd Commencement Ceremony |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Complimentary Buffet Luncheon (Graduates and their famlies) |
1:30 p.m. | Education Department Champagne Toast |
Commencment Highlights from 2011:
News:
C-SPAN Broadcasts Commencment 2011
