St. George’s University School of Medicine bestowed Doctor of Medicine degrees on hundreds of new doctors at its 44th annual Commencement Ceremonies this past weekend.
The graduates received their diplomas as families and friends witnessed the milestone event during three separate ceremonies. SGU’s commencement events were held on June 7 and 8 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium within the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY.
“Graduates as you sit here today having achieved this great accomplishment, remember you are now ambassadors of our great institution poised to make a difference and shape the future,” said SGU Provost Glen Jacobs, DEd, during his welcome remarks to the graduates and their loved ones.
He reminded the Class of 2025 that commencement marks not an end, but “a profound beginning.” While their degrees will open doors, he emphasized that “it is your values that will guide you through the inevitable twists and turns” of a changing world.
SGU Chancellor and Founder Charles R. Modica began his remarks by asking “Is there a doctor in the house?” to the tune of celebratory cheering from the audience.
Dr. Modica noted that he looks forward to graduation every year and praised the Class of 2025 by saying: “We provide more doctors to the United States of America than any other school in the world. And we’ve done it for over 10 years now. But it’s not just the number—it’s the caliber, it’s the qualities that you possess to have brought you here today.”
Added Chancellor Modica: “In a few moments after your degree is conferred, I’ll stand over there … I will shake your hand and address you for the first time as ‘Doctor.’ When I tell you how proud I am of you, it’s from the heart and the mind.”
Did you miss the ceremonies? Relive SOM Commencement 2025.
View SOM Commencement Ceremony
School of Medicine Dean Dr. Marios Loukas celebrated graduates’ perseverance, recognizing their sacrifice and commitment to a higher purpose: serving others through medicine.
“Medicine is not merely a profession. It’s a noble pursuit. A calling to serve humanity and alleviate suffering,” he said in his remarks.
Dean Loukas also acknowledged the rise of AI in healthcare, urging graduates to see the tool as an amplifier, not a crutch, because “the most powerful algorithm on Earth is still the human capacity for empathy.”
“To the Class of 2025, the world is waiting,” he said. “Put your knowledge to work, put your technology to work, but above all put your heart to work. And if you ever doubt whether one determined physician can make a difference—remember the lesson this university has taught you from the very first day on the island. Yes, you can do it.”
Dean Loukas then led the graduates in reciting the University’s Academic Oath.
SGU Provost Receives Distinguished Service Award
During the Saturday morning ceremony, SGU honored Provost Jacobs with the Distinguished Service Award after 20 years of service to the University. Dr. Jacobs will retire on June 30.
Dr. Jacobs will retire on June 30.
The medal was presented to Dr. Jacobs by Drs. Modica and Loukas.
“For the past 20 years Dr. Jacobs has served the University with exceptional distinction,” Dean Loukas said. “He held numerous vital leadership positions including department chair professor, senior associate dean, vice provost, and for the last seven years the provost of St. George’s University. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment had a lasting impact on educational communities not just here but across the globe.”
The Class of 2025 joins a network of more than 23,000 SOM alumni who are making an impact on global healthcare. This summer, 1,035+ graduates will begin residency programs in more than 40 states and the District of Columbia, securing positions in 20 specialties.