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commencement by John Morrissey photos by Diane Smutny Graduation A FUSION OF JOY AND RELIEF ANIMATED THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE'S GRADUATING CLASS May 4 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago and else- where around the state as 362 students donned hoods and their dangling regalia of honors. "You've embraced the college and this university, this campus, with the vitality of your thoughts, your probing questions and your deep commitment to the promotion of a healthy soci- ety," said Paula Allen-Meares, PhD '75, chancellor of University of Illinois at Chicago and university vice president. "Your hard work has paid off. To- day we take great pride in graduating the largest and most diverse college of medicine in the United States and perhaps the world." The Class of 2012 includes 278 Doctor of Medicine graduates: 153 in Chicago, 46 in Peoria, 53 in Rockford and 26 in Urbana. Also presented on May 4 were 38 Doctor of Philosophy degrees and 46 Master of Science, Master of Health Professions Education and Master of Public Health degrees. Dean Dimitri T. Azar, MD, MBA, pronounced the event "a special day and a proud achievement" but emphasized what's ahead for the graduates. "Providing outstanding service and evidence- based medicine, though challenging at times, will remain one of your greatest rewards as physicians. It is my sincere hope that you will forever apply what you have experienced as students at our college: passion in your pursuits, compassion for and dedicated service to your patients and excellence in every aspect of your lives." As they leave for residency programs and continue to advance, he said, graduates "will contribute to our college, carrying the tradition of lifetime learning, which has been a cornerstone of the educational mission of our college." That includes assuming leadership positions and applying knowledge to "solving complex 16 | FALL 2012 Class of 2012 reminisces about the College of Medicine