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Commencement2021Saturday, the Thirty-First of JulyTwo Thousand Twenty-One
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicinecelebrates theconferring ofMasterofBiomedical SciencesdegreesTo view our virtual ceremony video, visit geisinger.edu/commencement.
A messagefrom the president and deanAs a group, the Class of2021 has a great deal tobe proud of. You shouldcount your new degreeand diploma, of course,as well as your growth inskills and knowledge. I alsowant to praise you for twosomewhat old-fashionedvirtues — virtues you maynot have even realizedyou had until COVID-19undoubtedly disrupted many of your plans. The virtuesare courage and fortitude.Aristotle said courage is the first of human virtuesbecause it makes all others possible. Today wetypically think of courage in terms of spectacular actsof physical bravery. Courage, however, is also seenwhen people refuse to be deterred, when they findnew ways to achieve their goals. Inherently, courageis an act of the will. Once courage gets you going,fortitude is the strength and firmness of mind neededto see things through.I mention these classical virtues because they havebeen so necessary for the Class of 2021. You are to becommended for resisting the urge to put your educationon hold. And we applaud you for using every tool at yourdisposal to make your graduate school experience rich,meaningful and successful. Of course, I must give creditto our School of Graduate Education, whose staff workedtirelessly to ensure that, in addition to academic rigor, ourfirst fully online MBS class had career- and communitybuilding opportunities that are a hallmark of a Geisingereducation.As the post-crisis world begins to emerge, we will needimaginative, resourceful and courageous people to helpshape it. You have proven that you have the intelligenceand personal qualities needed to lead the way. Bestwishes, Class of 2021. I know the future is in good handsas you set forth on your future endeavors.— Steven J. Scheinman, MD, FACP, FASNPresident and Dean of Geisinger CommonwealthSchool of MedicineExecutive Vice President and Chief Academic Officerof GeisingerCommencement speakerKristina M. Zimmerman, MD ’15, MBS ’11Family Medicine with Obstetrics Physician at the Federally Qualified Health Center,Family Health Network of Central New YorkKristina M. Zimmerman, MD ’15, MBS ’11, isa family physician associated with Family Health Networkof Central New York Cortland and Cincinnatus, New York.She provides evidence-based, quality care, includinginpatient obstetrical and newborn services, to people ofall ages.A graduate of both the Geisinger Commonwealth Schoolof Medicine Master of Biomedical Sciences and Doctor ofMedicine programs, Dr. Zimmerman completed her familymedicine residency at Penn Medicine Lancaster GeneralHealth in Lancaster. She is licensed to practice medicinein the State of New York and in the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania. While at Geisinger Commonwealth, Dr.Zimmerman was a passionate advocate for communityhealth and improved access to care. As a medicalstudent, she helped found the Steamtown Health Fair, aneffort to improve our neighbors’ health that remains animportant Geisinger Commonwealth community serviceinitiative. In 2015, she received two of the School ofMedicine’s highest honors: the Leonard Tow Humanismin Medicine Award and the Scranton Area CommunityFoundation’s John & Maureen Pesavento Service Award.Commencement 20211
Commencement Program2021WelcomeErin Sutzko, EdDAssociate Dean for Graduate Education and Director of Graduate AdmissionsThe National AnthemNeal Kumar BharatiMBS Class of 2021President’s remarksSteven J. Scheinman, MD, FACP, FASNExecutive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Geisinger andPresident and Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of MedicineVice dean’s remarks and introductionof commencement speakerVenard Scott Koerwer, PhD, EdDVice Dean for Graduate Education and Vice President for Strategyand PlanningCommencement addressKristina M. Zimmerman, MD ’15, MBS ’11Family Medicine with Obstetrics Physician at the Federally Qualified HealthCenter, Family Health Network of Central New YorkAwarding of degreesPresentation of candidatesVenard Scott Koerwer, PhD, EdDAnnouncing of candidatesJennifer Boardman, PhDAssociate Dean for Academic Affairs for Graduate EducationConferring of degreesSteven J. Scheinman, MD, FACP, FASNLeadership awardsErin Sutzko, EdDWelcome to the Alumni SocietyChristopher BolandDirector of Alumni RelationsAlumni addressesKatherine Snyder, MD ’21, MBS ’16First-year Psychiatry Resident, University of WashingtonTimothy Lequang, MBS ’19Intramural Research Training Award Fellow - Undiagnosed Diseases Program,National Institutes of Health2Final remarks from the program directorGregory Shanower, PhDAssistant Dean of Graduate Program and Curriculum DevelopmentStudent engagement slide showGraduate Student CouncilGeisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
HistoryGeisinger Commonwealth was established throughthe grassroots efforts of visionary individuals whoforesaw what a community-based medical schoolwould bring to the region and worked to make it areality. Their goal was to provide more physiciansand improved healthcare resources for the people ofnortheast and central Pennsylvania. The vision wasto create a unique medical education experiencethat focused on caring for people in the context oftheir lives and in their community.The roots of Geisinger Commonwealth beganin 2004 with the Founding Seven. This groupincluded area physicians Charles Bannon,MD, Gerald Tracy, MD, and Robert Wright, MD;businessmen and community leaders RobertNaismith, PhD, and Gerald Joyce; and attorneysMark Perry and Michael Costello. The NortheasternPennsylvania Medical Education DevelopmentConsortium was established by 2005. Theconsortium included business, medical, communityand government representatives. After acquiringfunding from sources including the Commonwealthof Pennsylvania, Blue Cross of NortheasternPennsylvania, and other state, federal and privatephilanthropic sources, the Commonwealth MedicalEducation Corporation was formed.The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) wasincorporated in 2008 and welcomed its first class ofDoctor of Medicine (MD) degree students and Masterof Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degree students inAugust 2009.In April 2011, TCMC opened the 185,000-square-footMedical Sciences Building in Scranton that housesthe medical and graduate degree programs.The Middle States Commission on Higher Educationgranted TCMC full accreditation on June 27, 2014,and the Liaison Committee for Medical Educationgranted TCMC full accreditation on July 7, 2014.TCMC integrated with Geisinger on Jan. 1, 2017,and became Geisinger Commonwealth Schoolof Medicine.Geisinger Commonwealth has administrative andeducational space at hospitals in Atlantic City,Danville, Sayre, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, as wellas in Doylestown at the Pennsylvania BiotechnologyCenter of Bucks County. The school has five regionalcampuses: AtlantiCare, Central, Guthrie, North andSouth, which are integral to the college’s communitybased education. Community engagement is partof the fiber of Geisinger Commonwealth. More than1,200 clinical faculty members throughout the regionprovide students with early clinical experiences andtraining across the 4 years of medical education.Families throughout the region are generousin allowing students to follow them so they canappreciate the social context and the impact ofillness on the lives of patients. Students are requiredto pursue research projects in quality improvementand community health.Board of DirectorsVirginia McGregor, ChairDeborah E. Powell, MDJohn C. Bravman, PhDJaewon Ryu, MD, JD, Geisinger President and CEO(ex officio)Benjamin K. Chu, MD, MPH, MACPPedro J. Greer Jr., MDV. Chris Holcombe, PESteven J. Scheinman, MD, FACP, FASN, GeisingerCommonwealth School of Medicine President and Dean(ex officio)David B. Nash, MD, MBACommencement 20213
Graduate Education LeadershipAdministrationTanja K. Adonizio, MD, Associate Dean forStudent AffairsSonia Lobo, PhD, RYT, Associate Dean for Researchand ScholarshipAmy Allison, MPH, MLS, Associate Dean for LibraryServices and Library DirectorGerald Maloney, DO, Chief Medical Officer forGeisinger Hospitals and Associate Dean forClinical Affairs for Geisinger CommonwealthSchool of MedicineAnna M. Arvay, CPA, MBA, Vice President for Finance& Administration and Chief Financial OfficerJennifer Boardman, PhD, Associate Dean for AcademicAffairs for Graduate EducationIda L. Castro, JD, Vice President of CommunityEngagement, Associate Dean for Equity andInclusion, Chief Diversity Officer and Centerof Excellence DirectorRobin L. Endicott, CFRE, Vice President of PhilanthropyJim Franceschelli, Associate Dean for EducationalInformational TechnologySteven J. Scheinman, MD, FACP, FASN, Executive VicePresident and Chief Academic Officer of Geisingerand President and Dean of Geisinger CommonwealthSchool of MedicineMichelle Schmude, EdD, MBA, Associate Dean forAdmissions, Enrollment Management and Financial AidGregory Shanower, PhD, Assistant Dean of GraduateProgram and Curriculum DevelopmentRebecca S. Slangan, MBA, Administrative DirectorJackie Ghormoz, MSW, CSW, Assistant Deanof StudentsErin Sutzko, EdD, Associate Dean for GraduateEducation and Director of Graduate AdmissionsLeighton Y. Huey, MD, Associate Dean for BehavioralHealth Integration and Community Care TransformationMichelle Thompson, MD, Associate ChiefAcademic Officer for Graduate Medical Education(GME), Associate Dean for GME and DesignatedInstitutional OfficialWilliam Jeffries, PhD, Vice Dean for Medical Educationand Vice President for Academic AffairsVenard Scott Koerwer, PhD, EdD, Vice Dean forGraduate Education and Vice President for Strategyand PlanningJohn Kulp, PhD, Regional Assistant Dean forDoylestown CampusJanet M. Townsend, MD, Senior Associate Dean forFaculty AffairsNicole Woll, PhD, Associate Chief Academic Officer forInterprofessional Education and Associate Dean forFaculty DevelopmentCommunity Advisory Board4Louis DeNaples, ChairJohn GrahamSusan F. Sordoni, MDThomas F. Karam, Vice ChairEdith P. Mitchell, MDRobert E. Wright, MDJohn J. Menapace, SecretarySondra MyersCornelio CatenaRobert W. Naismith, PhDSteven J. Scheinman, MD, FACP, FASN,ex officioL.P. Frieder IIIDebra A. Pellegrino, EdDKathleen Doane, PhD, ex officioGeisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Master2021of Biomedical Sciences graduatesMichael Isaiah AbdoolAlexander James BlackleyAdedolapo AdekunleDe’sia M. BlackwellMuna M. AhmedJokebed BoyerRahma Mohamed AliMatthew Maurice BradleyAustin D. AndersonNia S. CartwrightSmita BajgainDarin Mom ChhingKendra C. Benn-FrancisGwendolene K. ContehNeal Kumar BharatiSankung DarboeJamaica, NYHunter College–City University of New York, BABrooklyn, NYUniversity of Georgia, BSGalloway, OHOtterbein University, BAManassas, VAUniversity of Virginia, BALittle Rock, ARCentral Baptist College, BSRoanoke, VAJames Madison University, BSMount Vernon, NYSyracuse University, BSArtesia, CACalifornia State University–Long Beach, BAMukta BhatnagarHollidaysburg, PAThe Pennsylvania State University, BSSicklerville, NJLa Salle University, BSPhiladelphia, PAUniversity of Michigan–Ann Arbor, BSBrooklyn, NYFordham University, BAPhiladelphia, PAPenn State–Harrisburg, BSFlossmoor, ILThe Pennsylvania State University, BSVancouver, WAUniversity of California, Berkeley, BAHamilton, NJRowan University, BSBronx, NYBinghamton University–State University of New York, BSAnthony J. DeLucaShavertown, PASyracuse University, BSCommencement 20215
Tenzing DolmaSami Ramez HasanStefi C. DumpalaErica Lauren HollisterIjeoma Christine EjioguShantia Monique Edith HorsfordIe’Tausjua Jazmonae EleyJacob Cole JamesCatherine Lauren Veronica FalzoneTaylor Cecelia JonesAlexander Indy GreenstoneColleen G. JordanLauren Mariah GriffithAmy Lynn KennalleyEl Cerrito, CAUniversity of California, Berkeley, BATrevose, PATemple University, BSSpringfield Garden, NYTufts University, BASuffolk, VAVirginia State University, BSDallas, PAMisericordia University, BSPhiladelphia, PACornell University, BSDoylestown PAWidener University, BSMolly Margaret HansbargerDoylestown, PAUniversity of Pittsburgh, BSGwyneth Jo HarrisBurbank, CACalifornia State University–Monterey Bay, BSKylar J. HarveyEaston, PAElizabethtown College, BS6Mobile, ALUniversity of South Alabama, BSNorthumberland, PABloomsburg University, BSManahawkin, NJTemple University, BSNew Milford, PAEast Stroudsburg University, BSKulpmont, PABloomsburg University, BSInver Grove Height, MNCreighton University, BSLodi, CACalifornia Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo, BSYashoda KhatiwodaPittsburgh, PAUniversity of Pittsburgh, BSMansi KhuranaQueens Village, NYQueens College, City University of New York, BASophia A. KlevanVillanova, PAFranklin & Marshall College, BAGeisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Nayamah KolliegboDhwani Ashok PatelPeter Joseph Koszuta Jr.Paurav PatelPaul William LeeAaron R. PiavisDennis Edward Means IIHusna RahimNathan J. MegeOwais RiazRaeva MullothAlivia Loryn RobertsWillingboro, NJRowan University, BSSouth Glastonbury, CTUniversity of Notre Dame, BSPerryville, MDAlfred University, BSKalamazoo, MISiena Heights University, BASeven Valleys, PAYork College of Pennsylvania, BSClarks Summit, PAWilkes University, BSKaitlyn Marie NemesNorthampton, PAMoravian College, BSSolange NsangSilver Spring, MDBowie State University, BSRachael Oyindamola OluwasanmiUpper Marlboro, MDUniversity of Maryland College Park, BSMariah Winward PanoussiSalt Lake City, UTUtah State University, BSBloomsburg, PAVillanova University, BSBensalem, PATemple University, BSWapwallopen, PAWilkes University, BSFairfax Station, VAGeorge Mason University, BSMidland, MIMichigan State University, BSHazleton, PABinghamton University–State University of New York, BACecilia RussoBenton, PAMisericordia University, BSRyan Anthony SankarFremont, CAHunter College–City University of New York, BAMegha SaradaMoosic, PAUniversity of Pittsburgh, BSDonghao ShuExton, PAVanderbilt University, BACommencement 20217
Raskirth SinghSchererville, INIndiana University, BSJason J. TinsleyWaverly Township, PAUniversity of Pittsburgh, BSAminata A. ToureAtlantic City, NJRowan University, BSMaddison VailHugo, MNMarquette University, BS2021 class officersGabrielle Elizabeth Shanira-Ann Wilks, PresidentKylar J. Harvey, Vice PresidentDhwani Ashok Patel, SecretaryRaskirth Singh, TreasurerIjeoma Christine Ejiogu, Chair, Diversity andInclusionAlivia Loryn Roberts, Chair, Service EngagementNeal Kumar Bharati, Chair, Public RelationsAmy Lynn Kennalley, Chair, Health, Wellnessand Social EngagementAaron R. Piavis, Representative, Library andInstitutional TechnologyGabrielle Elizabeth Shanira-Ann WilksDouglasville, GAVirginia State University, BSTaylor Jessica WoodsPittsburgh, PAChatham University, BAAhmad H. YousefGalloway, OHThe University of New Mexico, BAMonglin ZhangEast Norriton, PAUniversity of Pennsylvania, BANote: All students listed in this program will not necessarilycomplete all graduation requirements by July 31, 2021.8Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
FoundersSocietyIn the early days of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, agroup of individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations steppedforward to ensure the success of the Commonwealth’s new medicalcollege through generous contributions for student scholarships andoperations. We are sincerely grateful for their support and recognize themas members of our Founders Society.Myer M. AlperinMichael J. & Louise D. AltierAnonymousPat & John AtkinsDr. & Mrs. Charles J. BannonBenco Dental CompanyBlue Cross of Northeastern PennsylvaniaDr. Harmar D. & Leslie W. BreretonAlice Bulger, Dr. Weimin Chen & Louis ShapiroGeisinger Community Medical CenterGeisinger Community Medical Center medical staffDrs. Louis DeGennaro, Anthony Brutico, Mark Frattali,Keith PritchykDelta Medix PCDempsey Uniform & Linen Supply Inc.Fidelity Deposit & Discount BankFirst Liberty Bank & TrustThe Gentile FamilyDavid & Carol Greenwald and Bruce & Melissa SaidmanDavid & Ann Hawk, Gertrude Hawk ChocolatesBeatrice T. Heveran, Esq. & Robert M. D’Alessandri, MDMartin Hyzinski, MDInterMountain Medical GroupEugene Joseph KaneThomas F. & Flora K. KaramLackawanna CountyCharlotte T. Schroeder MackMargaret Briggs FoundationRichard C. & Sally W. Marquardt Family FoundationThe medical staff of Mercy HospitalCliff & Ruth MelbergerMercy Health PartnersKim & Rob MericleMohegan Sun at Pocono DownsBarbara MonickMoses Taylor Health Care SystemMoses Taylor Hospital medical staffMorey & Sondra MyersDr. Robert W. & Claudia B. NaismithNortheastern Eye InstituteNortheastern Rehabilitation Associates PCThe Oppenheim FamilyPenn Security Bank & Trust CompanyThe Roy W. Piper Charitable TrustPNCPocono Health SystemPrimeMed PCThe Quandel Group Inc.Radiation Medicine Associates of ScrantonRadiological Consultants Inc. & Advanced ImagingSpecialistsMr. & Mrs. Harold RosennDrs. David Rutta, Bharat Patel, Christopher Barbarevech,Alexander Lalos & Edward SherwinSanofi PasteurGov. & Mrs. William W. ScrantonScranton Area Foundation Inc.Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists PCMr. Andrew & Dr. Susan SordoniSusquehanna HealthTaylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Fund of TheLuzerne FoundationDr. & Mrs. Gerald P. TracyWayne Memorial Health SystemWilkes-Barre General HospitalSteve & Libby WojdakDr. & Mrs. Robert E. WrightThe Wright Center for Graduate Medical EducationThe Wright Center Medical GroupCommencement 20219
Community-basedPatient-centeredInnovative education31300-7/21-HDAV/SL525 Pine St. Scranton, PA 18509 geisinger.edu/gcsomGeisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities.
first fully online MBS class had career- and community-building opportunities that are a hallmark of a Geisinger education. As the post-crisis world begins to emerge, we will need imaginative, resourceful and courageous people to help shape it. You have proven that you have the intelligence and personal qualities needed to lead the way. Best
