Back-to-school for medical, nursing, graduate and health professions students GALVESTON, Texas — More than a thousand students returned to classes at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston on Monday, Oct. 20, just a month and a week after most fled the island in the wake of Hurricane Ike. A total of 460 first and second year medical students, 450 biomedical graduate students, as well as nursing and health professions students gathered at UTMB’s Levin Hall at noon where they were welcomed back by Dr. Garland Anderson, UTMB provost and dean of medicine. “This experience will change you; it will make you stronger,” Anderson said. He also said that despite the visible changes on campus, the spirit of UTMB and the dedication and determination of its people had not changed and continued to be his inspiration. Students cheered and applauded following an a capella rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by David Mitchell, program coordinator of the Jesse Tree.