Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, chancellor of the University of Texas System, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s School of Medicine commencement scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston.
Cigarroa praised the graduating class of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
“UTMB medical school students demonstrated great character in dealing with Hurricane Ike and its aftermath, and their resolve is illustrative of the strong spirit that permeates this important comprehensive academic health center.” Cigarroa said. “I am particularly proud of the outstanding education these graduates received at UTMB, and can’t help but believe this experience will serve them well as they embark on careers delivering medical care to the community, the state and the country.”
Cigarroa’s association with UTMB dates back to his childhood, when he visited the campus with his father, Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa, a distinguished physician. In 2006, Cigarroa was the guest speaker for UTMB’s 11th Annual Dr. Hector P. Garcia Cultural Competence Award Ceremony. He also visited UTMB in his first week as chancellor earlier this year.
Cigarroa is a nationally renowned pediatric and transplant surgeon and served as president of the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio from 2000 until his appointment as chancellor. A native of Laredo, Cigarroa earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale in 1979 and received his medical degree with highest honors from UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in 1983.
Dr. Garland D. Anderson, dean of the School of Medicine and UTMB provost, said that he was extremely proud of the 204 graduates.
“No medical school class since the storm of 1900 has faced the challenges that the Class of 2009 faced this year due to Hurricane Ike,” Anderson said. “They faced chaos with great courage and heart, and in doing so, demonstrated for all of us a special kind of grace. They inspired all of us, and we are extraordinarily proud of them.”