35th Commencement Weekend at Morehouse School of Medicine

Commencement at Morehouse School of Medicine is a singular event, but it’s more than just one event on a single day — there are multiple activities to commemorate this milestone achievement in the lives of our students, their families and friends, and the entire MSM community.

Held the third weekend of May each year, things begin with celebrations held for the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences and Master of Public Health programs on Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday is Class Day. This annual tradition celebrates the academic performances of the outgoing class as well as the school’s outstanding faculty and staff. Immediately afterward, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice welcomes this year’s class to the annual President and Dean’s Reception.

The finale is the "By These Hands" Ceremony.  Created and led by Dr. Marvin Crawford, director of student education in the Department of Medicine, fourth-year M.D. students shed the short white coats they received in their first year, exchanging them for the long version that symbolizes the next step in their journey to becoming practicing physicians. The students then pledge to uphold the social mission of healthcare through compassionate caring for the underserved and people throughout the world.

Saturday is THE big day, one of ceremony and celebration. Commencement takes place in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel on the historic Morehouse College campus – MSM’s birthplace – just down the street from our home. The chapel – the world’s most prominent religious memorial to Dr. King – was dedicated in 1978 under the presidency of Dr. Hugh Morris Gloster, who was also one of MSM’s founders.

We honor Dr. Gloster's memory during the processional, which stops for a brief wreath-laying ceremony at his gravesite just outside the chapel.

Students are granted the M.D. and other advanced degrees they have earned, then are hooded and receive their diplomas. M.D. students affirm their professional commitment by reciting the Oath of the Hippocrates, while remaining graduates follow with A Scientist’s Pledge.

Immediately following the ceremony, everyone is invited to return to the MSM campus for a reception. The day concludes with an alumni reception and dinner.

Commencement Week 2019

Wednesday, May 15

Noon – 1p.m.	Commencement Rehearsal
3:30 – 6 p.m.	Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Graduation Celebration Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care Plaza 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta

Thursday, May 16

6  – 7:30 p.m.

MSM-AMA Reception* Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta *invitation only

Friday, May 17

Noon – 1 p.m.	A Conversation of Significance Featuring Patrice Harris, M.D., President-Elect, American Medical Association and 2019 Commencement Speaker Hosted by President and Dean Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D. Auditorium, Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta
3  – 4:30 p.m.	Class Day Morehouse School of Medicine Auditorium, Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta
4:30  – 6 p.m.	President and Dean's Reception E. Ginger Sullivan Atrium Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta
6  – 7:30 p.m.	By These Hands Ceremony Auditorium, Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta
7  – 11 p.m.	MPH Family Day Gala Off-campus/TBA

Saturday, May 18

9 a.m. – Noon	Commencement Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta
Noon – 2:30 p.m.	Reception Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta
4:45 – 9 p.m.	Alumni Reception and Reunion Dinner Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta Register for the 2019 Alumni Commencement & Reunion Dinner

Additional Information for Commencement

• Campus map
• Parking/transportation info
• Area hotels

Facilities are wheelchair accessible.