Today was another day of great celebration at FAU, as the 61 members of the Schmidt College of Medicine Class of 2016 became the nation’s newest physicians. Proud family and friends cheered as the graduates walked across the stage of the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium to receive their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees.

The ceremony included a commissioning and pinning ceremony to commemorate the official appointments for two students to serve as physicians in the United States Army: Capt. Cara Reitz and Capt. Jeffrey Ling. And, the ceremony was especially meaningful for eight students who were “hooded” by their parents, who also are physicians. This important rite of passage formally acknowledges the achievements of the class members.

I am tremendously proud of our second class of doctors. They are the second consecutive class to achieve a 100 percent residency match, which speaks volumes about their talent and commitment to their calling. I am confident that these new alumni will be just as successful in their careers as they were here at FAU.

Congratulations, Owl doctors!