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Pocono News Section
TCMC Holds Inaugural Convocation
TCMC Holds Inaugural Convocation - Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 8:07PM EST
Reported by: Mark Hiller
Sunday, Aug 16, 2009 @ 08:07pm EST
var images = new Array(); SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - It's another "first" for a new medical school in Scranton.
The Commonwealth Medical College held its inaugural convocation ceremony, Sunday.
Students, one by one, signed an oath solidifying the commitment between them and the college.
The 65-students who make up the charter class are brimming with emotion.
Tadeusz Witek of Hazleton described it as "kind of relief, kind of happy and kind of nervous also, but overall I'm very, very excited."
Fellow freshman Tyler Dowling of Allentown said, "I think it's a really special day not only for me but for the rest of the class. It's been such a long transition to get this school up and running. I think it's really something special"
The college's president and founding dean is also excited.
Dr. Robert D'Alessandri, MD is convinced this charter class is the cream of the crop, saying "They're very committed and dedicated to serving others and really helping others. And we're really pleased with the group of students we have."
Dr. D'Alessandri believes the community should also be excited.
"We know that 50-percent of the doctors are going to retire in the next 10-years," he said.
"And many of these young people will replace those retiring physicians, practice here and care for the people in our region."
The Commonwealth Medical College awarded its first honorary degree at the convocation ceremony.
The recipient is State Senator Bob Mellow, who worked for 5-years to help bring the medical school to fruition in northeastern PA.
TCMC's first classes begin Monday. | | |
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