On Monday, June 3, more than 200 MUIH students graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health and more than 80 walked the stage at the Jim Rouse Theater at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, MD. This group represents the first graduates of the new university. MUIH’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Adele Wilzack, and MUIH President and CEO, Frank Vitale delivered the opening greetings. Chairman, President and CEO of McCormick and Company, Alan Wilson, delivered the keynote commencement address and received the first honorary degree granted by MUIH.
Speaking first, MUIH’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Adele Wilzack noted that although the university and past alumni had forged a path for this year’s class, she encouraged the graduates to “find your own way to remain steadfast to your ideals, to practice holistically and collaboratively, and to generously offer your healing presence to others. Your knowledge, your skills, your touch, and your words have the power to change the world we live in and to create the world we are all longing for.”
MUIH President and CEO, Frank Vitale followed up Wilzack’s remarks by also reminding students of the need for their unique sets of skills, experience and knowledge: “The world is counting on each of you to provide this type of integrative, personal care. Your time at MUIH has prepared you well for this challenge, to affect the world in transformative and mindful ways, through your creativity…through your caring… and through your leadership and your teachings.” Eshe Armah, a Master of Arts in Applied Healing Arts graduate, also offered words of encouragement and praise for her fellow classmates.
The ceremony marked the first time in MUIH’s history that the school granted an honorary degree. It went to the Chairman, President and CEO of McCormick and Company, Alan Wilson. He also delivered the commencement address.