Baylor College of Medicine conducted its 2025 commencement ceremony at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. The School of Medicine graduated 191 students, while 80 received diplomas from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and nine graduated from the Genetic Counseling Program in the School of Health Professions.
Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO, and executive dean of Baylor, addressed the graduates about the challenging times they face. He emphasized the significance of science and medicine in enhancing human health and urged graduates to advocate for their profession. “There is a global undercurrent of anti-science,” Klotman said. “You are entering the profession of medicine, and our profession needs help. Through advocacy, sound science, medicine and facts… we’re counting on you to represent Baylor in all you do.”
Dr. Sally Kornbluth, President of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, received an honorary Doctor of Letters in Medicine degree and delivered the commencement address. Kornbluth has an extensive background as a faculty member, vice dean, and provost at Duke University. She holds a Ph.D. in molecular oncology with numerous publications on cell proliferation and programmed cell death. In her speech, she advised graduates to remain open to change and avoid rigid career plans while acknowledging that perfect work-life balance is elusive but meaningful engagement is key.
“The happiest people I know are the ones who found important work where they could use their skills in service to others," Kornbluth said.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky also received an honorary Doctor of Letters in Medicine degree. She is a senior fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Women and Public Policy Program and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Charles Hall was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities in Medicine degree; he is a senior tax practitioner at Norton Rose Fulbright and board member at M.D. Anderson Foundation.
The event included Baylor’s Military Commissioning Ceremony honoring two School of Medicine graduates: Capt. Madeline Chaput, M.D., and Capt. Levi Peppel, M.D., who were commissioned into the U.S. Air Force.
