We have officially surpassed one year since students, faculty and non-essential staff left KSUCPM campus in accordance with the Governor’s mandate with every intention of being back together in just two or three weeks. I do not think anyone anticipated the months and year that followed. I would first like to acknowledge those of you who have personally lost family members and friends to the virus. You have my deepest sympathies for your loss. Others of you tested positive for Covid-19 and had to endure a variety of symptoms while isolating in your homes.
While I do think of the hardships over the past year, I also think of the many instances of support and growth I have witnessed across our community. KSUCPM alumni around the world around the world became part of a united front to heal our communities in new and innovative ways. Even in hardships of their own, our alumni kept our students in their hearts, offering support through gifts to scholarships and messages of encouragement. I am humbled to be a part of such a benevolent community and thank you for your support.
On and off campus, Covid-19 altered the way our students received lectures, labs, how they took assessments, prepared for Boards, and participated in rotations. Our first-year students in the Class of 2024 were emboldened to enter medicine during a tumultuous and unprecedented time. Yet, each and every one of our students continue to impress me as they show up in clinics, on campus and in virtual classrooms, eager to put in the work. Their abilities to adapt and pivot on a dime is truly remarkable and will serve them well in their careers.
Just ten days after the Class of 2021 began their final year at KSCUPM, the country, along with many clerkship programs, essentially “shut down”. Our fourth years found themselves working in hospitals alongside residents and physicians treating Covid-19 patients. Now, as that class moves on to graduate with an incredible 100% residency match rate for those eligible, I am so proud of their accomplishments in this adversity and throughout their entire four years. I know I will be just as proud to have these new representatives of the college as alumni, no matter where they go in the journeys that follow.
Just as the students were forced to adapt, our faculty and staff adapted as well. They were quickly resourceful in finding ways to conduct their jobs with expertise and support our students from home. I simply cannot imagine the past year without their hard work and dedication to our college.
As I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I want to thank each member of the KSUCPM community for continuing to prioritize KSUCPM even when the world seemed to stop turning. I am grateful for all of the support you have provided me and I am most grateful for all the support you have provided to one another.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Allan M. Boike, DPM FACFAS
Dean – CEO
Professor, Division of Podiatric Surgery
Kent State University – College of Podiatric Medicine