Samford University’s College of Health Sciences held its spring pinning, hooding and commencement ceremonies April 30–May 2. The college’s four schools — McWhorter School of Pharmacy, School of Health Professions, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing and School of Public Health — awarded 371 bachelor’s degrees and 269 master’s or doctoral degrees.
Across the College of Health Sciences ceremonies, a shared emphasis on calling, resilience and service emerged as speakers encouraged graduates to view their education as preparation for purposeful leadership. The messages highlighted perseverance through uncertainty, grounding in faith and the responsibility that accompanies professional knowledge as graduates move into their chosen fields.
During the undergraduate commencement ceremony, Carol Ratcliffe, DNP ’09, professor and chair of Samford’s Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics in the School of Public Health, addressed graduates with reflections on resilience, faith and purpose drawn from her career in health care leadership and education. She encouraged students to approach challenges as preparation for what lies ahead and to pursue growth with intention. Emphasizing meaning and character, Ratcliffe shared, “I’ve come to realize that resilient people have three strong characteristics; accept reality, have strong values and recognize that life has meaning.” She urged graduates to think beyond immediate outcomes toward lasting impact, challenging them to “color outside of the lines” as they embrace creativity and adaptability in their work.
Ratcliffe concluded by encouraging graduates to trust the journey ahead, reminding them that “God’s timing is the right timing” and assuring them, “the will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”
Outstanding student achievement was also recognized during the ceremony. Ella Ingram a Bachelor of Science in Public Health graduate, received the Pittman Spirit Award, which honors a student who exemplifies academic excellence, personal well-being, Christian character and student involvement. The award reflects Ingram’s commitment to scholarship, service and leadership throughout her academic journey and highlights the values the College of Health Sciences seeks to cultivate in its graduates.
Beyond the classroom, Ingram distinguished herself through leadership and experiential learning that reflected her commitment to service and advocacy. She served as Samford’s Panhellenic president, leading the university’s sorority community, and completed high-impact internships with Children’s of Alabama and the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, where she gained experience in health care administration, risk management and public policy research. Ingram also participated in a legal immersion experience at Samford, further shaping her interest in advocacy. After graduation, she plans to attend Samford’s Cumberland School of Law, building on her foundation in public health to pursue a career focused on policy and service.
Lisa Baker, PhD, professor and chair of social work and interim chair of the dietetics and nutrition department in the School of Public Health, delivered the graduate commencement address, reflecting on vocation, perseverance and service. Referencing Psalm 118:24, Baker reminded graduates, “This is the day the Lord has made - I will rejoice,” noting that joy is often forged through challenge and sustained effort. Drawing from her background in medical social work, she spoke to the responsibility graduates carry as they enter helping professions, observing, “As I look across these faces, I see a group of people that are also called to help, through the practice of many different professions.”
Baker affirmed that graduates’ paths were intentional, emphasizing that “you have studied hard and are competent to enter sacred spaces.” She concluded by encouraging graduates to view their degrees as tools for service and leadership as they move forward with humility, compassion and purpose.
As these graduates begin their careers, they move forward with both knowledge and conviction. Prepared to serve and lead, they reflect the college’s commitment to developing lifelong learners engaged in practice, leadership, scholarship and service.
