A Celebration – Just a Little Later Than Expected

The coronavirus pandemic prevented students who graduated in 2020 and 2021 from experiencing commencement, but an event held on May 21 provided some of them the opportunity to come together for the first time since they completed their degrees.

“It’s been great to reconnect after being away for a year,” said Molly Donovan, a 2021 Doctor of Physical Therapy program graduate, who along with dozens of other new alumni gathered on the sunny Saturday afternoon at the MGH Institute’s Charlestown Navy Yard campus. “I’m glad the IHP put this together.”

Donovan, who works at NYU Langone Health in New York City, was chatting with classmates Megan Moisand and Tori Misitano, both of whom work at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. “It’s nice to see some of our faculty also,” noted Misitano, as the trio shared some laughs.

Nearby were four graduates from the 2020 Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program - Hope Kentala, Stephanie Gaglini, Sarah Blushi, and Alexandra Lovric – who were catching up with Dr. Marjorie Nicholas, Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

In a classic example of alumni networking, Gaglini and Kentala both work at S & L Therapy in Brookline. Gaglini had done a clinical rotation at that business as a student and was hired after she graduated. So, when she found out the private practice was in the market for another SLP, she quickly recommended Kentala and they’ve been working together ever since.

Dozens of new alumni gathered at 1 Constitution Wharf at the special ceremony where they heard from several speakers. President Paula Milone-Nuzzo spoke of how the attendees and the classmates handled going in and out of COVID-19 restrictions while continuing to complete their education under the most unusual circumstances.

“You showed up, even when it was difficult, worked hard and lived by the values you had and the ones you developed at the IHP,” she told the audience. “Every day, you made us proud of your commitment to your education and the communities you served. And every day, you challenged us to address the hard issues as they arose and improve our approach to education in this new world we began to live in. You inspired us by your selflessness and innovative spirit.  We knew then and know now that you are poised to go on to do great things.”

Tanya Chermak, a leadership and business coach who works with healthcare professionals, presented the interactive talk, “Collecting Your Career Puzzle Piece” in which students and faculty shared ideas and suggestions.

In keeping with the puzzle theme, Director of Alumni Relations Katie Mulcahy provided puzzles that featured the Shouse Building as a way for attendees to remember their connection to the IHP as they continue their career path. “It is my hope that this event shows you how important you are to the IHP community and that you – our alums – truly complete the IHP puzzle,” she said. “For without you, we will always have a missing piece.”