Community Members

In this graduation season compilation on “The UMB Pulse,” hear from three of the visionary leaders who spoke directly to the UMB Class of 2025 — and to anyone entering a world that desperately needs bold, ethical leadership.

Paul A. Offit, MD ’77, director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, opens with a personal and historical reminder of why public trust in science — and vaccines — must be protected at all costs.

Zach Noel, PharmD, PhD ’23, BCC, associate professor at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, brings heartfelt storytelling and humor to the stage, challenging graduates to choose their “auxiliary labels” wisely and live their values with purpose.

Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, the Vernon Jordan Distinguished Professor in Civil Rights and founding director of the 14th Amendment Center for Law & Democracy at the Howard University School of Law, closes with a profound call to action — urging law graduates to become the next generation of founders and framers, rebuilding a democracy in crisis.