Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

On Friday, May 9, the Central Michigan University College of Medicine celebrated Commencement for the Class of 2025.  Nine classes and nearly 850 new physicians have graduated since the College was founded in 2010.  This year, all 97 medical students matched in residency programs around the country, with just over 50% of them staying in Michigan to continue their training.

Graduate, Max King, was the featured student speaker.  He shared the story of “finding his why” along his journey toward becoming a physician.  During his time with the College, King dedicated countless hours to mentoring first- and second-year students, offering guidance and support when it was needed most.  He founded the CMU College of Medicine Study Table review sessions, creating an environment where collaborative learning could thrive. As a student and a leader, King has displayed great professionalism and integrity, always lifting others as he climbed.

Nicolas Cozzi, M.D., who graduated from the CMU College of Medicine in 2018, was the featured alumni speaker at the ceremony.  During his time in medical school, Dr. Cozzi worked with the Mid Central Area Health Education Center to create the Health Careers Pipeline Program and was instrumental in establishing the annual Jack Furnari Memorial Stethoscope Program. Nick now serves as the medical director of Emergency Services and an assistant professor for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rush Medical College in Chicago. He is also the faculty advisor for a student group that teaches lifesaving skills at no cost to anyone in the Chicago area.

Dr. Cozzi spoke of lessons he had learned since he graduated. He encouraged the students to find fulfillment and to lead a life well-lived. “There are three pillars, I believe, that shape every good physician's and person’s life.  They are the three F’s: foundation, family and future. Never buy into the fallacy that you can have only one of the F’s, foundation, family or future, and be whole. You need all three.  That’s the key that unlocks longevity and joy, the kind that enriches your soul.” 

During the ceremony, the medical students are hooded by faculty members who hold an M.D. or D.O. distinction.  This year, two student siblings, Bradley Hunt and Kaitlyn Hunt-Oechsner had the honor of being hooded by their father, Christopher Hunt, M.D.  Both Bradley and Kaitlyn came to CMU after pursuing careers in other fields.  They attribute their love of science and learning to their dad, who also chose to enter medical school after a career in electrical engineering.  Growing up, Bradley and Kaitlyn were surrounded by family members who supported and encouraged them.  They were taught they could do anything if they worked hard and gave it their all.  This allowed them to feel secure enough to take risks and enter medical school later in life.  Now, Bradley and Kaitlyn will head into their residency programs and continue to be surrounded by family.  The two were excited to learn they had both matched at the University of Colorado.  Bradley is pursuing internal medicine and Kaitlyn is entering a neurology program.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the George E. and Mona Kikano Leadership in Medical Education award. This award was established to recognize the contributions of one faculty and one staff member who exhibit outstanding leadership in their field and a passionate commitment to the mission of the college. 

The faculty award was presented to Jesse Bakke, Ph.D., an associate professor of biochemistry.  Bakke leads large group, team-based learning, and case-based learning sessions as a content expert in biochemistry, cell biology, oncology and nutrition.  He has also motivated several colleagues to work on collaborative research activities.  His enthusiasm and creativity have unified members of the department and led to several publications and major grant awards, which elevate the profile of the College and the University.

The staff award was given to Rebecca Bogin, who serves as the coordinator for longitudinal courses and assists with the delivery of the Essentials of Clinical Skills course. Bogin is dedicated to improving the clinical and community experiences for first- and second-year students.  She provides personalized attention and invaluable coaching to ensure the students are on the right track.  Bogin also coordinates with community educators to provide the students with meaningful feedback and co-created the Initial Clinical Experience Preceptor Award to recognize clinicians who volunteer their time in support of the medical students.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Neil MacKinnon and Provost Paula Lancaster presented George Kikano, M.D., with a resolution approved by the CMU Board of Trustees.  In this resolution, the board expressed appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Kikano for his significant contributions to the College during his tenure as dean.  These contributions include his efforts to earn accreditation and secure long-term affiliation agreements with hospitals and health care systems throughout Michigan, as well as the work he has done to increase funding for research initiatives and provide exceptional patient care in the region.  For his outstanding service and leadership, Dr. Kikano was granted dean emeritus and professor emeritus status effective May 16, 2025.