Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine celebrates 2026 commencement

On Friday, May 8, the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 in McGuirk Arena on the CMU campus in Mount Pleasant. 

It was a joyous occasion as 105 graduates received their hoods and recited the Declaration of Geneva, officially becoming doctors of medicine.  Every member of this class will continue their medical training this July as they begin residency programs across Michigan and throughout the country. Their placements span a wide range of specialties, reflecting the diverse interests of the graduating class and the exceptional skills they have developed throughout medical school.

The ceremony featured student speaker Grant Raymor, M.D., who reflected on how his time in medical school will shape his future. “I once read about the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest studies ever conducted on human happiness. Its conclusion was simple: happiness comes from purpose and from relationships. Medical school has gifted us both,” Raymor said.

“Going through these experiences with my classmates has created a bond that cannot be broken. ... Through shared struggle and shared resilience, we have built relationships that will last a lifetime. Long after today, we will continue to support one another, encourage one another, and stand beside one another. And as for purpose, we now carry it in one of its clearest forms. Whether our paths lead to neurosurgery, psychiatry, internal medicine, or any other field, we are here to serve. We are here to serve our patients, to serve our colleagues, and to serve humanity. Each person in this room has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world, and we now have the tools to do it.”

The final speaker was Carly Joseph, M.D., an alum from the college of medicine’s Class of 2023. Joseph is currently in her third year of residency in the internal medicine and geriatrics program at Maine Medical Center and is preparing for her role as an attending rural primary care physician in Delta, Colorado. She spoke about her own journey and recognizing the impact she had by being present and focusing on service to her patients.

“Your training here at CMU has built the foundation, and in residency, you’ll put it into practice. You are ready for what comes next,” said Joseph. “Remember that even when the odds are stacked against your patients, you can still be present with them. In a shift towards presence, you will find a joy that endures beyond the achievements.”

Near the conclusion of the ceremony, Provost Paula Lancaster presented the George E. and Mona Kikano Leadership in Medical Education Awards to one faculty member and one staff member who have exhibited a strong commitment to the college’s mission and outstanding leadership in their fields.

The faculty award was presented to Kelly LeVasseur, M.D., who exemplifies excellence through visionary program development, mentorship of future academic leaders, and scholarship that advances medical education and quality patient care.

LeVasseur is a member of the University Pediatricians Group and serves as an associate professor with the college of medicine. She is a forerunner in the field of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and has successfully built a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship program. LeVasseur has also developed a comprehensive simulation program and clinical education infrastructures that are integral to institutional training initiatives.

The staff award was given to Carol Delahanty, who serves as the residency program director for Internal Medicine. She acts as a natural team builder, bringing people together across departments.  She is an open and thoughtful communicator with the people skills to handle the complexities of medical education while making sure both residents and faculty feel heard, respected and supported.

Delahanty manages accreditation, scheduling and other logistics while also focusing on ways to improve the curriculum.  Her administrative work behind the scenes allows faculty to focus on teaching and residents to focus on learning, which raises the overall standard of care. She is a constant advocate for the learners’ well-being and professional development and has created a smart tracking system to help residents achieve every milestone. Her efforts help shape physicians who are not just skilled, but compassionate and resilient, too.