Cooper Medical School of Rowan University celebrates the graduating Class of 2025

Cheers, applause, and proud smiles filled the Esbjornson Gymnasium at Rowan University on May 15, 2025, as Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025. The ceremony honored 111 graduating medical students whose dedication, compassion and perseverance have prepared them to take the next step in their journey to becoming physicians.

“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025—not only for their academic and clinical accomplishments, but also for their commitment to service, teamwork and humanism in medicine,” said Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU. “This milestone represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.”

The graduates were joined by CMSRU faculty and staff; leaders from Rowan University and Cooper University Health Care; and family and friends who gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion. In a moving ceremony, students received their diplomas and traditional doctoral hoods, symbolizing the transition from medical student to physician.

A legacy of service: Class of 2025 gives back to Camden

In her remarks, Dean Reboli praised the Class of 2025 for their extraordinary commitment to community service, noting that together they contributed more than 17,000 hours to the Camden community during their time at CMSRU.

“Many of you found some of your finest moments in service learning,” she said. “You demonstrated your commitment to servant leadership in the proud tradition of Greenleaf. These experiences will make you better physicians.”

From health education initiatives to volunteer work in underserved neighborhoods, the graduates embraced CMSRU’s mission to serve with compassion, humility and purpose.

Honoring excellence: Dean’s Awards celebrate outstanding graduates

As part of the ceremony, four exceptional members of the Class of 2025 were recognized with CMSRU’s prestigious Dean’s Awards, which honor excellence across four key domains of medical education and service:

• Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence – Emily Serata was honored for achieving the highest level of academic performance throughout her four years at CMSRU.
• Dean’s Award for Service to the Community – Mitchell McDaniels was recognized for his outstanding commitment to community engagement and service.
• Dean’s Award for Humanism in Medicine – Mitchell McDaniels also received this award for exemplifying compassion, empathy, and respect in patient care.
• Dean’s Award for Leadership – Maxwell Bokor was honored for demonstrating exceptional leadership and initiative during his time at CMSRU.

“These individuals exemplify the best of CMSRU,” said Dean Reboli. “They’ve set a high bar, and their work has already made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Inspiring message from keynote speaker Dr. Sanjay Desai

Delivering the keynote address was Sanjay Desai, MD, MACP, chief academic officer for the American Medical Association and nationally recognized physician leader and advocate for innovation in healthcare and medical education. Dr. Desai encouraged the graduates to embrace their new roles as physicians with humility, courage and vision.

“You are not just entering a profession—you are joining a movement,” said Dr. Desai. “You will care for patients, but also lead teams, drive change and reimagine how medicine is practiced. That responsibility is both daunting and deeply inspiring.”

He challenged the new doctors to approach every patient with curiosity and compassion. “See them not as problems to be solved, but as people to be understood. That’s where the real healing begins.”

A bright future in medicine

As the Class of 2025 prepares to embark on residency, they carry forward the values instilled in them throughout their training at CMSRU: a commitment to service, excellence in clinical care and a deep respect for the humanity of every patient.

“Go forth with confidence, courage, and all your heart,” said Dean Reboli. “The future of medicine is brighter because of you.”

About Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), located in Camden, New Jersey, is committed to training future physicians who are skilled, compassionate, and dedicated to community service. As part of Rowan University and in partnership with Cooper University Health Care, CMSRU fosters academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to humanism in medicine.