First Class of Doctors Graduate
from Pikeville College
School of Osteopathic Medicine

From its humble beginnings as a school founded by Presbyterians to educate the youth of the mountains, Pikeville College has never wavered from its mission to serve the people of Appalachia.

On May 12, 2001, the College celebrated a milestone in its 112-year history as the first class of physicians graduated from the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine. Earlier that day, the College also honored the academic achievements of its 123 undergraduate degree candidates, many of whom have enrolled in graduate and professional schools or will be entering a broad range of professions.

The medical school's first graduating class began their remarkable journey four years ago and will best be remembered for their pioneering spirit and their determination to make a difference. During the historic ceremony, doctor of osteopathic (D.O.) degrees were conferred upon 53 graduates. The new doctors will now go on to their residencies and internships, primarily serving in rural health care facilities in east Kentucky and other regions of Appalachia.

Governor Paul E. Patton, keynote speaker for the inaugural commencement, has been a leading supporter of the medical school since its inception. In his address to the graduates, Gov. Patton recalled the initial challenges of getting the school established and also praised the spirit of cooperation and financial commitment of those who believed it possible.

"This is truly a Kentucky effort and it is truly a Kentucky success," Patton said. "The hopes of a lot of people are on your shoulders and we have great confidence in you."

Speaking on behalf of his fellow classmates, Thad Manning expressed his gratitude for the support his class had received over the last for years.

"We give thanks for the knowledge that has been acquired," said Manning. "May that knowledge mature into wisdom and produce healing through our hands. We give thanks for all who have made this day possible ... loved ones, family and friends."

Drawing on the words of a famous physicist, Manning also praised the efforts of the medical school's clinical faculty members.

"Sir Isaac Newton once said, 'If I may have been able to see farther than most, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants,'" Manning said. "For the past two years the clinical faculty and staff have said, 'Come, stand on my shoulders. Tell me what you see.'"

During the commencement exercises the class of 2001 also unveiled a ceremonial mace, a gift to the College from the class that will be used at all commencements. The mace has origins dating back to the Middle Ages when the bodyguards of kings used it as an element of protection. Gradually, the mace was adopted by universities to signify the right of the academic institution to grant degrees to graduates.

Pikeville College's mace was designed by faculty and students at the medical school and created by master carver and retired Presbyterian minister Jerry Cooper of Berea, Ky. The mace has a cherry wood shaft, entwined by a snake -- the symbol of medicine -- that ascends to a ring of walnut thistle leaves symbolic of the Scottish Presbyterian roots of Pikeville College. Parallel to the snake is the school's most recognizable symbol, the 99 steps that lead to the College, which sits high atop a hill. The seal of Pikeville College and the school of osteopathic medicine's logo dominate a walnut sphere. Between each is carved a Celtic knot, symbolizing the Scotch-Irish heritage of the area. Coal black mountains and valleys ascend from the top of the sphere and sealed within the orb is a list of the names of the medical school's first graduating class, along with the names of faculty and staff.

-- Lucy E . Holman

Right: Jerry Cooper of Berea, Ky., presents the ceremonial mace he carved to Jason Rice and Robert Mullins, members of Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine's first graduating class, and to College President Hal Smith.