On Saturday, April 24th, Ross Medical Education Center in Johnson City celebrated its first annual graduation ceremony. Every member of the campus staff and faculty was in attendance to watch over 100 Ross graduates in their first graduating class walk across the stage. They held this exciting first of many commencements at the Doubletree Hotel and were honored to be joined by Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. Congressman Roe helped celebrate each graduate by shaking their hand as they accepted their certificates. After the ceremony, he stayed around to individually meet and congratulate graduates on their achievements and take photos with them.
Congressman Phil Roe was also the special guest speaker and had many wise words to share with the graduates and their family members and guests. Congressman Roe represents the First Congressional District of Tennessee. He is currently serving his fourth term in Congress, which demonstrates his work ethic and commitment to his community and country. Congressman Roe is not only a Tennessee native, he is also a Medical Doctor, and an Army veteran. “Having Congressman Phil Roe make a special trip to speak at Ross graduation was unbelievable!” said Office Assistant, Tiffany Riddle. “He spoke directly to the graduates giving them encouragement on their future careers and the importance of their roles in the community.”
He was especially interested in being a part of this excited day because of his local roots and deep commitment to well-trained healthcare professionals being out in the field. Before being elected to Congress, he ran a successful medical practice in Johnson City for over 30 years and delivered nearly 5,000 babies. As a physician, he is dedicated to improving the nation’s healthcare system through reform and education. In fact, he serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee and is chair for the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
Throughout this special day, local Rebecca Marr Photography was there to capture all of the candid moments and then stayed to do a special photo shoot outside with the graduates and their families. “It was so special to have all of our graduates from each program together on one night to celebrate their accomplishments,” commented April Harr, Assistant Campus Director of Education. The graduates also had a wonderful time. One Medical Assistant graduate shared after the event, “Thank you to Ross staff and faculty for all of their efforts in making graduation feel like a homecoming and so welcoming.” The campus was so overjoyed to be able to celebrate all of the hard work and sacrifice that the graduates and their families made to further their education, and they cannot wait until next year’s ceremony!
*All photography is copyrighted by Rebecca Marr Photography.