“Kindness, enthusiasm, curiosity, and solidarity, which often show up in small acts, are some of the best ways to make an impact.”
Noor Ghanam ’22
Noor Ghanam delivered a commencement speech that invoked common themes from her career at WashU, as Gephardt Institute staff fought back tears of joy and pride.
Ghanam, a Kleinhandler Civic Scholar who majored in biology and minored in medical humanities and writing, delivered the undergraduate student speech at Friday’s Commencement ceremony. She praised the Class of 2022 for the relationships her classmates built during their WashU undergrad careers, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
“It’s how we made it through this pandemic, and how we will continue to move through an uncertain future together, the key word being ‘together,’” said Ghanam.
But Ghanam’s sense of community doesn’t end on the Danforth Campus, as she remarked to The Source about some of the opportunities that made her experiences such a valuable part of the Civic Scholars program.
“I’ve learned so much about community building and St. Louis,” she said. “Entering a community is not just about settling into a physical space; it’s about learning about the history and listening to the people.”
Ghanam’s time in St. Louis is not done: Before she attends medical school next year, She will work as a physician facilitator at a local urgent care facility. But, she said, she’ll always feel part of the WashU community.
“The relationships you’ve built at WashU won’t end the minute you receive your diploma,” said Ghanam at Commencement. “Once a member of this vast WashU community, always a member of the WashU community.”
Read Noor’s full speech at The Source.
Highlights from the Civic Senior Toast
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