Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Graduation is a cultural tradition considered a rite of passage from one platform in a student’s life to another. It has its origins in antiquity where many tribes were found to be celebrating their passing from youth to adulthood through various customs and observances. Today’s graduation ceremony is a manifestation of this ancient rite of passage in the modern context An important part of the graduation ceremony is the giving of hoods. The origin of the hood lies with the Celts and the Druids (the Celtic priests). Among the Celts, only the Druids wore mantles which had hoods attached to them as a mark of their rank in the society. In the schools of the Middle Ages, the hoods were worn as a covering to resist the frigid temperatures. Gradually it was integrated into the academic system with much symbolic significance. Now the wearing of hoods symbolizes a kind of authority, a high standing, or to identify a new graduate’s institution and degree. A hood is always black in color, but the edges and lining have individual significance. The hood is lined in silk with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The edging of the hood is velvet, with a particular color representative of the field of study. The official colors of Temple University are cherry and white while the dark green velvet signifies medicine. One of the great continuing traditions is the presence of hooders- individuals who symbolically bestow the medical degree upon each graduate. The senior class chose four individuals to assist with the placement of the hoods. These distinguised members of the faculty were selected not only for their superior quality of teaching, but for their passion, hard work and dedication. Each hooder has committed themselves to challenging the minds of medical students and encouraging future doctors to maintain integrity to the profession. It was from these mentors that we are able to become true physicians. hooders Stephen Permut. M.D., J.D. Paul Lyons. M.D. AJisa Peet. M.D. Carson Schneck, M.D.. Ph.D. Professor. Chairman Family Community Medicine Professor Assistant Professor Famity Community General Internal Medicine Medicine Professor Anatomy and Cell Biology 4 TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

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I table of contents THE SKULL 3

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DR. JAMES HECKMAN professor of physiology I can't think of any better profession than the one that I have. I've learned as much, if not more, from the students over the years as they have learned from me. -Dr. James Heckman There is no doubt that the proverbial village it takes to raise a child also applies to making a doctor. The individuals that make up this village come from many aspects of our lives and shape us at different times. They are our family, friends, patients, mentors, and teachers. Our family nurtures us and helps us weather the rough times. Our friends keep us grounded and sane. Our patients remind us to be humble. Our mentors help us navigate our future. Our teachers enlighten us with knowledge, both in the classroom and on the hospital wards. The process of learning is a daunting task for the student as well as the teacher. Each year the graduating medical school class dedicates its yearbook to an outstanding teacher who embraces the challenge of educating future physicians. It is an individual who takes a step beyond just conveying information and actively invests himself or herself in our education in a way that turns the potentially monotonous lecture into a learning experience that is memorable and surprisingly enjoyable. This year, our class has selected Dr. James Heckman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physiology, for his superb work as a teacher and mentor. This selection also honors Dr. Heckman by naming him a speaker at the 2011 Temple University School of Medicine graduation ceremony. THE SKULL 5 dedication