Meharry Medical College celebrated its 151st convocation on October 5, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and college leaders to recognize academic achievement, honor distinguished graduates, and reaffirm the institution’s longstanding commitment to service.
Held at the Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education on Meharry’s Nashville campus, the ceremony marked another milestone as the historically Black medical college celebrates 150 years since its founding in 1876.
Among those attending was Ronald L. Meharry of Ohio, a descendant of the family that helped establish the institution. He is the great-great-great nephew of Samuel Meharry, one of the college’s founding benefactors whose generosity is associated with the historic ‘Salt Wagon’ story.
His presence provided a connection between the institution’s beginnings and its continuing mission of educating health care professionals committed to serving underserved communities.
Nelson L. Adams III, M.D., a 1978 Meharry graduate and chairman of the college’s Board of Trustees, delivered the convocation address. An obstetrician and gynecologist whose career has included medicine, education, and community leadership, Adams encouraged students to embrace their identities while continuing to pursue personal and professional growth.
“Be you—authentically you. Be you—only better,” Adams told the gathering.
The ceremony also recognized students for academic excellence, scholarship achievements, and induction into honor societies. New faculty members were introduced, and a faculty member received recognition for outstanding teaching, mentorship and dedication to student success.
Three distinguished alumni were honored for their contributions to medicine, dentistry, and biomedical science.
Marquetta L. Faulkner, M.D., a 1981 graduate, received the Axel C. Hansen Distinguished Physician Award. Edward H. Chappelle, Jr., D.D.S., a 1979 graduate, was presented with the Fred C. Fielder Distinguished Dentist Award. Patrice E. Moss, Ph.D., a 2010 graduate, received the Harold D. West Distinguished Biomedical Scientist Award.
The awards recognize graduates whose professional achievements and service reflect Meharry’s mission of advancing health care, education, and scientific research.
Founded in 1876, Meharry has played a significant role in expanding opportunities for African Americans in medicine and dentistry while preparing generations of health professionals to address disparities in access to care.
College President/CEO James E.K. Hildreth, Sr., Ph.D., M.D., emphasized that Meharry’s educational mission extends beyond individual accomplishment.
“Convocation reminds us that the education received at Meharry has never been solely about individual achievement,” Hildreth said. “It is about what we do with that knowledge, whom we serve and how we leave the world better than we found it.”
As the college commemorates its 150th anniversary, the annual convocation serves as both a celebration of its history and a reminder of the responsibility its graduates carry into their professional careers.
For Meharry’s newest generation of students, the ceremony reinforced an enduring message: Academic achievement is most meaningful when it is used to improve lives and strengthen communities.
