Dr. Welch, my fellow Trustees, students and their families, faculty, University Administration and distinguished guests, Good Morning.

Dr. Welch, I am indeed, deeply grateful and humbled by this tremendous honor you have bestowed upon me today and by extension my family in tribute to my Aunt. I am also grateful to you, the Board of Trustees, the University Faculty and Administration for all of the hard work and leadership you provide for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science every day.

I have been privileged to be the namesake of my late Aunt Dr. Rosalind Elsie Franklin and have been and remain grateful for the opportunity to represent the Franklin family on the Board of Trustees of the University that bears her name.

Our family has been pleased and gratified over the years, to witness the respect and admiration her significant contribution to science has garnered in the United States and Internationally through the many posthumous awards and recognition she has received

This award is emblematic of the way the University, under Dr. Welch’s leadership, continues to honor Rosalind’s legacy. My family and I are deeply appreciate of the attention, consideration and commitment to maintaining the standard of excellence and quality of academic inquiry that was a hallmark of Rosalind’s scientific endeavors.

To you the University students, it is my sincerest hope that my Aunt’s work and story continues to inspire and influence generations of young people, future RFU students, and spark their interest in science. As a woman scientist her story personifies the commitment and dedication required to remain focused and succeed despite often-difficult and challenging circumstances.

Life in discovery is evident at Rosalind Franklin University and I applaud you, the graduating class, and students. I know that you will not stop here and continue to expand and grow in your life long pursuit to build on your experiences and make your lasting contribution to the scientific community, just as Rosalind chose to do during her all to short lifetime.

Congratulations class of 2016 and thank you.