Disparities in health among different racial and ethnic groups in this country must not continue. We have the science, and now we must have the will, we must do the research. Satcher acknowledged the sacrifices that the graduates made to complete their educational programs. And I want to commend you for that. But it is also my responsibility to tell you that it's not over.
Commencement is in fact a tremendous beginning.
A lot of you are here because you had dreams, dreams that took you far beyond what anybody thought you would achieve. And this is no time to stop dreaming. After the surgeon general's speech, which received a standing ovation, Chancellor Norden-berg conferred on him the honorary degree doctor of public health, the 19th honorary degree Satcher has been awarded. Graduates from the 16 degree-granting schools at the Pittsburgh campus then were recognized and awarded degrees. Roars of approval and applause followed each school's conferral of degrees, including confetti eruptions from pharmacy, education and nursing graduates.