On Thursday, November 7, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BIMS) proudly hosted its third annual Advancement to Candidacy Celebration. This event honors third-year BIMS students who have successfully passed their qualifying exams in the spring and are now embarking on their journey toward earning their PhDs. Watch the recording.
This year, 51 students from nine different BIMS programs were recognized. Each student was introduced by their respective Director of Graduate Studies and received a certificate of advancement and a challenge coin from their mentor.
A challenge coin is a small medallion with an organization’s insignia, carried by its members. Historically, special coins date back to the Roman Empire, Renaissance “Portrait Medals,” and 17th-century French Huguenot societies. In the 20th century, military and service organizations began using challenge coins to recognize achievements and commemorate special occasions. Even in science, the iGEM competition awards its ‘Grand Prize’ winners with a challenge coin.
In congratulating the PhD candidates during the celebration, Associate Dean for Graduate and Medical Scientist Programs Janet Cross, PhD, reminded the students to celebrate the small things as they move forward into a stage of graduate school that can be particularly challenging. “Celebrate the small things because the big things are sometimes too few and far between. This is solid advice not only for science, but also for life!” stated Dr. Cross.
The Advancement to Candidacy Celebration marks the final milestone for the 2022 BIMS student cohort as a group. From this point forward, each student will continue an individual path toward a PhD. BIMS takes great pride in commemorating this significant achievement with a ceremony, reception, and celebration. They extend special thanks to the UVA Medical Alumni Association for their support of this event each year.
Photos by Coe Sweet.
