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Indian student named 2025 Xavier University salutatorian
43 medical and 4 nursing graduates were honored during the joint commencement ceremony of the university’s medicine and nursing schools.
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Staff Reporter
- Wed, 21, May 2025
- 16:20 EDT
- 8
Dr Radha Sundar - Salutatorian picture with Edwin Casey, Chairman / Xavier University
Xavier University School of Medicine named an Indian student as salutatorian of its class of 2025 during the institution’s commencement ceremony in Aruba.
Radha Sundar, an alumna of Xavier’s pre-med and MD program, earned consistent academic honors and mentored junior students during her time at the university. She will now begin a family medicine residency with a focus on underserved communities.
Also Read: Indian American grads shine at Rutgers' 259th commencement
In her address to fellow graduates, Sundar said, “We have worked hard to get here, and now we step into the world as physicians, ready to make a difference. Let’s carry forward the knowledge, resilience, and compassion we’ve gained to heal, serve, and inspire.”
Held at the Marriott Hotel’s grand ballroom, the commencement ceremony honored 43 medical and 4 nursing graduates. Xavier University’s international identity was reflected in the opening national anthems of the United States, Canada, and Aruba.
Senior university officials — including chief academic officer Dr. Arun Dubey, chairman of the board of trustees Edwin Casey, chancellor J.G. Bhat, and president Ravi Bhooplapur — addressed the graduating class.
President Bhooplapur reflected on the transformation of students into professionals. “Medicine and nursing are not professions you stumble into. They are callings you commit to,” he said. “Healing will always begin with the human touch. Stay connected to your roots, and pursue lives rich in meaning, service, and human connection.”
Ravi Bhooplapur, President - addressing Graduating class 2025 Front view / Xavier University Chancellor Bhat emphasized the evolution of healthcare toward personalized medicine. “You will be entering the era of delivering the right treatment to the right patient at the right time,” he told graduates.
Dr JG Bhat, Chancellor - addressing Graduating class 2025 / Xavier University
Academic excellence across the class was recognized during the event. Kevin Ram of New York was named valedictorian of the school of medicine, while Norely Marchena of Aruba earned the valedictorian title for the school of nursing.
Ravi Bhooplapur , President & Manisha Hansda, Associate Professor - - Presenting faculty award / Xavier University Among faculty, Manisha Hansda — who received both her MBBS and MD from Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi — was honored with the distinguished faculty award. She currently serves as associate professor of anatomy at the university.
The ceremony concluded with traditional hooding and pinning ceremonies, followed by the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath and Florence Nightingale Pledge.
Board of Trustee & Faculty group picture / Xavier University In his final remarks, president Bhooplapur congratulated the Class of 2025 and encouraged them to remain lifelong learners. “You represent the very best of Xavier University, and you always will. Stay curious, stay compassionate, and stay connected — to each other, and to Xavier. This will always be your home.”
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