Page 6 - 2023 Undergraduate Commencement

CEREMONY HOST
Joan Gabel
President, University of Minnesota
Joan T.A. Gabel is the 17th president of the University of Minnesota, where she’s led the creation and metric-driven implementation of the University’s first comprehensive systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, resulting in record-setting graduation rates, annual research expenditures, start-ups, and patents,
along with unmatched private giving, and completion of the
$4 billion Driven campaign at 10% over goal. Transformational collaborations, such as NXT GEN MED, a ground-breaking partnership between the University, the Mayo Clinic and Google, have elevated the University’s impact. President Gabel also relied upon MPact 2025 priorities to enhance PIPSM, the President’s Initiative to Prevent Sexual Misconduct and launch PRISMH, the President’s Initiative on Student Mental Health.
Prior to joining the University of Minnesota, President Gabel was the executive vice president and provost at the University
of South Carolina, where she revitalized the scholarly enterprise and launched new interdisciplinary programs, increasing enrollment and alternative revenue streams. Her academic interests include legal and ethical issues in business and governance, including public higher education and women’s leadership. A sought-after national and international speaker/advisor, President Gabel’s expertise and research emphasizes inclusion, leadership, risk management, ethics, and governance for
higher education, industry, and federal and state government.
STUDENT SPEAKER
Aarohi Shah
BA ’23, Human Physiology, BA/MD Program
Aarohi A. Shah (she/her) will be graduating from the College of Liberal Arts with a bachelor of arts in human physiology and a minor in interdisciplinary design from the College of Design. Born and raised in Minnesota as a first-generation American, Aarohi’s parents are both Gopher alumni, which instilled a love for the University in her from a young age.
During her time at the University, Aarohi has been deeply involved in the community, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. She has served as the president of the College of Liberal Arts Student Board, Homecoming Queen, a member of the Indian Student Association, and a group fitness instructor.
Aarohi is an avid hiker, cook, and a big fan of peanut butter, but above all else, she cherishes spending time with her family. She believes that her University experience has taught her the importance of creating an inclusive space, and that happiness lies in giving more than we take. Beginning fall 2023, Aarohi will be continuing her journey as a Gopher at the University of Minnesota Medical School in the Twin Cities.
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