The Commencement Speech That Still Echoes Today

Nearly eight months have passed since Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi took the stage at Palo Alto University’s 2024 commencement ceremony, yet the power of her words still echoes within the PAU community. As an esteemed psychologist, educator, and advocate, Dr. Jernigan-Noesi delivered a speech that was both a call to action and a source of inspiration.

Her words underscored the pressing need for mental health professionals to engage with their work through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She spoke candidly about systemic barriers in mental health care and the role of future practitioners in dismantling them. “We must not only acknowledge the disparities that exist but actively work to change them,” she urged. “Your degrees are more than academic achievements; they are tools for transformation.”

Dr. Jernigan-Noesi highlighted the profound connection between mental health and social justice, reinforcing that the graduates’ work would extend beyond therapy rooms and research institutions. “You have the power to shape policies, challenge biases, and create spaces of true belonging,” she said, calling on the new graduates to become leaders in their fields.

Her speech came at a crucial moment, as issues of racial equity and access to mental health care remain at the forefront of national discourse. By drawing from her extensive clinical experience and research, she provided concrete examples of the ways in which culturally responsive care can bridge existing gaps. “Healing happens in the presence of understanding and cultural humility,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of continued self-reflection and education.

As the ceremony concluded, her words lingered in the minds of graduates and attendees alike. “The work ahead will not always be easy, but it will always be necessary,” she reminded them. “Go forth with courage, compassion, and the commitment to make a difference.”

In addition to her commencement address, Dr. Jernigan-Noesi facilitated the Faculty Retreat last spring and contributed to the EBT Conference, further enriching the intellectual and professional landscape of PAU. Her impact on the university community has been profound, reinforcing PAU’s mission of fostering inclusive excellence in psychology and counseling.