We are still in the midst of graduation season and LECOM celebrated their latest class of doctors on Sunday.

In two separate ceremonies, over 650 students received their degrees from the medical school. The morning ceremony included students receiving their Pharmacy, Master's and Doctorate degrees.

"I can't believe it honestly, all those late nights, the stress, the crying, the calls home and I just can't believe all the hard work has paid off", said LECOM graduate Allison Hamilton Pharm. D. She was one of hundreds of graduates who received her doctorate in pharmacy on Sunday from LECOM. It's a moment that she has waited for for her entire life.


"I've actually known from a really young age that I wanted to be in medicine, I have an undergrad degree in chemistry so I knew I was good with the sciences and I wanted to be in STEM", said Hamilton.


Some graduates, like Hamilton said this is something they have dreamed about since they were a young child, while others said it was a career they decided just a few years ago.


Faisal Sajjad made the decision to become a pharmacist in his late 20's and was thrilled to final done his cap and gown. "I'm super excited, it's been a lot of hard work over the past few years now and I've been just looking forward to this day for a long time now and I'm glad I'm finally here", said Sajjad, Pharm. D. 


He said he's taking in the traditions of graduation day knowing how long it took him to get here. "All the stress, the hard work, and the pride of being here in general today, I'm just very proud of myself and happy to be here", said Sajjad.


Although the days were taxing, he said it was worth and encourages others to do the same. "Overall the exposure in general in rotations, I think it was a great program overall and I would definitely recommend it to others who may be looking in the pharmacy field", said Sajjad.

Meantime, the afternoon ceremony was reserved for students graduating from the medical schools in Erie, Seton Hill and Elmira.


PA State Senator Dan Laughlin received an honorary degree as well.

Students at their Florida campus will receive their degrees next Sunday.