On May 07, 2011, The 18th US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin presided as the Commencement Speaker during the 2011 University of North Carolina (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health Commencement Exercise held at Carmichael arena at UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

UNC Gilling’s School of Global Public Health was established in 1939 as the first public health school within the state university. It ranked number one school of public health by US News and World Report in 2011. Its mission “is to improve public health, promote individual well-being, and eliminate health disparities across North Carolina and around the world.”

VADM Benjamin delivered her keynote address to 250 graduate candidates with their 1500 guests. Special invitations went to local Corps officers from Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Butner, National Institute of Environmental Health (NIEH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ft. Bragg, NC to support and to hear the US Surgeon General’s commencement message.

The event opened with the arrival of the official party and candidates for the graduation. The Surgeon General’s own Choral Ensemble sang the national anthem and the Honor Guard presented the national colors, both from Butner. After presentation of school awards, the US Surgeon General was introduced by the co-president of the student government James Thonthat.

The US Surgeon General recounted her personal trials and triumphs while serving the underserved in the gulf coast of Alabama as the founder of the medical clinic for uninsured residents. Further, she shared her commitment and resolve by rebuilding the same medical clinic after it was destroyed by Hurricanes George and Katrina, and devastated by a fire.

At the conclusion of the Surgeon General’s awe-inspiring speech, the audience reciprocated with a standing ovation. The Surgeon General personally congratulated each of the graduates as they walk across the stage. VADM Benjamin's final official duty that day was to meet and greet North Carolina (NC) Commissioned Officers’ Association (COA) leaders and local Corps officers. NIEH Director of Toxicology RADM William Stokes was in attendance along with more than 30 Corps officers from FCC Butner, NIH/EPA from Research Triangle Park, and Ft. Bragg, NC.

The NC COA leaders and members provided ground support, Aide de Camp, police escorts, and a performance by the FCC Butner PHS Music/Honor Ensemble. This successful mission was accomplished by the leading efforts of NC COA executive leadership in cooperation with the Raleigh Durham airport authority, local law enforcement including state, county, and UNC police, the FCC Butner Choir Ensemble/ Honor Guard, and UNC School of Public Health officials.

Bravo Zulu!