Diplomas awarded at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Graduates endure strong winds Friday during The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus commencement. More than 500 received diplomas in medicine, pharmaceuticals, nursing and dentistry. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

Becky Burk had to introduce herself twice Friday morning. "I'm Becky Burk," she said, smiling. "Actually, it's Dr. Becky Burk."

Burk was one of more than 500 University of Colorado health professionals to receive their diplomas Friday at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Graduates and faculty were forced to hold onto their hats and tassels as gusty winds blew through the Boettcher Commons. But the blustery morning did not stop the sun from shining on the smiling faces of doctors, dentists and nurses eager to take the next step.

This class was the first to spend all four years at the Aurora campus.

University of Colorado president Bruce Benson wished graduates good luck before each school was recognized.

"Stay focused on what is important, and finish what you start," Benson said. "People want leaders. So if you see a void, fill it."

Elated parents, family members and friends smiled as they watched the graduates stand up for recognition.

The Class of 2012 included 141 students from the School of Medicine, 176 students from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, 156 students from the College of Nursing and 67 students from the School of Dental Medicine.

Each school recognized each graduate during smaller ceremonies later Friday morning.

After the large ceremony, graduates walked to their families, where they were welcomed with hugs, smiles and plenty of waiting cameras.

Burk joined her family near the back of the commons.

There, she hugged her parents and posed for a photo with her new husband. The two got married three weeks ago. They leave today for their honeymoon in Germany and France.

Burk, originally from Philadelphia, will continue on with her internship and residency at the University of Colorado Hospital.

"It's exciting," Burk said. "I'm excited to move on and take those next steps."

Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com

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