CSM MLT Coordinator Tiffany Gill to Serve as Commencement Speaker at Immaculata University
Tiffany Gill has attended many commencements at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in her role as CSM’s Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program coordinator, looking on proudly as her students accept their degrees or certificates and head off to begin professional lives as medical laboratorians.
But on May 12 when CSM celebrates it candidates for graduation during its 64th Spring Commencement, Gill will be on a different stage performing a different role. She will be serving as the commencement speaker for the graduate program ceremonies at her alma mater, Immaculata University.
“It’s really exciting that I was considered,” said Gill, who graduated from the university in 2004 with a bachelors in biology and chemistry. “I love the institution and feel I was meant to be there.”
Immaculata University, a Catholic academic community founded and sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary more than 100 years ago, recently established a College of Nursing and Health Professions that will launch this fall. The school reached out to Gill because she has become a champion and ambassador for the health care field; she was also featured in the winter 2023 issue of the university's alumni magazine.
“Commencement is a very special day for our graduates, and we are so pleased to recognize their hard work and accomplishments,” shared Immaculata President Barbara Lettiere. “We wish them well as they begin their careers or go on to further studies. It is a proud day for the graduates, their family and friends and all of us at Immaculata University.”
Gill’s YouTube channel, Medical Lab Lady Gill, has more than 31,000 subscribers and features lab demonstration videos that are used for studying and virtual learning by students and professionals from all educational levels. Gill also created the “Cell Bowl,” a virtual NFL-style hematology competition where MLT and MLS college students must correctly identify up to 30 hematology cells in one minute using an app. She was recently recognized by the American Society for Clinical Pathology as a Top Five “40 Under Forty” honoree.
Despite her impressive list of achievements, Gill said that during her commencement address, she plans to focus on those times and events that challenged her most.
“I’m going to be talking about the importance of one’s support system, including faith and how God guides us in our purpose,” Gill said. “People see your shining moments, but they never see the struggles you had to make it through, the support you required, or the faith you needed. I want graduates to know that everyone has struggles and needs support.”
In addition to serving as the speaker, Gill will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Immaculata University in recognition of her contributions to the community and the profession.