Muskingum News

Muskingum University held its undergraduate commencement exercises on May 11, featuring an address by 1975 alumnus Dr. Wiley W. Souba. The baccalaureate address was delivered by 1958 alumnus Dr. Myron E. Moorehead II.  Bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of science in nursing degrees were conferred.

Dr. Souba serves Dartmouth College as vice president for health affairs, dean of the Geisel School of Medicine, professor of surgery and professor of business administration in the Tuck School of Business. His was previously vice president and executive dean for Health Sciences and dean of the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University; chair of the Department of Surgery at Penn State University College of Medicine, surgeon-in-chief at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and director of the Penn State Hershey Center for Leadership Development; chief of surgical oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and a faculty member of the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America for surgical oncology, Dr. Souba’s scientific research on amino acid metabolism in relation to intestinal cancer is funded by the National Institutes of Health. A prolific author of peer-reviewed journal articles and co-editor of the Journal of Surgical Research, he is active in multiple professional societies and serves on the administrative board of the Association of American Medical Colleges.  He is a frequent lecturer and workshop presenter on health care leadership and leadership development. 

Dr. Souba graduated summa cum laude from Muskingum with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, a doctor of science degree in Nutritional Biochemistry at the Harvard School of Public Health and a master of business administration degree from the Boston University College of Business. He served a residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and fellowships at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA), and surgical oncology at MD Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute (Houston, TX).

He is a native of Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the New Jersey area as a teenager. He and his wife, Lynne Hayes Souba, reside in Hanover, NH, and are the parents of a son and a daughter.

In his commencement address, Dr. Souba referred to what he coined “The Muskingum Multiplier,” or the high value of a Muskingum education coupled with the students’ own sense of commitment and personal dedication. “Today,” he said, “you go out into the world as our new leaders. Be bold, be confident and don’t be afraid to set the bar high.  Your actions are the best definition of your true self.” 

In recognition of his achievements, the university bestowed upon Dr. Souba the honorary degree of doctor of science.

In her remarks to the graduating class, Muskingum University President Dr. Anne C. Steele said, “Today is your day. You have worked hard and with distinction. Your Muskingum education is a cornerstone of your life, and it will continue to serve you and shape your future.”

Taylor W. Arnold ’13 represented the class of 2013. The charge to the class from the faculty was presented by Associate Professor of Business Gary Golden and the charge from the Board of Trustees was presented by alumnus and Board Chair Harold W. Burlingame.

The baccalaureate service was held at 10:00 a.m. In his address, Dr. Moorehead said “You are prepared to flourish and do your part. Remember that you must first serve before you can lead. Allow yourself to take a chance so you can make a change.” 

In recognition of his lifetime of work, Dr. Moorehead was granted an honorary doctor of science degree. 

Dr. Myron Moorehead is a private practice physician specializing in gynecology and laser micro surgery, and the founder and director of the Women’s Laser Institute and the Fibroid Center. He has pioneered laser treatment of fibroids for gynecological and infertility problems, providing women throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area with alternatives to hysterectomy.

An active community leader, Dr. Moorehead was elected in 1999 to serve as King Zulu, representing Mardi Gras’ largest predominantly African-American carnival krewe established in 1909. He took an historic step forward to create a new Mardi Gras tradition, becoming the first King Zulu to formally meet with Rex, the King of Carnival representing the predominantly-white krewe founded in 1872. Their meeting took place 50 years after Louis Armstrong reigned as King Zulu in 1949, and 31 years after the Zulu krewe first appeared on the city’s main parade route in 1968. Since Dr. Moorehead launched the tradition, the formal meeting of krewe Kings has endured as an annual rite of “Lundi Gras” (Fat Monday).

Dr. Moorehead is dedicated to furthering education, human services, civic development, and the arts. He has served as chairman of the board of Xavier University of Louisiana and of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, and as a board member of Covenant House of New Orleans, the Audubon Institute, Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Contemporary Arts Center, Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. He has helped shape Muskingum’s future through his service on the University Board of Trustees.  

A biology major at Muskingum, Dr. Moorehead earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN.  He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, D.C. and served in the United States Air Force. He is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a leader in multiple professional societies. He and his wife, Patricia, reside in Kenner, Louisiana, and are the parents of three children. 

Itunu D. Dacosta ’13 read the scripture lesson for baccalaureate and Kara M. Kimes ’13 led the Collect.