Summer 2001

Better late than never

Highly acclaimed surgeon receives his 1953 degree

On Saturday, May 19, at Loyola's 90^th spring university commencement, anticipation and excitement were high, of course. But few graduates and their families' joy matched that of Dr. Emilio Echevarria, 70. Technically, Echevarria's celebration is 48 years late but this has not hampered his enthusiasm. During the 9 a.m. ceremony, the retired surgeon received his 1953 bachelors of science degree.

Echevarria graduation day had significant meaning. It's true he did not accept the newly acquired degree and start dreaming of the doors it would open, the opportunities it would create, and future it could ensure. Instead of a beginning, after years of professional and civil accolades, Echevarria's bachelor's degree marks the close of a chapter.

"I'm very pleased that I now can add an B.S. from Loyola to my C.V."

In coming back to Loyola to receive his degree Echevarria's life has come full circle. When the affable physician left the university in 1952, he expected to receive his diploma through the pre-medical combined degree program once he completed his first year of medical school. Unfortunately, the University of Miami School of Medicine, Echevarria's choice for medical school, was not technically accredited until its first class graduated. Echevarria was in that first class. Because of Miami's missing accreditation, Loyola's dean of the College of Arts at Loyola at the time refused to grant the doctor a degree. This was a great disappointment to Echevarria, and he has always regretted not having the Loyola diploma. Recently, Frank Scully, Ph.D., the current dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, determined that Echevarria satisfied the requirements for a bachelor's degree. Although it's a little late to hang with other credentials that once adorned his office wall, Echevarria said the document will find a home in his home.

"This has been 48 years in coming and I have always felt a little unfulfilled," Echevarria recounts. "I think I'll savor it for a while."