On May 19, 2024, University Professor Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the New York Institute of Technology. As an honored guest of the 63rd commencement ceremony, Laurencin was also a guest speaker at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. William Blazey, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs announced Dr. Cato T. Laurencin as the keynote speaker, highlighting Laurencin’s achievements. As keynote speaker, Laurencin gave a heartwarming speech for graduates to honor the people in their lives and thank them on raising them so well. Sharing his advice; enjoy yourselves and to remember every day is a gift.
“Dr. Laurencin is an awarded orthopedic surgeon, a pioneer in the field of regenerative engineering, and an expert in biomaterial science, stem cell technology, biophysics, and nanotechnology.” NYIT President Hank Foley said, describing Laurencin’s background and achievements.
“It’s been… a supreme privilege for me to address you. I want to congratulate you today, and I wish you the best for your lives. Thank you, New York Institute of Technology Class of 2024. Now, go on and impact the world.” Laurencin says, as a closing congratulations of his keynote speech.
Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. is the University Professor at the University of Connecticut (one of only two at the school). He is the Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UConn. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, an Institute created in his honor.
Dr. Laurencin earned his B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, his M.D., Magna Cum Laude, from the Harvard Medical School, and earned his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology He completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at Harvard, where he was named Chief Resident at the Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School. A specialist in shoulder surgery and sports medicine, he completed fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Dr. Laurencin has been named to America’s Top Doctors for 20 years and has been named a Connecticut Top Doctor and a Connecticut Healthcare Hero by Connecticut Magazine.
In orthopaedic surgery, he is the first to receive the Nicolas Andry Award from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons, the Kappa Delta Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons the Marshall Urist Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society, and the American Orthopaedic Association AOA Distinguished Contributions to Orthopaedics Award, with induction into the AOA Awards Hall of Fame.
Dr. Laurencin is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and an elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He is the first surgeon in history elected to all four national academies in the U.S.
