The following is excerpted from a speech given by Denise Harbaugh at the dedication ceremony of the Argires Science Complex:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the administration, faculty, and staff of Millersville University for the tremendous support and guidance they have given me and the other students of this university. As a graduating senior in high school, I had to make the biggest decision I had been faced with at that point in my life: where to find a college which would give me not only the education but the motivation and means to obtain my career goal, acceptance at one of the top medical schools in the nation in four years or less. As valedictorian of Red Lion High School, I had many options including Ivy League, private colleges, and state universities. I chose Millersville University and as a member of this year’s graduating class, I can assure you, I made the best decision of my life.

My choice was made the day I toured this beautiful science complex we are dedicating today. The facility was top-notch and filled with the necessary equipment to perform independent research. I had visited other schools, toured other facilities, and here at Millersville found not only the essential tools but a feeling of intimacy with my surroundings. When my peers from other schools question me as to my experience at Millersville, one overwhelming thought dominates my reply. At Millersville, I was treated as an individual, instructed personally by some of the finest professors in the nation, and was given every opportunity to succeed.

Millersville University, its staff, faculty, and facilities, prepared me to apply to medical schools across the nation, the first step being the completion of the dreaded MCATs. Unlike many of my competitors, I did not take an outside preparatory course before the test. I entered into the battle armed with information and knowledge acquired here at Millersville University. Needless to say, I was more than prepared; my scores were more than sufficient to allow me to apply to any medical school I chose. During the interview process, I was invited to five schools, three of which I chose to interview with. All three of these schools accepted me, and I have chosen to matriculate at The Penn State University College of Medicine.

I sincerely appreciate and give thanks, on the behalf of myself and all of the students in the School of Science and Mathematics, to everyone here at Millersville University and, in closing, give special thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Argires for their generosity.

I will always recommend Millersville University to any student who wishes to pursue a career in the sciences. The combination of superior facilities, talented and dedicated professors, and personal attention means the Millersville University School of Science and Mathematics is “the best of the best.”