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Birx encourages Houghton grads to 'stay true to your moral self'

Dr. Deborah Birx took a break from her duties as coronavirus response coordinator for the Trump administration to give a virtual commencement address to graduates of Houghton College Saturday.

Dr. Birx delivers virtual commencement address to Houghton graduates
Credit Video provided by Houghton College
Dr. Birx delivers virtual commencement address to Houghton graduates

She's a 1976 graduate of Houghton.

Birx described her own experience of earning a degree in chemistry and then deciding later to pursue a career in medicine.

"That's what it really takes sometimes —to be open to opportunities, even if it seems like a deviation from your primary path," Birx said.

Birx has become a household name since the outbreak of coronavirus. Her remarks were pre-recorded.

She urged each of the Houghton graduates to "stay true to your moral self."

Birx acknowledged the "difficult times," but said the graduates are arriving at a moment where they can use their talents to help America move forward.

Copyright 2020 WBFO

Mark has been at WBFO since 1981, serving as News Director from 1981 through 1986 and 1992 to 2010. He's a 1977 graduate of Saint Bonaventure University, where he received a BA in Journalism. He served as News Director and Station Manager of the campus station, WSBU. After graduation, Mark was hired as News Director of WMNS Radio in Olean.