Ann Stroink,  a board-certified neurosurgeon, presented the 2010 Commencement address.  Stroink used her extensive medical training to bring the concept of “lifelong learning” to graduates. Originally, she said, the brain was considered a fixed organ, without the ability to change and grow, but medical science has learned the brain can continue to explore and adapt throughout a human’s life. In her speech titled “Cerebral Plasticity: Lifelong Learning,” Stroink used the very real example of a patient with a tumor relearning to speak in order to show the incredible plasticity of the brain and how a person can learn throughout a lifetime.

“Illinois Wesleyan is your partner for life, and with that partner you will learn what lifelong learning is all about,” she said. “That’s the thrill of learning.”

You can hear the audio of Ann’s introduction by President Wilson and her speech if you click here.