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.
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.