LEBANON — Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-NW) held its fifth commencement ceremony on Friday morning, sending 104 newly minted doctors into the world.

The occasion was marked by the presence of the only two women who have served as Oregon governors, Barbara K. Roberts — the state’s 34th governor — and current Governor Kate Brown.

“This morning represents a truly historic moment, as we are honored by having the only two female governors of the state of Oregon on our stage together today,” said COMP Dean Paula Crone. “In fact, this may be the first time this has occurred on any university commencement stage across the country. Both of these women have served as role models and as examples to many of us. Their influence and their impact are far-reaching.”

Both Roberts and Brown were granted honorary degrees during the ceremony and both then addressed the faculty, students, family members and civic leaders who had assembled for the occasion.

Brown noted her connection to this year’s graduating class as her niece, Meagan Kristine Smith, is a member of the class of 2019 and will be serving her residency in family medicine at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash.

“This is a place where through a co-mixture of caffeine, adrenaline and perspiration you are transformed from a regular person into a doctor of osteopathic medicine,” Brown said.

She encouraged graduates to believe they can make a difference in the world, pointing to former Oregon State Sen. Alan Bates of Medford as an example.