Congratulations Newest Alumni of Touro University California!
TUC Graduates the Class of 2018 from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Education and Health Sciences, and COM Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences.
Families watched loved ones take to the stage in caps and gowns at Zellerbach Theater in Berkeley, CA, May 22nd and 23rd for the 18th commencement of Touro University California (TUC). This year saw the conferral of 551 degrees to 470 students, all fully prepared to embrace promising futures as medical care providers, educators, and practitioners of public health.
Three ceremonies were held over two days, representing the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM), the College of Education and Health Sciences, and the College of Pharmacy. And in a commencement of their own, the COM Master’s of Science in Medical Health Science class of 2018 celebrated at home on Mare Island in TUC’s Lander Auditorium.
Attendees listened to remarks from Ms. Constance Kadish, wife of Touro College and University System president, Dr. Alan Kadish, and other distinguished guests. Guest speakers at the ceremonies included Robert Hendren, DO, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at UCSF, and Liz Helms, President and CEO of the California Chronic Care Coalition. Dr. Michael Stacey, Director of Medical Services at Solano County Medical Services, commissioned those entering the armed services.
“It is my sincerest wish for each and every one of our graduates that you do well, and you will, and as you do well, that you also do good,” stressed Shelley Berkley, CEO and Senior Provost of the Touro Western Division, to the new graduates.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer Sarah Sweitzer presided over her first commencement at TUC. Dr. Sweitzer asked that as the graduates leave the university they remember how TUC’s mission will carry forward into their lives, entrusting that, “every graduate will use this experience to live a life of great impact while continually upholding these values: respect for the inherent value and dignity of each individual, acceptance and appreciation of diversity, and compassion and service to society.”
The inaugural Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort also became the first at the university to achieve the highest level of education in advanced nursing practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice combines advanced practice nursing skills and knowledge of evidence-based research and practice to enable working nurses to become both leaders in their field efficient and effective practitioners.
Student speakers included Brendan Leach for the College of Osteopathic Medicine; Erin Payton for the Graduate School of Education; Kara Lugtu of the Public Health Program; Sagar Rana of the Joint Physician Assistant/Public Health Program; Andrew Lloyd-Flynn of the School of Nursing; and Golnoush Golshan of the College of Pharmacy.
