CHHS students gather for a group photo during graduation, celebrating the occasion with a traditional cap toss.

College of Health and Human Services Class of 2022 Honored During Spring Commencement

Jul 28, 2022

Touro University Nevada celebrated nearly 150 new graduates from the College of Health and Human Services during Spring Commencement at the new Dollar Loan Center in Henderson.

Students from the Schools of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Education officially became the newest Touro alumni/ae with their friends and family in attendance to celebrate.

“Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and early mornings as you worked tirelessly to earn your degree,” said Dr. Andrew Priest, Campus President and Provost of Touro University Nevada. “I am proud of our graduates for their continuous dedication to honing their craft. Our world will be a better place because of them.”

Peace Moenga, a graduate from the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Program, shared a message derived her from native Kenya, about the importance of seeing everything through before becoming content. The saying was called, ‘the pot breaks at the door.’

“You’ve prepared for this and have done so when our world was facing a pandemic,” she told the audience. “You’ve shown that you are equal to the task, so don’t loosen your pot until it is safely on the floor.”

During the ceremony, Touro presented an honorary Doctorate of Education to Jay Chapin, whose wife Michelle, an Ed.D. student in the School of Education, passed away from COVID-19. Michelle Chapin was extraordinarily dedicated to her students as a special education teacher at Leavitt Middle School in Las Vegas. She also was deeply committed to furthering her education, having completed three Master’s degrees and was close to finishing her doctorate degree at Touro.

Isaac Lee, a student speaker from the School of Occupational Therapy, focused on the importance of smiling when he spoke to the audience.

“Each and every one of us has been through a lot, and if you find yourself questioning, wondering, or wavering about future challenges, remember today and carry your smile with you. Tap into this moment and these memories. Make this day a forever golden memory,” he said. “That, along with a genuine smile, is a winning combination. When life seems uncertain and challenges come your way, just smile.”