Celebrating Future Healthcare Professionals at Spring Commencement
On June 16 at The Smith Center, 143 students from Touro University Nevada College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) proudly walked across the stage, accepting their degree as a final celebration upon completion of their program.
The spring commencement ceremony celebrated the graduation of 7 physician assistant students, 73 nursing students, 32 occupational therapy students, and 31 physical therapy students.
“I am honored to celebrate the next step for these students who have worked for years to now be able to go into our community and serve as leaders in their respective healthcare services,” said Dr. Andrew Priest, Campus Provost & Chief Academic Officer.
Nathan Viloria, a graduating student from the School of Physical Therapy, returned to school embarking ons a new career field that swapped his chef whites for a white coat. With a love for sweets and a dream of being Willy Wonka, Nathan went to culinary school that landed him a pastry chef position on the Strip at Bouchon at the Venetian and Bazaar Meat at Sahara. Seeing his mentor endure the physical toll of working in a demanding kitchen then return stronger than ever after undergoing physical therapy planted the seed that inspired him to apply to Touro Nevada’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
"I'm thankful that I got to this point and I'm able to put a smile on people's faces, just in a different way now, not through food, but empowering them to be able to change their health," shared Viloria.
Abigial LaVerdue came to Touro Nevada by way of Portland, Oregon to earn her Doctor of Occupational Therapy also looking to support individuals’ healthcare challenges, especially after witnessing how mobility can really impact quality of life. Her father was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused his spine to fuse together, which causes him significant mobility challenges. She finds that occupational therapy allows her to be creative with her treatments and spend additional time with her future patients.
“I have always taken advocacy and education seriously. This is my world. This is what I live and breathe every day,” shared Malarie Holcomb, earning her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Maine and relocating to Las Vegas in 2020, she has been working in inpatient care with her new degree. She wants to focus on outpatient care, particularly working with women’s health. She sees her role as a crucial part of patient care while collaborating with doctors to ensure women are properly heard and receive the best care.
Touro Nevada is proud to support these graduates as they channel their diverse backgrounds into impactful careers that enhance the health and well-being of those they serve.
