Celebrating Future PAs, Nurses, and Educators at Winter Commencement
On November 3, 124 students from Touro University Nevada College of Health & Human Services proudly walked across the stage where they accepted their degree as a final celebration upon completion of their program. The winter commencement ceremony celebrated the graduation of 84 physician assistant students, 42 nursing students, and 17 education students.
“Today is a special day for graduates, families, friends, and members of the university,” said Dr. Robert Frampton, Dean of the College of Health & Human Services. “For graduates, it is the culmination of their hard work and effort in the realization of a goal. For the families and friends, it is a shared experience of pride and accomplishment as they have been ever present supporting their loved one in reaching this milestone. For faculty and staff it is a powerful reminder of the contributions we make to our professions by training the next generation of health care professionals. We are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate with these graduates.”
Earning her Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Gabriella Schultz was selected as the student speaker for the ceremony. She spoke about celebrating a dream nine years in the making. Over a cup of coffee, she realized that the woman sitting across from her would become both her mentor and the inspiration behind her decision to become a physician assistant. The versality of profession spoke to her and Touro University Nevada stood out to her for having access to learn in the simulation center where she was part of team to get the center its full accreditation status. When visualizing her future, she never believed she would want to go into surgery, but after three rotations in surgery she found her passion and now she has her aspirations set on a career in neurosurgery or orthopedic spine surgery.
“My mom had a complex spine surgery, and that is part of the reason that brought me on the path to medicine,” Schultz shared. “I am able to be there with patients through complex surgical recoveries, not only as a provide but as somebody who’s been through that with a close family member.”
Among the graduates was Lyle Larson, earning his RN-BSN degree. He said this was a natural next step since he was working as a firefighter and EMS beforehand. He’s excited about this new career path that allows him to still work and pursue a higher education at the same time. Sharing about his future, he wants to continue to be a leader in the nursing ecosphere in Nevada and be more involved in rural and frontier medicine. His time at Touro University Nevada was especially meaningful because the faculty’s genuine engagement made him feel recognized, valued, and personally supported.
For Dr. Michelle Novotny shared that the faculty and administration at Touro helped her fulfill her dream of completing her doctorate in education. “My journey through the doctoral program at Touro was not an easy one. I lost my husband and sister along the way and navigated widowhood while raising two young boys. Yet, through every challenge, the faculty and administrators at Touro believed in me and never let me give up. I deeply valued learning skills that I could apply directly to my career in higher education and engaging with peers from diverse educational backgrounds, which broadened my perspective and strengthened my practice. As both a Touro graduate and employee, I am proud to continue contributing to an institution whose mission and values have had such a profound impact on my life and career,” she expressed.
“I'm delighted to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and to recognize all of those who have supported their goals and believed in their dreams every step of the way,” concluded Dr. Patricia Salkin, Provost & Chief Academic Officer. “Touro University Nevada programs endeavor to continually enhance the standards of excellence at our University and to provide truly innovative and inspiring educational environment where we train collaborative community minded clinicians and educators to be leaders in whatever area they choose.”
