National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) honored 76 graduates at its commencement ceremony on August 16 at the Student Center on the Lombard, Ill., campus. The class included graduates in the Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Masters in Oriental Medicine, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Massage Therapy Certificate and Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice programs.

The ceremony featured guest speaker Mona Morstein, ND, a nationally recognized diabetes expert practicing in her own clinic, Arizona Integrative Medical Solutions, in Tempe, Ariz. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) presented her with its President’s Award in 2012, honoring her comprehensive work for the naturopathic profession. She shared some of the lessons she’s learned throughout her career. “Embrace your life and new career with gusto,” she encouraged the graduates. “Take the time to be diligent and adjust to be flexible,” she suggested, adding, “Show up in your practice with a desire to be kind but strong.”

Dr. Morstein also advised the graduates to “know what to let in and what to let go.” She said, “Be expansive, but use your filter. It’s one of your most vital tools.” Finally, she reminded them to be humble and acknowledge their mistakes in order to be better practitioners.

Inspiring valedictory addresses were delivered by Michelle Peterson, Massage Therapy; Kristen Lee Goin, Bachelor of Science; Ross Revella, Chiropractic Medicine; and Sarah Wong, Naturopathic Medicine.

In his closing remarks, President Joseph Stiefel encouraged graduates to recognized what they’ve achieved.

During the ceremony, the Joseph Janse Outstanding Graduate Award was presented to Doctor of Chiropractic program graduate Michael Abenoja by Daniel Strauss, DC, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Florida site.

Congratulations and best wishes for a bright future to our new graduates!

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Sagar Bhatt – Summa Cum Laude

Douglas Cavazos – Magna Cum Laude

Kristen Lee Goin –  Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude

Tracy O’Donnell

Patricia Russell

Zainab Saad

Argenis Sanchez

Parth Sharma

Tanier Taylor – Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE

Amanda Bose

MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM

Henry Jackson-González

Erin Mikula

Michelle Peterson – Valedictorian

Jennifer Reyes

Holly Twardowski – Salutatorian

Rebekah Whitmarsh

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Jae Hong Choi

Anita Hollins

Bianca Iberle – Summa Cum Laude

Marcella Jones

Krista Mancini – Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude

Jordan Van Tress – Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude

DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC 

Michael Abenoja

Adetokunbo Adeyefa

John Aikenhead

Jacob Aleck

Kyle Bastean

Omar Bleibel

Matthew Broad

Dia Carter

Jeremy DeMaria – Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude

Alexandros Georgiou

Georgia Georgiou

Peyton Habenicht

Brenden Hales

Brett Allen Herman

Bianca Iberle

David Jolly

Vladlen Klipinitser

Thomas Klopcic

Tanner Magee

Alan Molina

Katie Niebur

Amanda Oberc

Dino O’Mara

Alicia Orbea

Sydney Nicole Palmer

Shelby Preston

Ross Revella – Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude

Yessica Rosales

Daniel Rubin

Philip A. Ryan IV

Jennifer Saboy

Anna Shelest

Michael Skryd

Joshua Soto

Carrie Tomlinson

DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Jennifer Buchner

Ashley D’Adam

Jane Drobin

Christine Emerson – Salutatorian

Anika Farhan

Jocelyn Faydenko

Molly Harmon

Kelsie Lazzell

Samantha Lites

Andrea Montagner

Allison Musso

Nnenna Ojukwu

Angela Phillips

Marzena Rafalo

Evelyn Vega Carmona

Jason Winkelmann

Sarah Wong – Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude