On April 18, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of its Spring 2025 graduating class. Forty graduates received diplomas in chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and biomedical sciences.
Mike Whitmer, RPLU, MHP delivered the commencement keynote address. Dr. Whitmer served as a Professional Relations Representative for NCMIC since 2001 where he oversaw NCMIC’s corporate involvement in the chiropractic medicine and naturopathic medicine professions.
In his address, Dr. Whitmer encourages students to “remember your patients” as a guiding principle when decisions are not easy and the right choice isn’t immediately clear.
“As you advance in your career, the choices you make will continue to impact your path. The choices you make will not only impact you, they will also impact your patients, your communities and your professions,” Dr. Whitmer said.
Valedictorians of the acupuncture, Oriental medicine, chiropractic medicine and naturopathic medicine programs shared their words, memories and insights.
Kevin J. Curtin, valedictorian for the Master of Science in Acupuncture class, reminisced on his educational journey and thanked those who were there to support every moment of it. He encouraged his fellow graduates to take advantage of every opportunity afforded, even if it seems daunting. “I am certain you will all do wonderful things for your future patients. Not only through your expert knowledge in your chosen fields, but through compassion, kindness and an overwhelming desire to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Diana Masteller, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine valedictorian, used a motivational quote that she grew up reciting to congratulate her fellow graduates and encourage them to always work hard. “You only get out of life what you put into it. After several years at NUHS, I can confidently say that we have all put everything we have had into this journey. As we reflect on how much time, effort and energy we have put into our studies, I am eager for us to start getting out what we are putting in.”
Christine Geberbauer, valedictorian for the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine class, notes that while this degree was one of the most difficult things she’s accomplished, it was also the most satisfying knowing that she can go into the world and help people. “Alternative medicine worked for me, and I know it’s going to work for so many others.”
Ryan Thomas, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine valedictorian, shares that he and his fellow graduates are redefining health through complementary and alternative medicine. “I look out in this room, and I see something powerful: a gathering of doctors of the future. Each of us is stepping into a world that needs change. The way people view medicine is shifting, and we will be the ones to bridge that change.”
In his concluding remarks, NUHS President Joseph P.D. Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC, left the graduates with a piece of advice, “All decisions have consequences. Pick your point on the horizon and go towards it.”
On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of National University of Health Sciences, congratulations to the Spring 2025 graduating class!
GRADUATE OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM
Mayleen Lemings…………………………………………Michigan
GRADUATE OF THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM
Kevin J. Curtin…………………………………………………………..Illinois
GRADUATE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OREINTAL MEDICINE PROGRAM
Christine Geberbauer…………………………………………..Illinois
Mikel Marshall……………………………………………………………Ohio
GRADUATES OF THE CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE PROGRAM
Chris Aponte………………………………………………………….Texas
Irene Bakis…………………………………………………………………Illinois
Vincent Joseph Brannigan…………………………………………………..Illinois
Kevin Hoi Man Cheung…………………………………………….Hong Kong
Courtney Nicole Chrisco………………………………………….North Carolina
Reem T. Hindi……………………………………………………..Saudi Arabia
Austin J. Holder ………………………………………………………Illinois
Kiley Bernadette Kelly……………………………………………..Illinois
Annie Rose Kosiek …………………………………………………..Illinois
Dominic S. LaSpisa………………………………………………….Illinois
Diana Rose Masteller …………………………………..Pennsylvania
Tracy Rakelle McBride ………………………………………..Louisiana
William McKee………………………………………………………Indiana
Aurora McManus…………………………………………………….Illinois
Gina Maria Monnot………………………………………………….. Ohio
Amanda Rigdon…………………………………………………. California
Sofia Romanou………………………………………………….. Michigan
Nico Rottke …………………………………………………… Germany
Jasmine Scott………………………………………………………….Florida
Brycen Valiga……………………………………………………..Wisconsin
Tyler Anthony Wolff…………………………………………………. Ohio
Christian James Womeldorph …………………………………………Florida
Connor Zak………………………………………………………..New York
GRADUATES OF THE NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE PROGRAM
Auh’Yanna Monaé Crusoe ………………………………………………….
Samantha Graziano………………………………………………….Illinois
Kyle Edwin Ichiro Kawamoto ………………………………….Canada
Robert Max Levingston ………………………………………….Arizona
Diamante Scarlett McKay…………………………………Connecticut
Joseph Nemec……………………………………………………….Illinois
Daniel Mark Nyman…………………………………………………..Utah
Ginger Satterfield Scally………………………………………….Florida
Ryan Thomas………………………………………………………..Indiana
Joao Trabulci ………………………………………………………….Florida
Eduardo A.Villacorta……………………………………..Massachusetts
