In a packed auditorium, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of its Summer 2024 graduates at the August 16 commencement ceremony. Graduates received diplomas in chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, advanced clinical practice and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Jeffrey Miller served as NUHS’ commencement speaker.

 

Jeffrey Miller, DC, DABCO, MBA, FIAMA served as the commencement speaker. Dr. Miller is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, and a practicing chiropractic physician and chiropractic acupuncturist in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The Missouri Orthopaedic Institute (MOI).

Dr. Miller’s address encouraged graduates to honor gratitude and not to forget the people who have helped them succeed thus far in their lives and careers.

“Take action to show appreciation and gratitude in all who have helped you,” he said, “don’t confine your energy or your talents to within the four walls of your office, or your practice,”

“In life and in your careers, you have to find a way to forgive and be grateful for your mistakes, failures and setbacks. Sometimes that means forgiving yourself, because there is a gift or opportunity in every failure,” Dr. Miller said.

Valedictorians of the biomedical sciences, Oriental medicine, chiropractic and naturopathic programs shared their words of encouragement.

Kayla Baggs, valedictorian of the bachelor of science in biomedical sciences program reminded her fellow graduates that, “The knowledge we have gained here empowers us not only to advance the boundaries of science, but to also improve the lives of countless individuals around the world.”

“Let us step into the future with confidence, courage, and the commitment to making a difference…this is merely the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Whatever comes from the heart, touches the heart,” she said.

Monique Carter, valedictorian of the Oriental medicine program thanked friends, family, faculty and clinicians for their unwavering understanding and support during her journey at NUHS.

Ashley Hoolahan-Rice, valedictorian of the chiropractic medicine program reminded her classmates to, “Take a moment and know that you belong in this field, no matter who you are, because you just completed a very rigorous program. And you’ll empower others in their own lives because of it,” she said. “Be proud of yourself, trust in your talents, and know that you’re capable of changing lives.”

Kimberly Reid, valedictorian of the naturopathic medicine program said, “We have a unique opportunity to profoundly impact our patients lives by offering a path to wellness that is both natural and effective.” She continued, “The future of health care is integrative, and we are at the forefront of this movement.”

In his concluding remarks, Joseph P.D. Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC and President of NUHS reminded graduates, “You, in fact, are a recognition of what we all do here. We recognize the expertise, and we applaud its embodiment.”

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Ala Abufeelat

Nancy Arroyo

Kayla Baggs

Jaime Calderonu

Haakon Fiedler

Brenna Johnson

Claire Aleece Mulder

 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE

Brendaria Brinson

Raquia Burwell

Ashley Dumas

Sara Griffin

Aermon Jerome Theodore-Lee

 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACUPUNCTURE

Elizabeth Francis

Reis O. Morgan

 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Monique Carter

MaryBeth Stehlik

 

DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM

Anais K. Jackson-González

Marcella Louisa Jones

Mary Alice Keator

 

CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE PROGRAM

Raymond Chao

Andrew D’Ablaing

Zachary J. Greenberg

Ashley Hoolahan-Rice

Alexander Jimenez

Kurt T. Kuchenbrod Jr.

Scott Lyman

Aleisha Marie Mondina

Susan Sophia Rouse

Andrea Bereniz Salinas Aguilar

Harshang Sheth

Jeremiah Smith

Ryan M. Welage

Alexandra Lynn Zagorski

 

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Shemikah Allyne Colleton

Maame-Mensima Horne

Kimberly Reid

Tia Ashar Williams