In a commencement ceremony Friday, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) celebrated graduates in its chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, clinical practice and biomedical science programs. 

NUHS alum Matthew Kowalski, DC, ‘90, an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, served as commencement speaker and offered students many pearls of wisdom as they embark on a new chapter in their health care journeys. He talked about today’s health care landscape and how new technological advancements like artificial intelligence could possibly replace some health care workers, but never the physicians and practitioners in integrative care. 

“We all need touch…therapeutic touch comforts both the giver and the recipient. Touch cannot be replaced by medical technology,” he said. 

Dr. Kowalski also shared some advice for graduates. He recommended clearly defining what success means to them, mapping out future goals with a timeline, asking for guidance and giving back by becoming a mentor. 

“Look in the mirror and smile back,” he said. “You will have changed someone’s life and you probably didn’t even know it.” 

Program valedictorians also shared words on behalf of their graduating class. Vincent Fox, valedictorian of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science program, reflected back on the challenges of the program. 

“I was pushed to my limits in this program, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” he said. “I’m ready for the next chapter.”  

Princess La’Juana Burnett, valedictorian of the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine program, expressed gratitude to her family, friends and fellow classmates for their support during her 7-year academic journey at NUHS. 

“We are warriors, we have survived an uphill battle,” she said. “We didn’t give up, we didn’t quit…as we sit here today, we can be proud of all our accomplishments.”  

In his closing remarks, NUHS President Joseph Stiefel MS, EdD, DC, talked about not being afraid of being asked, “what do you think?” by patients in future practice. 

“You have earned the right,” he said. “When someone asks you, ‘what do you think?’ You say, ‘hold my beer.’” 

Summer 2023 graduates 

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences 

Arlince Boyd 

Samuel Caedon Evans 

Vincent Fox 

Tatianna K.S. LeFlore 

Aaliah Mubarak 

Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice 

Kamilah Joleen Hamilton 

Master of Science in Acupuncture 

Alexandria Pete 

Master of Science in Oriental Medicine 

Christopher R. Borchert 

Priyanka Borkar 

Princess La’Juana Burnett 

Doctor of Chiropractic 

Juan Barajas Jr 

Logan Joseph Baio Brennan 

Angelica Christine Clark 

Lukasz Czerwien 

Emily Louise Doudlah 

Andrew Emig 

Jesus Fernandez 

Jenny Hagemeier 

Heather Ann Hagland 

Chandler Christian Hoffner 

Karisa Marie Knisely 

Ayla May Osborn 

Kennedi Pierce 

Karolina Pray 

Colleen Pearl Reilly 

Madison Taylor Vidovich 

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine 

Princess La’Juana Burnett (Fall ’20) 

Chancellor Harn 

Kinsley Melia McKnight 

Jocelyn Lara 

Karolina Pray (Summer ’21) 

Sabrina Seeram 

Ryan Welage