ASHS holds largest graduation to date
Posted: August 12, 2010
484 students earn master of science or doctoral degrees
MESA, Ariz. – A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) celebrated commencement ceremonies Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. A total of 484 students received either master of science or doctoral degrees at the dual ceremonies.
This was the third time that ATSU-ASHS has held two separate ceremonies in one day. All 321 online graduates celebrated at the 10 a.m. ceremony, and the 1 p.m. ceremony was for the 163 residential program graduates.
Graduates received degrees in human movement, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, audiology, health sciences, physical therapy, and athletic training.
As part of the ceremonies, Professor Emeritus status was awarded to keynote speaker Randy Danielsen, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA, senior vice president of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Foundation and former dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences.
“I am honored to have been awarded Professor Emeritus for my long and distinguished service with ATSU,” he said. “I shall cherish that tribute for the rest of my life. Being asked to be the commencement speaker this year was an exciting culmination to my service with the University.”
During his addresses, Dr. Danielsen urged graduates to remain committed to maintaining life-long learning skills and to put the interests of their patients above their own. “You must strive to treat patients with the highest possible standards, to respect the values, culture, and dignity of every patient, and to work respectfully with other health professionals to ensure the best care for your patients,” he said.
Founded in 1995, ATSU-ASHS is committed to educating and preparing its students to practice at the forefront of a rapidly growing healthcare system. ATSU-ASHS has 450 students enrolled in its five residential degree programs and approximately 1,500 in online programs.