ATSU-ASHS holds summer commencement ceremony

MESA, Ariz.– A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) celebrated commencement ceremonies Saturday, Aug. 6 at Phoenix Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Ariz. 433 students received either master of science or doctoral degrees at the dual ceremonies.

Over 2,400 family members and friends of the graduates attended the two separate ceremonies. 256 online graduates celebrated at the 9 a.m. ceremony, and the 11:30 a.m. ceremony was for the 177 residential program graduates.

Graduates received degrees in human movement, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, audiology, doctor of health sciences, physical therapy, and athletic training.

“In September 2010 we adopted a new university mission to be the preeminent university for the health professions, quite a lofty aim for a small private school,” said ATSU-ASHS Dean Barbara Maxwell, PT, D.P.T., M.Sc., Cert, THE, ’06. “So what is it that will make us preeminent? I would argue that what leads us to preeminence is our graduates. They will lead the way.”

As part of the commencement ceremonies, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree was awarded to keynote speaker Dianne V. Jewell, PT, D.P.T., Ph.D., CCS, FAACVPR, founder and CEO of The Rehab Intel Network located in Ruther Glen, Va.

During her commencement addresses, Dr. Jewell lauded the graduates for their career choices and accomplishments. “You could have chosen a different, less challenging path. Instead, you found your calling in service to others who are vulnerable and often surprised by the situations in which they find themselves,” she said. “They will depend on your knowledge, skill, expertise, compassion, and empathy. They will trust you to put their interests ahead of your own and to persevere when the odds against you appear to be overwhelming.”

Dr. Jewell holds a doctoral degree in health services research and organization. She is a board certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. Her current clinical interests include the application of fitness principles across the continuum of care and alternative delivery models for physical therapy services to patients without health insurance.