ATSU Mission

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences serves as a learning-centered university dedicated to preparing highly competent professionals through innovative academic programs. The University is committed to continuing its osteopathic heritage and focus on whole-person healthcare, scholarship, community health, interprofessional education, diversity, and underserved populations.

See our history

GET TO KNOW US

About ATSU Accreditation Our Locations Facilities & Clinics Campus Safety

From the Chancellor Leadership Faculty Museum of Osteopathic Medicine Quick Facts Research

QUICK LINKS

LETS GET STARTED

Admissions Enrollment Services Student Financial Assistance

Student Affairs Tuition and Fees Student Consumer Information

QUICK LINKS

Apply now Contact a representative Request information

Museum of Osteopathic Medicine

Story Idea?

Click here to attach a file

Submit

Cancel

ATSU-CHC celebrates Central Coast supporters with Founders and Friends Reception

Posted: October 6, 2025

A.T. Still University’s College for Healthy Communities (ATSU-CHC) honored the people and organizations who, through time, talent, and financial support, have contributed to establishing and strengthening ATSU-CHC during the Founders and Friends Reception at Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria, California.

“Our community partners are part of the living legacy that fuels our mission, our momentum, and our future,” said Eric Sauers, PhD, dean, ATSU-CHC. “Because of you, ATSU continues to thrive as the founding institution of osteopathic medicine and leader in whole person healthcare education.”

Those recognized included:

· CoastHills Credit Union received the Honored Patron Lifetime Giving Award and Distinguished Patron Lifetime Giving Award. CoastHills created and funded the CoastHills Credit Union Health Professions Education Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to a student entering their final year before graduation.

ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, right, and ATSU Arizona & California Campus President O.T. Wendel, PhD, left, pose with Rebecca Pohlman, assistant vice president, marketing, CoastHills Credit Union, center-left, and Hugo Guzman, assistant vice president, community impact, CoastHills Credit Union, which was recognized with the University’s Honored Patron Lifetime Giving Award and Distinguished Patron Lifetime Giving Award.

· Community Health Centers of the Central Coast received the Diplomate Lifetime Giving Award. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast funded ATSU-CHC’s Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program stethoscope event, a portion of equipment and lab fees for the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027, and donates to ATSU-CHC’s program exploration and planning initiatives.

ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, right, and ATSU Arizona & California Campus President O.T. Wendel, PhD, left, pose with Ron Castle, CEO, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, which was recognized with the University’s Diplomate Lifetime Giving Award.

· Driscoll’s received the Honored Patron Lifetime Giving Award. Driscoll’s is a donor to ATSU-CHC’s Dreamline Pathways events initiative.

ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, right, and ATSU Arizona & California Campus President O.T. Wendel, PhD, left, pose with Vanessa Murillo, district assistant, Santa Maria, Driscoll’s, which was recognized with the University’s Honored Patron Lifetime Giving Award.

· Santa Barbara Foundation received the Distinguished Patron Lifetime Giving Award. The Foundation has provided general support for ATSU-CHC.

ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, right, and ATSU Arizona & California Campus President O.T. Wendel, PhD, left, pose with Jamie Perez, program officer, Santa Barbara Foundation, which was recognized with the University’s Distinguished Patron Lifetime Giving Award.

· Dignity/Marian received the Honored Patron Lifetime Giving Award. Dignity/Marian has been the exclusive sponsor of the CCPA White Coat Ceremony since 2022, and also provides general support for ATSU-CHC and its program exploration and planning initiatives.

ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, right, and ATSU Arizona & California Campus President O.T. Wendel, PhD, left, pose with Sue Andersen, president & CEO of Dignity/Marian, which was recognized with the University’s Honored Patron Lifetime Giving Award.

· James S. Bower Foundation received the Distinguished Patron Lifetime Giving Award. The Foundation is a donor to program exploration and planning initiatives.

Community members met with ATSU-CHC students, faculty, and staff during the event.

“The unwavering support of our community partners is truly inspiring,” said O.T. Wendel, PhD, president, ATSU Arizona & California campuses. “Their dedication allows us to continue our vital work in educating the next generation of healthcare leaders and serving underserved communities.”