Honoring legacy, celebrating impact: ATSU-ASHS marks 30 years of excellence
Posted: May 1, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) celebrated a remarkable milestone on April 12, 2025 – 30 years of advancing healthcare education, innovation, and service. The afternoon celebration gathered alumni, faculty, students, and friends of ATSU-ASHS for a heartfelt reunion and recognition of the School’s enduring mission and transformative legacy.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Ann Lee Burch, PT, MPH, EdD, FNAP, dean of ATSU-ASHS, who set the tone for the celebration by sharing key highlights and achievements. Her remarks celebrated the school’s growth, commitment to whole person healthcare, and the collective impact of its community.
Following Dr. Burch’s address, university leadership, ATSU-ASHS vice-dean, department chairs, faculty, students, and alumni shared meaningful memories and aspirations for the future. Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C Emeritus, former dean of ATSU-ASHS and invited guest, reflected on the early years of the School and the evolution seen over the past three decades. Each individual’s reflection underscored the deep bonds within the ATSU-ASHS community and the forward-looking vision that continues to guide the School.
Founded in 1995, ATSU-ASHS has grown from a bold vision into a thriving academic community dedicated to whole person healthcare. Throughout the celebration, attendees reflected on the journey of the institution and honored those who have shaped its success – most notably, several extraordinary alumni whose professional paths reflect ASHS’s highest ideals.
2025 ATSU-ASHS alumni award honorees
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Community Service Award
Shira James, MS, ’14, OTR/L
Through her commitment to pediatric occupational therapy, James has brought care and hope to countless children and families, while honorably serving her community, including its most vulnerable populations. Her service-centered approach embodies the ATSU-ASHS mission to create healthier, stronger communities.
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Healthcare Innovation Award
Rhianna Freiburger, DAT, ’22, MS, ’19, LAT, ATC
A leader in athletic training, Dr. Freiburger is transforming the future of sports medicine with her innovative clinical practices and dedication to athlete wellness.
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Emerging Scholar Award
Nikki Harris, EdS, DAT, ’17, LAT, ATC, CSCS
With a dynamic research portfolio and a passion for innovation, Dr. Harris is guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals while contributing meaningful scholarship to the field.
ATSU-ASHS Alumni Distinguished Scholar Award
Barton Anderson, DHSc, MS, ’03, ATC
Dr. Anderson’s career reflects a profound commitment to advancing athletic training through education and research. His leadership continues to elevate the profession nationally.
A bright future rooted in purpose
As ATSU-ASHS enters its fourth decade, the School remains grounded in the values that have defined it since the beginning: academic excellence, service to others, and innovation in healthcare. The 30th anniversary celebration served not only as a moment of reflection, but as an affirmation of its unwavering dedication to preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare leaders.
