As efforts continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, NUHS is honoring Summer 2020 graduates in alternative ways.

A video celebrating their accomplishment features remarks from NUHS President Joseph Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC, along with a presentation of the 65 graduates who have earned diplomas in chiropractic, naturopathic medicine, advanced clinical practice, acupuncture, oriental medicine, massage therapy, diagnostic imaging, and biomedical science.

Dr. Stiefel reminisced about meeting graduates for the first time at orientation and seeing them in their classes or clinical rotations.

“I think this is a very important time to look back and reminisce on all that you’ve done, because you’ve done something exceptional by graduating from National University of Health Sciences,” he said.

Valedictorians from each academic program, who typically give speeches during the ceremony, also took a moment to share a few words of gratitude and encouragement for their fellow students below:

“We have been challenged in so many new ways,” said Daniel Braff, valedictorian of the chiropractic medicine program. “I’m sure there are some who feel underprepared and anxious. I know I do. Whether you feel ready or not, soon, patients will come to you, asking for help and searching for answers. I hope [graduates] all know that you all possess the confidence, skills and knowledge to provide competent and compassionate care.”

Dina Flores, valedictorian of the biomedical science program, acknowledged that this graduation is a lot different than she expected.

“Although there is no conventional ceremony, caps or gowns, there is reason to celebrate nonetheless,” Flores said. “The best thing about NUHS is the common ground we all stand on, as a community of professionals focused on natural ways to promote well-being. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I do know I’m better prepared because of my time at NUHS.”

Sabina Kozodaj, valedictorian of the oriental medicine program, offered some advice as she and her fellow graduates enter into practice.

“Always trust that everything in your life will connect at some point. It may not be today, tomorrow or a month from now, but always trust that you’re getting closer to your goals,” she said.

Tsogtbayar Baltseren, valedictorian of the acupuncture program, also shared some general life advice. “”Study while others are sleeping. Work while others are loitering. Prepare while others are playing. Dream while others are wishing,” he said.

Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice

Michael J. Anderson

Lisa Michaels

Joseph William Vazquez

Doctor of Chiropractic

Daniel Sheldon Glasgow Braff

Jake P. Changelon

Ferras Dassouki

Jocelyn Faydenko

Max Evans Gatzke

Stephen Guerra

Amber Iseman

Jordan Christian Jackson

Jeries Riad Jreisat

Alexander Michael Karban

Reem Samhat

Jonathan Robert Kirk

Joel Kiselka

Joshua Knicker

Christian Koch

Dustin Lamoureux

Veronica Leonard

Alexandra MacKillop

Sara Lynne Magee

Anjelica Carmel Ballelos Maranan

Morgan Miller

Arthur Monaco

Sarah Louise Montesa

David F. Moore

Joseph Michael Muraglia

Iliass Najimi

Robert S Noelke

Patrick Oliver

Halima Danielle Phelps

Vanessa Prado

Mandi Nicole Rosenquist

David Scott Severance

Moriah Keary McDade Severance

Georganna E. Stadjuhar

Jessica D. Taylor

Monica Sabrina Vera-Jackson

Jason Robert Winkelmann

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Uchenna O. Aningo

Brian Zachary Bernier

Brian Di Diego

Goldis Faghihi

Beatriz Medina

Adrian Mehmedi

William Muller

Reecha S. Patel

Eqlema Roshnaye

Ruby Afua Sakyi-Addo

Benjamin Todd Schwartz

Master of Science in Acupuncture

Tsogtbayar Baltseren

Enkhmend Batnasan

Master of Science in Diagnostic Imaging

Joseph Heston

Master of Science in Oriental Medicine

Christy L Decker

Sabina Kozodaj

Judith Mier

Desiree Zhang