Celebration of New Beginnings: WesternU's Commencement 2026 Inspires Future Healthcare Providers
The Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) marked a significant achievement with its inaugural Commencement ceremony for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) class of 2026 on May 18, 2026, in Lebanon, Oregon. This memorable event witnessed the graduation of 33 students who have navigated through a program punctuated by growth and collaboration, ultimately shaping their learning environment and propelling them into their future careers in healthcare.
The DPT class played a pivotal role in establishing the College's culture at the Oregon campus, coinciding with the arrival of Site Dean Jonathan Perry, PhD, MSc, and his leadership team. During the ceremony, Dean Perry expressed immense gratitude towards the graduates for their contributions. He recognized their resilience and insight as instrumental in enhancing the DPT program.
'You have witnessed both the obstacles and the successes we encountered as we formed this unique culture,' Perry told the graduates. He encouraged them to take up their calling with professionalism and a commitment to healing, emphasizing the importance of combining evidence-based knowledge with care.
Stephanie Lowe, a representative of the graduating class, addressed her peers with a heartfelt message. A dedicated student government member who actively supported her cohort, Lowe reflected on the three years spent alongside her classmates and the journey each has undertaken. She highlighted the ongoing evolution of healthcare and the importance of advocating for their patients and profession.
Lowe's sentiments resonated with many, including Joshua Clark, who recognized physical therapy as his true calling. He narrated how his outgoing nature led him to pursue a career filled with meaningful interactions with patients, solidifying his choice to dedicate his life to this field.
Adding emotional weight to the ceremony, grad Tatpicha Rungpanarat shared her proud moment of having family members hood her during the ceremony. Having moved to the U.S. from Thailand at a young age, she expressed her gratitude toward her mother and grandmother for their unwavering support throughout her educational journey.
Hazel Vera, another graduate, inspired the audience with her story of overcoming adversity. Following a health crisis that left her with significant challenges at the age of 15, she resolved to become a physical therapist after experiencing personal recovery and empowerment through her own therapy.
As the ceremony proceeded, WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner urged graduates to commit to lifelong learning, uphold integrity, and lead with compassion in their future endeavors. He articulated a vision where ambition and kindness guide their professional lives, a mantra that distinguished this cohort.
The celebration culminated in a commitment to public service and the healing arts, with graduates stepping forward into the broader healthcare community enriched by their experiences and driven by purpose. With their education as a foundation, the DPT class of 2026 is well-prepared to make an impact and promote well-being in their future practices.
In addition to this initial Commencement in Lebanon, WesternU plans to hold further ceremonies in Pomona, California, celebrating the graduation of over 1,000 students across various health disciplines, reaffirming its commitment to education in health sciences and preparing future leaders in healthcare delivery. Their journeys are not just personal triumphs but are also a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare, where dedicated professionals are needed more than ever to serve the community's diverse interests.
The DPT class played a pivotal role in establishing the College's culture at the Oregon campus, coinciding with the arrival of Site Dean Jonathan Perry, PhD, MSc, and his leadership team. During the ceremony, Dean Perry expressed immense gratitude towards the graduates for their contributions. He recognized their resilience and insight as instrumental in enhancing the DPT program.
'You have witnessed both the obstacles and the successes we encountered as we formed this unique culture,' Perry told the graduates. He encouraged them to take up their calling with professionalism and a commitment to healing, emphasizing the importance of combining evidence-based knowledge with care.
Stephanie Lowe, a representative of the graduating class, addressed her peers with a heartfelt message. A dedicated student government member who actively supported her cohort, Lowe reflected on the three years spent alongside her classmates and the journey each has undertaken. She highlighted the ongoing evolution of healthcare and the importance of advocating for their patients and profession.
Lowe's sentiments resonated with many, including Joshua Clark, who recognized physical therapy as his true calling. He narrated how his outgoing nature led him to pursue a career filled with meaningful interactions with patients, solidifying his choice to dedicate his life to this field.
Adding emotional weight to the ceremony, grad Tatpicha Rungpanarat shared her proud moment of having family members hood her during the ceremony. Having moved to the U.S. from Thailand at a young age, she expressed her gratitude toward her mother and grandmother for their unwavering support throughout her educational journey.
Hazel Vera, another graduate, inspired the audience with her story of overcoming adversity. Following a health crisis that left her with significant challenges at the age of 15, she resolved to become a physical therapist after experiencing personal recovery and empowerment through her own therapy.
As the ceremony proceeded, WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner urged graduates to commit to lifelong learning, uphold integrity, and lead with compassion in their future endeavors. He articulated a vision where ambition and kindness guide their professional lives, a mantra that distinguished this cohort.
The celebration culminated in a commitment to public service and the healing arts, with graduates stepping forward into the broader healthcare community enriched by their experiences and driven by purpose. With their education as a foundation, the DPT class of 2026 is well-prepared to make an impact and promote well-being in their future practices.
In addition to this initial Commencement in Lebanon, WesternU plans to hold further ceremonies in Pomona, California, celebrating the graduation of over 1,000 students across various health disciplines, reaffirming its commitment to education in health sciences and preparing future leaders in healthcare delivery. Their journeys are not just personal triumphs but are also a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare, where dedicated professionals are needed more than ever to serve the community's diverse interests.
Topics Health）
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