24 CSM physician assistant students graduate during hooding ceremony
91吃瓜, Neb. 鈥� During a hooding ceremony August 16, 24 91吃瓜 (CSM)听Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduates received their degrees.听听
鈥淭hey developed true resilience鈥攖he kind that allows future providers to remain calm, focused and effective no matter the circumstances,鈥� said Risa Zimmerman, interim physician assistant studies program director. 鈥淭hey encountered the unexpected and didn鈥檛 let it stop them. Instead, they found the motivation to keep moving forward, always with the vision of becoming compassionate, competent and confident PAs.鈥澨�
The master鈥檚 hooding ceremony recognizes the achievement of an advanced degree and marks the formal transition from student to practicing professional.听
During the ceremony, faculty place the master鈥檚 hood over the graduates鈥� shoulders, symbolizing mentorship and the passing of professional knowledge and values.听
Graduate Grace Baker gave the invocation, and graduate Samuel Pond gave the keynote address. Assistant professor Lindsey Kaiser was the faculty speaker.听
The Preceptor of the Year Award was presented to Sarah Schuetz, a nurse practitioner who works in behavioral health.听
The 24-month physician assistant studies master鈥檚 program prepares students to become competent and compassionate healthcare providers. Faculty cultivate a culture of servant leadership and social responsibility, encouraging students to engage with their communities and address healthcare disparities.听
Students get hands-on experience in the physician assistant classroom, patient exam rooms and anatomy lab, and with high fidelity simulation equipment. They are required to complete 12 clinical rotations in various medical specialties.听听
As a group, the graduates completed 44,484 hours of clinical training, about 1,853 hours per student, during the program.
鈥淭hese were hours filled with new experiences, tough lessons and moments that shaped who they are as professionals,鈥� Zimmerman said.听
2025 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Graduates:听
Jaden Autey, Naples, FL听
Grace Anne Baker, Maple Grove, MN听
Richard Todd Carter, Winchester, CA听
Brooke Chambers, Ashland, NE听
Sydney Dose, McClelland, IA听
Sonya Flores, Omaha听
Natalie JoAnne Garner, Highlands Ranch, CO听
Rebecca Jerina, Crete, NE听
Mayuri Kanji, Nebraska City, NE听
Marti Claire Kennedy, Omaha听
Madeline Emily Lowe, Gurnee, IL听
Brianna Melendez, Omaha听
Jaclyn Negrete, La Vista, NE听
Renae Otto, Apple Valley, MN听
Samuel Pond, Omaha听
Mikayla Jo Reeves, Wahoo, NE听
Samarth Saini, Maple Grove, MN听
Victoria Simon, Valencia, CA听
Sydney Stephens, Olathe, KS听
Samantha Sterbenz, Grimes, IA听
Bryan Tran, Omaha听
Matthew Trotter, De Pere, CA听
Sidney Wells, Cedar Creek, NE听
Madison Ybarra, Redlands, CA听
