Dean’s Letter

On this momentous day we celebrate the achievements of a group of truly remarkable human beings. Graduates, you have been tested in unprecedented ways, and you have persevered. Through personal grit and the support of others you have made it to this point of entrance to your chosen careers. I am thrilled for you! Please take time to feel the joy, treasure the moment, and reflect on how you pushed through the challenging points in your studies to emerge here. You have gained the knowledge and skills that form the foundation of your chosen profession and are prepared to move into work that will enhance the health and well-being of your patients and community.

This pandemic has taught us the value of human connectivity, and we have learned to be together while apart to a far greater extent than we ever imagined, both in our personal and professional lives. While students had to adjust to remote and hybrid learning, professors also had to pivot dramatically, altering their instruction to meet the challenges of the day. Today as we celebrate our graduates, we also celebrate the friends, family and faculty who stood beside them to make this all possible – thank you for all you have done to support our graduates.

We know now more than ever the need for comprehensive health care teams, and each College of Health Professions graduate is a vital part of that team. From the research bench to diagnostic and treatment settings we rely on the varied perspectives, knowledge and skills that are developed and applied for the improvement of health and health care.

Once again, congratulations on a job well done and best wishes for health, happiness and a fulfilling career.

Sincerely,

Katherine Beissner, PT, PhD Dean and Professor College of Health Professions