Hundreds of attendees welcome university’s newest alumni at June 29 event at the Oregon Convention Center.
The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) community gathered on June 29 for Commencement to celebrate the graduating class of 2024.
Over 600 family members, friends and guests filled the Portland Ballroom at the Oregon Convention Center to witness more than 80 graduates accept their degrees from NUNM.
Dr. Heather Zwickey, Vice President of Research and Academic Excellence, opened the ceremony with an invocation speech recognizing the many paths the new graduates took to arrive at NUNM.
She reminded the graduating class that the wisdom they gained as students will help them to “live more fully in compassion and love” for both themselves and others.
“We have forged deep friendships, experienced joy, sorrow, creativity and challenges,” Dr. Zwickey said. “We’ve learned to respect the diversity of humankind and to be mindful that true success is born of meaningful relationships and a community that embraces peace and justice.”
Three students were chosen by fellow classmates to speak at the ceremony. Taking the stage to reflect on their mutual accomplishments, the student speakers advocated for personal determination and encouraged one another to keep community front and center throughout their careers.
Sara Danko, the General Student Speaker, recalled their many conversations with peers over the last six years.
During this time at NUNM, Danko stressed the incredible determination they saw in fellow students, as well as their drive to make a difference for those around them.
“I have heard peoples’ dreams, business plans, and hopes for the future and have been so inspired by the depth of your aspirations and the sincerity of your intentions,” said Danko, who earned their Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine. “Whether your dream is to start a practice, a vision to transform healthcare, or find a creative way to serve people in need, your resolute dedication to others is truly commendable.”
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine graduates Tia Hernández, the Clinical Programs Speaker, and Yolanda Fernández, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice Student (DEIBJ) Speaker, also urged fellow graduates to continue enriching their careers through a lens of equity.
NUNM alumna Dr. Jillian Stansbury, a botanical medicine faculty member and Keynote Speaker for the event, followed up with words of wisdom gained from her many years of observing plants.
“Advice from others can be like autumn leaves falling at your feet – perhaps beautiful, or
perhaps an unwanted nuisance that you must sweep away in order to see your own
path more clearly,” Dr. Stansbury said. “But I do know, with certainty, that doing what you love is an essential aspect of a happy life.”
After the conferment of degrees, graduates from the College of Classical Chinese Medicine and College of Naturopathic Medicine recited their college oaths, officiating their transition from graduates to practitioners in their respective fields.
Dr. Carrie Baldwin-Sayre, AVP of Advancement and Community Engagement, offered some final rallying words, calling on NUNM’s class of 2024 to embrace their role as torchbearers in holistic healthcare.
“Your unique perspectives, innovative approaches, and compassionate care will reshape the landscape of healthcare, providing a more comprehensive and integrative approach to wellness,” said Dr. Baldwin-Sayre, an NUNM alumna. “I’m thrilled to welcome you to the ranks of NUNM alumni, and look forward to calling you my colleagues.”
This new class of NUNM alumni now join a network of thousands of physicians, providers, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts in their fields.
Alumni continue to have access to a supportive community, career resources, promotional opportunities, continuing education, and more.
by Ashley Villarreal, Marketing Content Specialist
Editor’s Note: Read the full speaker profiles and watch the video for 2024 NUNM Commencement. Find out how you can get involved in the NUNM community and discover alumni resources through Our Alumni.