University’s newest alumni celebrate graduation milestone on June 28 at Portland Art Museum.
The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) community gathered on June 28 for Commencement to celebrate the graduating class of 2025.
More than 800 guests filled the Kridel Grand Ballroom at the Portland Art Museum to honor over 135 graduates. Doctoral degrees were conferred in naturopathic and Chinese medicine, alongside master’s degrees in nutrition, clinical research, and global health. Several graduates earned dual degrees, and a cohort of undergraduates received bachelor’s degrees in integrative health sciences.
Dr. Anna Peterson, an NUNM alumni, associate professor in NUNM’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, and attending physician at NUNM Health Centers, opened the ceremony with an invocation, reminding graduates of the significance of the moment.
“As we share this ceremony today, may you never forget the inspiration that brought you here…may your hearts guide you with courage and compassion, and may your hands offer healing with humility and skill,” said Peterson. “We honor you today, not just for what you have achieved, but who you have become.”
In the commencement address, NUNM President and CEO Dr. Melanie Henriksen praised the graduating class for their dedication to study, service, and health equity during years marked by a pandemic and rapid change.
“To have made it to today through all of the challenges of a rigorous academic program—through the social, political, environmental, and personal uncertainty—is truly extraordinary,” Henriksen said. “The work you’re stepping into as healers, as scholars, and as researchers is not only timely, but it is essential.”
Henriksen also recognized Morgan Chicarelli, former director of student success at NUNM, who passed away in late 2024, with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, as well as retiree Dr. Bracey Dangerfield as a Professor Emeritus for his decades-long career as a faculty member in NUNM’s College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Four graduates, selected by their peers, delivered student speeches reflecting on their shared accomplishments and the importance of taking a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare.
Lara Pate, representing the School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, encouraged graduates to lead with curiosity and a drive to learn.
“We’ve been honing the skills to think critically, problem-solve, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways,” said Pate, who earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), Master of Science in Nutrition, and Naturopathic Childbirth/Midwifery Certificate from NUNM.
“We’ve learned how to listen deeply, advocate fiercely, and get to the root cause, whether in health research or community systems.”
Pate was joined by fellow ND graduate Eden Jeffries, Student Speaker for the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program, and Tanya Snyder, representing NUNM’s College of Classical Chinese Medicine.
Snyder, who earned her Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Medicine Specialization and a Master of Science in Clinical Research, shared advice on lifelong learning and balance.
“We enter a modern world that often seeks quick fixes and linear solutions, but we’ve been trained to see beyond the symptoms, to witness the whole person, and remember healing is a process of unfolding.”
— Tanya Snyder, DAcCHM, MSCR ’25
Eden Choi, Student Speaker for the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) Teach-out Transfer program, thanked faculty and classmates for their support throughout the transition from OCOM to NUNM.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Tracy Gaudet, Executive Director of the Doctor of Whole Health Leadership program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, called the graduates ‘pioneers’ for choosing paths outside conventional medicine and their role as changemakers.
“People are often threatened by the prospect of change, and they are even more threatened if that change may mean that their philosophy and approach is no longer the most valued,” Gaudet said. “Building bridges is essential when you are a pioneer…not every person or every organization needs to be won over or convinced—go where the water is flowing.”
Lisa Tongel, an adjunct faculty member in NUNM’s College of Classical Chinese Medicine, offered final rallying words, calling on the class of 2025 to remember the support of their community.
“Take a look around and see your fellow graduates who you’ve been on a long and incredible journey with…your loved ones, teachers, administrators, and even strangers, all creating an incredible community to support you,” Tongel said. “Know that we are all here with you in each moment.”
The 2025 class of NUNM alumni now joins a network of alumni including physicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and health leaders. Alumni continue to have access to a supportive community, career resources, promotional opportunities, continuing education, and more.
Editor’s Note: Read the full speaker profiles and watch the video for the 2025 NUNM Commencement.
Find out how you can get involved in the NUNM community and discover alumni resources through Our Alumni.
Written by Ashley Villarreal, NUNM Marketing Content Specialist