School of Medicine Graduates 173; Center Graduates 730 New Health Professionals
LSU Health Sciences Center held its 150th commencement ceremony in May, during which
730 students from all six professional health schools walked across the stage at the
UNO Lakefront Arena. The School of Medicine graduated 173 future healthcare professionals
at the ceremony.
“As the state’s most comprehensive health university, LSU Health New Orleans is an
integral part of the city of New Orleans and the fabric of medical education across
Louisiana,” said LSU Health New Orleans Chancellor, Dr. Steve Nelson. “As our graduates
enter the health care workforce, they will immeasurably improve the quality of life
throughout Louisiana.”
Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Dr. Ralph L. Abraham delivered the commencement
address. Graduate Yen Thi My Vo performed the national anthem. Dr. Micquel Dachelle
Downs gave the invocation and Dr. Tiffany Marie Morgan gave the benediction.
“Every one of those graduates will play an integral part in making the paths to prosperity
better for the patients they treat from this day on,” said Dr. Abraham. “They offer
hope, they offer a dream, and they offer people a chance to live another day. That
is such an awesome responsibility, but it is also an honor they should remember every
day.”
Chancellor’s Award recipients were Thomas P. Luke (Medicine and Public Health), Masyn
I. Cameron (Dentistry), Torie R. Laiche (Dentistry), Karen S. Vidaurri (Dentistry),
Colin H. Niselman (Nursing), Paige M. Dublin (Allied Health Professions), Carol M.
Upchurch (Graduate Studies) and Miya C. Tate (Public Health).
Faculty recipients of the Allen Copping Excellence in Teaching Awards were Molly Brouillette, MCD, CCC-SLP, School of Allied Health Professions, Suleiman Hamdan, BS, MCDT, School of Dentistry; Angela C. Johnson, MD, FACP, School of Medicine; Kimberly Reed, MSN, RN, School of Nursing; Ashley Wennerstrom, PhD, School of Public Health; and Deidre J. Devier, PhD, Basic Sciences.
The LSU School of Allied Health Professions graduated 164 students, the School of
Dentistry 136, School of Graduate Studies 11, the School of Nursing 211, and the School
of Public Health 35. For the second year in a row, the School of Nursing represents
the highest percentage of graduates, making up 28% of the graduating class. This class
represents 41 parishes, 27 states and 9 countries. Women comprise 74% of the class
and men 59%. The youngest graduate is 21 while the oldest is 65. Among the graduates,
55 earned a second degree.
A complete list of graduates and honor graduates, who authorize the release of their
names, is available here.