A Celebration of Dedication and Achievement

August 16, 2024

RMU Commencement Celebrates the Accomplishments of Graduates, Faculty, and Alumni

The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) 2024 August commencement ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduate healthcare institution. With 317 graduates, including 294 attending in person and 23 participating virtually, this was the largest assembly of graduates in the Provo, Utah-based university’s 26-year history.

The event at the UCCU Center celebrated the unwavering dedication and remarkable body of work of the graduates — hailing from 42 states and eight countries — and highlighted award-winning students, faculty, and alumni.

“Today, we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduates and also our faculty and alumni at Rocky Mountain University,” RMU President Cameron K. Martin said. “This commencement is a powerful reflection of the dedication, hard work, and excellence that define our university. As we honor the exceptional accomplishments of the Class of 2024, we are reminded of the impact that dedication and perseverance have on shaping the future of healthcare.”

The keynote speaker was RMU alumnus Guillermo Escalante, DSc, MBA, ATC, CSCS, FISSN, who is a national leader in the field of sports nutrition, exercise science, and sports medicine. The RMU alum (Doctor of Science in Athletic Training, 2012) is currently an Associate Dean and Professor of Kinesiology for the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino.

“You are the future of healthcare and healthcare education,” Dr. Escalante told the graduating class.

Dr. Escalante has had an impressive career with over 80 academic publications and 58 articles in mainstream media outlets like Muscle & Fitness, Muscular Development, and Bodybuilding.com. He holds several key positions, including associate editor for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, scientific advisor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Vice-President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

“Rocky Mountain University was instrumental in setting the foundation of a quality graduate education to help me develop as a resilient lifelong learner focused on outcomes-oriented, evidence-based practices,” Dr. Escalante said. “The fundamentals learned in classes such as research methods and biostatistics have helped me to succeed as a researcher, reviewer, and editor.”

Graduate Kristen Thornill, PhD, spoke to the group about perseverance.

“Despite the hiccups, hurdles, and hoops, we have persevered, and it is this perseverance that will continue to drive us forward in our careers,” Dr. Thornhill said. “I am proud to stand here as a first-generation college student, knowing that this achievement is not just mine, but ours, as we continue to improve the human condition, beside one another, united together.”

Dr. Thornhill received her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD) in Human & Sport Performance from RMU, specializing in preventive cardiovascular health, cannabis, and interdisciplinary healthcare research. As a senior health researcher in the RMU Health, Medical, and Rehabilitation Lab, Dr. Thornhill advances healthcare knowledge through innovative research. She was recently recognized as the 2024 Best of State University Student for Utah.

“We are fortunate to celebrate our graduates but also recognize our alumni and faculty for their achievement in the field,” President Martin said. “RMU produces healthcare leaders who are lifelong learners. Their contributions in their fields are amazing.”

Faculty, students, and alumni were also honored.

Two graduates — Dr. Thornhill and Dr. Jessica Raymond — were presented with the Richard P. Nielsen Student Service Awards. Both graduates showed exceptional service to their community while attending RMU.

The 2024 RMU Faculty Teaching Awards recipients were honored. Amber Heape, CScD, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP, CMDCP, was awarded the Hartgraves Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Sonia Paquette, OTD, OTR/L, CPE, ABVE-D, received the Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award. These merits are an acknowledgment of their exceptional dedication to leadership, education, and mentorship.

Dr. Escalante was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award. Dr. Derek Strate, a 2023 graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was awarded the Early Career Alumni Award.

Overall, RMU awarded 143 doctorate degrees, 158 master’s degrees, and 16 certificates. Graduate degrees were given from the following academic programs:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Doctor of Medical Science

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Master of Science in Athletic Training Practice

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master of Science in School Counseling

Master of Science in School Counseling

Master of Science in Health Science