On April 21, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) celebrated 106 graduating students at the April 2023 Commencement Ceremony. The institution granted 88 doctoral degrees, 16 master’s degrees, and two certificates. Students gathered in person and online from locations around the country for the occasion. These graduates join a growing network of healthcare professionals across the nation of more than 3,400 alumni.
All were welcomed to the ceremony by President Cameron K. Martin, PhD, who was appointed President and CEO of RMU in January 2023. President Martin addressed the graduates with lessons he learned as a Subway sandwich engineer and urged them to recognize the importance of customer service. “Treat others the way you would want to be treated,” Martin said. “Care for those who will be entrusted to your care.”
Cade Mooney, a Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduate, said to his fellow graduates in his invocation; “Feel gratitude toward yourself for the way you handle difficult situations, your resilience during a pandemic, for your kindness and dedication to service, for being hardworking, or your devotion to patient care…. I encourage you to carry this gratitude with you throughout today and in the future as you devote your energy to your patients.”
The ceremony featured keynote speaker Mike Schlappi, CSP, MBA, a Paralympic gold-medalist, wheelchair basketball Hall of Famer, and motivational speaker. Schlappi shared his story of being paralyzed from the waist down after being shot in the chest. “Whether or not you can or you can’t stand up, we all have the ability to make a difference and stand out,” Schlappi said.
Wes McWhorter, PhD, PT, MPT, Founding Director of RMU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT), was presented with the Professor Emeritus Award for his extraordinary impact on the University and the DPT program. Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Malissa Martin, EdD, ATC/L, presented the award.
“Dr. McWhorter is a beloved program director who has brought happiness and life to the University,” Martin said. “We recognize his accomplishments and invaluable contributions made to RMU by honoring him with the prestigious Professor Emeritus Award.”
Following the conferral of the degrees by RMU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rogan L. Taylor, PT, DPT, Jeff Lau, Dean of the College of Rehabilitation Science, PT, DPT, PhD, CMPT, welcomed the graduates to the RMU’s Alumni Association and urged graduates to “get involved, be informed, and stay connected.”
RMU graduates were presented with graduate degrees and certificates from the following academic programs:
- Doctor of Medical Science (with concentrations in Healthcare Leadership & Administration, Healthcare Professions Education, Advanced Clinical Practice, and Psychiatry)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science (with concentrations in Athletic Training, Health Professions Education, Healthcare Leadership Administration, Human & Sport Performance, Integrated Health Sciences, and Neurologic Rehabilitation)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy – Pediatric Science
- Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in School Counseling
- Master of Science in Health Science (with concentrations in Health Promotion and Wellness, Rehabilitative Science, and Sports Performance)
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
The commencement ceremony recording and program are available for viewing here.
