Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions graduates celebrated in December virtual commencement ceremony

by | Dec 13, 2021 | News

Contributing Author(s):

PROVO, Utah, December 13, 2021Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) hosted its December commencement ceremony virtually, amidst the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants. Despite not being able to meet in person, university administration, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered virtually to celebrate each of the graduating students and the conclusion of their academic programs.

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Mark Horacek, PT, MS, PhD, commended graduates for all of their efforts to get to this day. “We acknowledge your dedication, flexibility, and courage in pursuing your dreams – even in the face of obstacles – including a pandemic that has changed our lives. We commend you for creating a better version of yourself in the present as compared to the past. We are proud of you. This ceremony is for you.”

With RMUoHP Founding President and CEO Richard P. Nielsen, PT, DHSc, ECS, on sabbatical most of the semester, Acting President Cameron K. Martin, PhD, spoke, commending graduates on choosing a career in healthcare. “You have chosen a noble profession of service to your fellow beings. To help another in their most vulnerable time of need is not only greatly needed, but greatly appreciated and inspiring…the world needs you with all you have to offer, to help people heal, one patient at a time.”

This commencement ceremony honored students from the following RMUoHP programs:

  • Doctor of Medical Science 
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion & Wellness
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (transitional) in Pediatric Science
  • Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology
  • Master of Science in Health Science 
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, CSCS, CSPS, FNSCA, the RMUoHP 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award winner, was the commencement speaker. A 2014 graduate of the RMUoHP Doctor of Philosophy in Health Promotion & Wellness program, Schoenfeld is the Inaugural Graduate Program Director of the Human Performance and Fitness program at Lehman College. 

He shared his experience of struggling with negative body image, which led him to start weightlifting. His dedication to improving himself and those around him eventually led to a career in personal training. Schoenfeld told graduates “you’ll have numerous paths that you can take. Use the scientific method to objectively and systematically evaluate your options. Weigh the costs and benefits. Just make sure that whatever path you choose, it’s consistent with what you are most passionate about.”

Following the conferring of the degrees, RMUoHP Alumni Association Board President Coleby Clawson, PT, DPT, CSCS, reminded graduates that as a university we collectively strive to fulfill our mission by individually advancing knowledge and advancing healthcare.

About Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Founded in 1998 and located in Provo, Utah, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting commission recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. RMUoHP offers high-quality, evidence-based, and outcomes-oriented healthcare programs.  www.rm.edu