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Hundreds of students, representing five divisions in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Allied Health Sciences, received degrees between May 11 to May 14, 2017.

Hundreds of students graduated from the UNC School of Medicine Department of Allied Health Sciences across five divisions of the health care spectrum from May 11 to May 14, 2017.

Students from the Divisions of Clinical Laboratory Science, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Radiologic Science, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and the Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science program completed degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Dr. Stephen R. Hooper, chair of the Department of Allied Health Sciences and associate dean in the UNC School of Medicine, addressed graduates at their respective celebrations.

Division of Clinical Laboratory Science

The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science celebrated its graduates on Sunday, May 14, 2017, at the Louis Round Wilson Library immediately following University commencement exercises. Drs. Susan Beck and Stephen R. Hooper addressed graduates, encouraging them to be proud of their accomplishments and what they will contribute to health care. Beck is the program director.

“It has been our pleasure as faculty to watch you transform from where you were on the first day to where you are today,” Beck said. “It’s a demanding program, but today you’re reaping the benefits of that work.”

The program featured recognition of award recipients and a senior capital campaign presentation. During the presentation, Beck announced all program graduates have pledged  to support the division. Finally, Beck recognized CLS Service Society members for their service-minded work to support the profession while students in the program. “We are very proud of you and your accomplishments,” Beck said.

Division of Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

The division celebrated its Master of Science graduates on Saturday, May 13, 2017, in the Medical Biomolecular Research Building (MBRB). The program’s 18 graduates specialized in either psychiatric disability, developmental disability, or both.

Drs. Eileen Burker and Stephen R. Hooper addressed graduates and their families before welcoming both a faculty a student speaker to the stage. Burker, the program director, also conferred degrees to graduates.

Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

The Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy celebrated completion of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program with its graduates on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Gerrard Hall. The program included an address to graduates by Dr. Stephen R. Hooper, presentation of awards, and a class gift. Additionally, the class honored Dr. Ruth Humphry, program director, on the occasion of her retirement from the division. On Saturday, May 10, 2017, four students were awarded Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Occupational Science during the UNC Graduate School ceremony. There, Humphry received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring.

Division of Radiologic Science

The division celebrated its 15 graduates on Saturday, May 13, 2017, with a commencement ceremony in the Medical Biomolecular Research Building (MBRB). Program graduates earned a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science.

Sylvia Hatchell, head coach of the UNC Women’s Basketball team, addressed graduates and their families. She encouraged graduates to pay attention to three bones as they enter health care: a funny bone, a backbone, and a wishbone. A funny bone, Hatchell explained, is important to be able to laugh at yourself when necessary. A backbone, she explained, is meant to build character. “You’ve got to stand up for what you believe in,” Hatchell said. “You’ve worked heard, but you’re going to run into situations when you’re challenged.” Finally, the wishbone should encourage students to dream big, including the ability to bloom where you are planted. “Take advantage of opportunities that are put in front of you every day, because once they’re gone, they’re gone,” she advised graduates.

Joy Renner, the program’s director, encouraged students to use their knowledge in radiologic science with both compassion and humility. “We want you to always reach for what will bring you and those around you to a better place,” Renner said. “Wherever your future leads you, carry with you the knowledge you gained here at Carolina.”

Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences

The Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences held its 47th annual commencement ceremony at the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The program conferred two Doctor of Philosophy degrees, ten Doctor of Audiology degrees, and 28 Master of Science degrees in speech-language pathology.

Dr. Jackson Roush, program director, addressed graduates and encouraged them to serve at the local, state, and national levels, in addition to listening and thinking critically.

“Service, advocacy, and teaching will enrich your careers. I strongly encourage you all to be teachers in some capacity; you will take a great deal of satisfaction in those roles,” Roush said. The program also recognized clinical preceptors who have made a difference in the lives of students. William Hoole, AuD, received the audiology preceptor award, and Maegan K. Evans, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVED., received the speech-language pathology preceptor award.

Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science

The Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science program, a joint initiative between the UNC School of Medicine and UNC-Charlotte, celebrated its graduates on May 11, 2017. The online program recognized nine graduates, two of whom presented capstone presentations during the ceremony. All received a Bachelor of Science degree.

Several speakers addressed graduates and their families, including:

  • Scott E. Gordon, PhD, and professor and chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology and UNC-Charlotte;
  • Auburne Hutchins, PhD, MHA, RPSGT, and coordinator/assistant clinical professor at UNC-Charlotte;
  • Mary Ellen Wells, PhD, MS, RPSGT, R.NCS T., clinical assistant professor and NDSS program director;
  • Bradley Vaughn, MD, NDSS program medical director, and professor in the Department of Neurology at the UNC School of Medicine.