FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The University of Saint Francis Physician Assistant (PA) Program celebrated the graduation of 24 students with a degree in Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The white coat ceremony was held Saturday at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center.
Family, friends and faculty joined in support as the graduates donned their white coats, a symbol of their formal acceptance into the healthcare profession.
“Attaining your white coat is a new beginning,” Medical Director and Assistant Professor Dr. Jeffrey Easley said in his faculty address. “Take advantage of this privilege you have been given. Live your career caring, serving and loving others. That will be the meaning of your white coat.”
The PA program is typically 27 months long, but the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a two-month extension for the Class of 2020.
“We’re proud of the way our graduates showed adaptability during these turbulent times,” PA Program Director Dr. Joshua Fairbanks said. “Our students exemplified the spirit of our Franciscan university in their commitment to their education and their fervent desire to serve others.”
Five students were honored for exceptional performance. Courtney Albers and Emily Michaux were recognized for Outstanding Clinical Achievement, Hanna Duncan and Rachael Gallo were recognized for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and Sylvia Wilson received the Franciscan Spirit Award.
Members of the Class of 2020 and their hometowns:
- Courtney Albers; Maria Stein, Ohio
- Stephani Baker; St. Charles, Ill.
- Kayla Belfiori; Warren, Mich.
- Chase Bly; Farmland, Ind.
- Emily Brick; Francisville, Ind.
- Elyse Broucek; Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Alisha Dickmeyer; Evansville, Ind.
- Hanna Duncan; Milwaukee, Wis.
- Rachael Gallo; Hoffman Estates, Ill.
- Christian Garlock; Bellefontaine, Ohio
- Brittany Kuhlenbeck; Craigville, Ind.
- Robert Leggert; Fowlerville, Mich.
- Morgan Mathews; New Harmony, Ind.
- Mackenzie McDorman; Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Emily Michaux; Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
- Abbie Moritko; Saint Paul, Minn.
- Micayah Overdorf; Tipton, Ind.
- Maria Perozzi; Frankfort, Ill.
- Edward Resendez; Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Matthew Revennaugh; Coshocton, Ohio
- Logan Sparks; Hartland, Mich.
- Farrah Wilson; Auburn, Ind.
- Sylvia Wilson; Ogden, Utah
- Rebecca Zimmerman; Auburn Hills, Mich.
For more information on the PA program, please contact Dr. Joshua Fairbanks at 260-399-7700, ext. 8511 or jfairbanks@sf.edu.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and College of Adult and Distance Education. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis campus experience includes 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.