On Jan. 19, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine graduated 29 Naturopathic physicians. The result of four years of rigorous studies and clinical training finally paid off as graduates received their diplomas as Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine. SCNM’s 21st commencement ceremony was held at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. The graduating class elected their most respected and admired peers and mentors to speak during the ceremony. Dr. Rick Kirschner, bestselling author, speaker, trainer and coach, held the honor as this year’s commencement speaker. Margarita Hernandez Guzman delivered the student address. Dr. Pam Martin served as the ceremonies MC while Dr. Klee Bethel provided the Board Address and Dr. Eric Udell gave the invocation.
Each year SCNM awards the Daphne Blayden Outstanding Student Award to a graduating senior. This award was developed in memory of and to honor Daphne Blayden, a Naturopathic medical student that began SCNM’s ND program in Sept. 1993 and passed away in Dec. 1994. This award is endowed to maintain the kind and committed spirit of Blayden. The person presented with this award exudes academic excellence, compassion, perseverance, a loving sense of humor, and a positive, supportive outlook. Dr. Christine Girard, Chief Medical Officer and Executive V.P. of Academic Affairs, had the honor of presenting the Daphne Blayden Award to Margarita Hernandez Guzman.
Dr. Girard went on to present the Highest Academic Achievement Awards to Todd Smith and Cherie Minette. Smith was also the recipient of The Outstanding Leadership Award which is given to a person who has demonstrated the ability to lead, a willingness to listen to others, and possesses a true humanitarian character.
Following in tradition, the graduating class presented a gift to SCNM of a Wood’s Lamp and a Functional DVD set for the library. The Wood’s Lamp is a lighted magnifying glass instrument that allows students to closely examine and diagnose eye and skin conditions.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Paul Mittman, President and CEO, leading the new group of Naturopathic physicians in the Naturopathic Oath. This was the first class in many years to have the entire graduating class walk in the ceremony.
Other awards that were recognized during graduation included:
Outstanding Staff Member: Nellie Foster – Lab Manager
Outstanding Professor: Arben Lasku, MD
Business Plan Winner: Marie Niechwiadowicz
In the week prior to graduation, deemed Senior Week, graduates received “goodie bags” consisting of discounted services, sample products, product discounts, free seminars, books, and videos valued at $1000 from 22 companies. Companies and individuals who donated to the senior bags included: Kolleen Gowans, Ayush Herbs, BioResource, Dr. Greens, Wise Woman Earth Labs, Gaia Herbs, Healing Mountain Publishing, Heel, Inc., Herb Pharm, Heron Botanicals, Metagenics, Nordic Naturals, Mc Guff, New Chapter/New Mark, New World Natural Products, North American Pharmacal, Pleomorphics, Priority One Health, Pure Encapsulations, Seroyal, Standard Process, Thorne, and TIDhealth.
Joanna Hagan, Director of Career Services, assists and coaches students in securing a job prior to graduation. Hagan reported that 58% of the graduating class had been placed in positions or are in the process of opening practices (pending licensure) prior to graduating.
“This is the highest on record for a winter class at SCNM,” said Hagan. “Margarita Hernandez-Guzman will be opening a practice in Yuma, AZ, a city that will have their first full time ND available to that community. Yuma has been looking for a full time ND for over 5 years. Cric Johnson will be opening a practice in Washington DC and possibly Alexandria, Va. The majority of students will be working with chiropractors, osteopaths and other Naturopathic physicians.” |
