On Friday, June 30, 2017, AUHS held their tenth annual commencement ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2017 class. The event took place at the Long Beach Convention Center and was proceeded by a pinning ceremony during which the university’s newly graduated nurses were presented with their pins welcoming them into the profession of nursing.
After the prelude, processional, and presentation of colors, the National Anthem was sung by the talented Jane Kim and Roshaun Carlise Stovell and the invocation was given by the founder of AUHS, Pastor Gregory A. Johnson. The president and CEO of AUHS Dr. Caroll Ryan then welcomed all in attendance and made some opening remarks.
Afterward, Pastor Johnson and his wife and co-founder Kim Dang reflected on the many milestones of AUHS, citing the university’s recent accreditation by WASC as one of the most monumental milestones for the both the university’s faculty and its students. Their combined remarks served as a proud reminder of where AUHS has come from since its founding twenty-three years ago and where we are today.
Scotty Ann Benner
Scotty Ann Benner, 2017 valedictorian, delivered the student commencement address. During this address, Scotty provided students with a heartwarming reflection of their time at AUHS as well presenting the thoughtful message that, as nurses, their learning must continue well past their graduation and into their careers.
Lori Woods
Following the valedictorian’s student commencement address, AUHS was honored to have the former mayor of Signal Hill, Lori Woods as our 2017 keynote speaker. In her commencement address, Lori spoke about overcoming the many fears that we must face in order to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. She also spoke on the profound, lasting difference that Christians can make in the world, particularly Christians in the medical field.
AUHS provost, Dr. Scott Amundsen, presented the faculty, veterans, deans, and degree candidates followed by, the long-awaited conferral of degrees that was conducted by president Dr. Caroll Ryan. The 2017 AUHS commencement ceremony was an incredibly proud and joyous day for our graduates and faculty alike. Though we are sad to see them go, we at AUHS are excited to send this class of highly capable, compassionate professionals out into the world and even more excited about the positive, lasting impact they are sure to make.
About American University of Health Sciences
AUHS is a Christian based, minority-serving university, which educates students for careers in the healthcare profession. AUHS emphasizes the values of faith in God, love of humankind, and belief that all people have a right to healthcare and deserve a good quality of life based on the wellness of body, mind, and spirit. The university celebrates diversity and reaches out to groups currently underrepresented in healthcare and research. AUHS provides the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, hands-on practical training and supportive environment required to create competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.
American University of Health Sciences is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001.
