Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to Honor All Schools in Commencement Ceremony

President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., will preside over the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) commencement with students from the schools of medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, pharmacy and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at 10 a.m. May 21 at the United Spirit Arena, 1701 Indiana Ave.

Mitchell said commencement is an exciting time for faculty, students and family members.

“I have the honor of not only presiding over this ceremony, but also witnessing the celebration of all their hard work,” Mitchell said. “These graduates have received an exceptional education and have endless possibilities of contributing to patient care and research across this country.”

This commencement will honor:

• The first Family Medicine Accelerated Track (FMAT) class from the School of Medicine. The FMAT program was established in 2011 to address the national primary care shortage.
• First inaugural class of the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine — the Texas House passed Senate Bill 120, which established TTUHSC El Paso as a standalone university within the Texas Tech University System. The 40-member inaugural class began in 2009.
• First Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences degree
• Military graduates will wear military stoles. Graduates, alumni and family who serve or have served in the Armed Forces will be recognized.

More than 1,000 May graduates will receive degrees in various health disciplines (approximately another 859 students will walk in the ceremony as December and August graduates). Hooding and student awards will be presented at individual school convocations prior to the commencement ceremony. Awards to be presented are:

The Dean’s Recognition Award for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences — Kyle Miller, M.S.

Outstanding Graduate Student — Gurvinder Kaur, Ph.D.

The School of Medicine Gold Headed Cane Award — Jason P. Cooper, M.D.

Paul L. Foster School of Medicine — Thomas Tullius, M.D.

Dean’s Highest Academic Achievement Awards in the School of Medicine — Morgan Marino, M.D.

Dean’s Recognition Award — Amy Shekarchi, M.D., and Morgan Marino, M.D.

Paul L. Foster School of Medicine — Benjamin Ramos

School of Nursing Dean’s Award for Excellence-Doctorate — David Marshall, MSN, RN

School of Nursing Dean’s Award for Excellence-Graduate — Kimberly Fakhreddine, BSN, RN

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Nursing-Undergraduate — Brenda Ogutu, BSN

The School of Allied Health Sciences Dean’s Award for Excellence-Graduate — Alexandra Lozada-Pelcynski, MOT

Dean’s Award for Excellence-Undergraduate — Mariah Turner, SLHS

The School of Pharmacy Bowl of Hygieia Award — Chiamaka Chinweizu Ike, Pharm.D.

Highest GPA in the School of Pharmacy — Meredith Ann Sigler, Pharm.D.

A live stream of the commencement ceremony will be available at www.commencement.ttu.edu/livestream.

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