Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Honors Graduates at Commencement Ceremonies

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• June 1, 2018

More than 1,000 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) graduates received degrees in various health disciplines from the Schools of Nursing, Health Professions and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
 
President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., said commencement is an exciting time for faculty, students and family members.
 
“Commencement is the most important day in the university’s academic calendar,” Mitchell said. “Our graduates have the responsibility to inspire others, to acknowledge the many people who invested in their educational experience and to care for our communities with exceptional dedication, knowledge and heart.”
 
Awards for each school included:

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences had 62 students graduate in programs of Master of Science in Biotechnology, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Public Health, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. This year, the school had the first M.D./MPH graduate.

Top awards included:
Dean’s Recognition Award for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences – James Bunch

Outstanding Graduate Student – Jeremy Thompson, Ph.D.

 School of Nursing

The School of Nursing had 385 students graduate from programs of Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science, RN to BSN and Traditional BSN. 

Top awards included:
School of Nursing Dean’s Award for Excellence (Doctorate) – Kristie Brown
School of Nursing Dean’s Award for Excellence (Graduate) – Lindsey Lytle
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Nursing (Undergraduate) – Gennifer Gerard
Dean’s Leadership Award – Camille Lunday, Traditional BSN
Leadership Award University Medical Health System – Justin Vanderpoel, Traditional BSN
Healing Touch Award, Covenant Health System – Julia Talley, Traditional BSN

School of Health Professions

The School of Health Professions had 581 students graduate from 20 different graduate and undergraduate programs.

Top awards included:

Dean’s Award for Excellence (Graduate) –Jessica Dianne Baker
Dean’s Award for Excellence (Undergraduate) – Chelsey Nichole Saenz

School of Medicine

The School of Medicine had 175 graduates. The graduates will begin residencies at TTUHSC and other top programs across the country including Baylor Scott & White, Emory University of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Naval Medical Center, Wake Forest University, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Tripler Army Center and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

 Top awards included:

School of Medicine Gold Headed Cane Award – Jarrod Tunnell
Dean’s Highest Academic Achievement Award – Bridget Walker
Dean’s Recognition Award  – Mary Moellering – Amarillo
Dean’s Recognition Award  – Dania McAden – Covenant Branch
Dean’s Recognition Award  – Bennett Grinsfelder – Lubbock

School of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy had 134 graduates.

Top awards included: 

Bowl of Hygieia – Hayden Stewart
Banner Bearer Award – Shannon Rice
Communications Award – Jordan Bell
Eli Lilly Achievement Award – Rachel Jackson
Patient Care Award – Kathryn Johnson
Natural Medicines Award – Andrea Pratho
Geriatrics Award – Chanese Hampton
Pediatrics Award – Rachel Jackson
Wolters Kluwer Award of Excellence in Clinical Communication – Bobby Outlaw
Mylan Excellence in Pharmacy Award – Ballard Saul