In a commencement ceremony Friday, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) celebrated graduates in its chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, clinical practice and biomedical science programs.

NUHS alum Matthew Kowalski, DC , ‘90, an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, served as commencement speaker and offered students many pearls of wisdom as they embark on a new chapter in their health care journeys. He talked about today’s health care landscape and how new technological advancements like artificial intelligence could possibly replace some health care workers, but never the physicians and practitioners in integrative care.

“We all need touch…therapeutic touch comforts both the giver and the recipient. Touch cannot be replaced by medical technology,” he said.

Dr. Kowalski also shared some advice for graduates. He recommended clearly defining what success means to them, mapping out future goals with a timeline, asking for guidance and giving back by becoming a mentor.

“Look in the mirror and smile back,” he said. “You will have changed someone’s life and you probably didn’t even know it.”

Program valedictorians also shared words on behalf of their graduating class. Vincent Fox, valedictorian of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science program, reflected back on the challenges of the program.

“I was pushed to my limits in this program, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” he said. “I’m ready for the next chapter.” 

Princess La’Juana Burnett, valedictorian of the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine program, expressed gratitude to her family, friends and fellow classmates for their support during her 7-year academic journey at NUHS.

“We are warriors, we have survived an uphill battle,” she said. “We didn’t give up, we didn’t quit…as we sit here today, we can be proud of all our accomplishments.” 

In his closing remarks, NUHS President Joseph Stiefel MS, EdD, DC, talked about not being afraid of being asked, “what do you think?” by patients in future practice.

“You have earned the right,” he said. “When someone asks you, ‘what do you think?’ You say, ‘hold my beer.’”

Summer 2023 graduates

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

Arlince Boyd

Samuel Caedon Evans

Vincent Fox

Tatianna K.S. LeFlore

Aaliah Mubarak

Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice

Kamilah Joleen Hamilton

Master of Science in Acupuncture

Alexandria Pete

Master of Science in Oriental Medicine

Christopher R. Borchert

Priyanka Borkar

Princess La’Juana Burnett

Doctor of Chiropractic

Juan Barajas Jr

Logan Joseph Baio Brennan

Angelica Christine Clark

Lukasz Czerwien

Emily Louise Doudlah

Andrew Emig

Jesus Fernandez

Jenny Hagemeier

Heather Ann Hagland

Chandler Christian Hoffner

Karisa Marie Knisely

Ayla May Osborn

Kennedi Pierce

Karolina Pray

Colleen Pearl Reilly

Madison Taylor Vidovich

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Princess La’Juana Burnett (Fall ’20)

Chancellor Harn

Kinsley Melia McKnight

Jocelyn Lara

Karolina Pray (Summer ’21)

Sabrina Seeram

Ryan Welage