WesternU Alumni Engagement gains momentum as connections deepen across the community

The Office of Alumni and Family Engagement at Western University of Health Sciences is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and connection. Recent initiatives have reinvigorated alumni relationships, expanded student support, and reinforced WesternU’s commitment to a thriving, lifelong community.

A highlight of this renewed energy is the release of our Class Notes collection. These updates showcase the remarkable personal and professional journeys of our alumni. The growing number of submissions reflects a deeply engaged network proud to stay connected with their alma mater. Alumni now receive quarterly newsletters that highlight the latest college achievements, student initiatives, and meaningful opportunities to give back and stay involved.

Alumni receptions at major professional conferences continue to draw impressive turnouts, serving as more than just reunion. They foster meaningful conversations about the evolving health care landscape, personal connections, career reflections, and opportunities to support future generations and our students.

Momentum continues with the upcoming relaunch of the WesternU Alumni Mentoring Program, designed to match current students with alumni mentors from all colleges. This program will create valuable one-on-one connections, offering students guidance, encouragement, and networking opportunities as they navigate their educational and professional paths.

In addition, the department recently launched the Alumni Resiliency Series, a collaborative effort with the Office of Recruitment. This series kicks off this summer and features powerful alumni stories to inspire prospective students and illustrate what’s possible with a WesternU education. Through authentic, real-world experiences, the series fosters a sense of belonging, builds resilience, and empowers future health care professionals to succeed.

Looking ahead, the department is excited to announce a long-awaited goal: the return of the annual WesternU Alumni Reunion. Once a beloved tradition, the reunion offers alumni the opportunity to celebrate, reconnect, and honor their WesternU roots. With plans to recognize college milestones, alumni achievements, and reunion anniversaries, we’re calling on University leadership and supporters to help bring this beloved event back.

• California Campus: October 4, 2025
• Oregon Campus: August 16, 2025 – the inaugural reunion

To further strengthen alumni involvement, the Alumni Leadership Board (ALB) has seen growth and aims to expand further in 2026, with a goal of representation from every WesternU college. Current ALB members serving through December 2025 include:

• Niloofar Khatibi-Arnold, DO ’01 – ALB President
• Farnaz Chegini, DMD ’17 – Vice President/President-Elect
• Etuajie Oiyemhonlan Halbert, MSMS ’15, DO ’19 – Secretary
• Dionne Zuniga, PharmD ’11 – Treasurer
• Kevin Mancilla, PharmD ’22 – Outreach Coordinator
• Syeda Rahman, MSPA ’06 – Member
• Lawrence Huang, DO ’05 – Member
• Jennifer Foti, DO ’15 – COMP-Northwest Member
• Aaron Stecker, DO ’15 – COMP-Northwest Member
• Kathryn Slaughter-Mehfoud, DVM ’17 – Member

 

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the 10 alumni representatives who returned to WesternU to support the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

• Kayla Song, DPM ’16, College of Podiatric Medicine
• Ashley Suplee, OD ’15, College of Optometry
• Marc Bernardo, DMD ’19, College of Dental Medicine
• Sydney Pokard, DVM ’16, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Rafik Mughnetsyan, DO ’21, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
• Carrie Dupee, DNP ’16, College of Graduate Nursing
• Anna Sladkey, DPT ’09, College of Health Sciences
• Celeste Dunlap, MSHS ’10, College of Health Sciences
• Cynthia Ho, DPT ’24, College of Health Sciences-Northwest

With pride and enthusiasm, they helped “pass the torch” to the next generation of health care professionals by presenting alumni pins to graduates as they crossed the stage. This meaningful tradition not only celebrated the achievements of our newest alumni but also warmly welcomed them into the lifelong WesternU alumni family. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between past and future graduates.

As alumni engagement continues to grow, these collective efforts are building a stronger, more connected future for WesternU — one defined by pride, purpose, and partnership. We sincerely thank each college and dean for their continued support with alumni connections.