WesternU College of Health Sciences Commencement: Champions of humanism
Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Health Sciences celebrated 79 graduates at its Commencement ceremony May 14, 2025 in Pomona, California.
This was the last of nine WesternU Commencement ceremonies for nearly 1,000 graduates held May 12-14, 2025 in Pomona and in Lebanon, Oregon, all presided over by WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. WesternU now has more than 22,600 alumni.
“As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to always listen to your patients, remain lifelong learners, embrace innovation, and uphold the values of compassion and integrity,” Farias-Eisner said. “The world of medicine is ever evolving and your commitment to excellence will be crucial in navigating its complexities. We’re excited to see the incredible contributions that you will make moving forward.”
College of Health Sciences Dean Gail Evans Grayson, EdD, MA, told the graduates that they are advocates for equity, ambassadors of innovation, and champions of humanism.
“Let your impact extend beyond the clinic and classroom into your communities, your network, and the systems you one day will lead. You leave here as doctors, practitioners, educators and professionals but also as stewards of compassion, collaborators for justice, and connectors of humanity. This is the power of humanism in health care. This is your brand,” she said. “As Dean of the College of Health Sciences it is my privilege to send you forth with this charge. Reset with resiliency. Carry the wisdom of your trials and always be ready to begin again with boldness and clarity. Refocus your talents on excellence, your minds on innovation, and your hearts on healing. Let integrity and empathy guide your every decision. Rebrand your influence. Represent the next generation of health care leaders who value humanity as much as science, who challenge injustice and who build bridges where there are barriers. Let this degree be more than just a credential. Let it be a commitment. You are the future of health care and the future starts now with each of you.”
The Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan, LLM, JD, LHD (Hon.), Chair of the WesternU Board of Trustees, thanked the family, friends, faculty, staff and administrators who supported the graduates on their WesternU journey.
“At WesternU, we foster a community built on our foundational values – humanism, caring, respect, empathy and trust,” Callahan said. “Today marks the closing of one chapter and signifies the exciting opening of another. We are incredibly proud to send you forth as humanistic health care professionals. You are prepared to make a profound impact on the world.”
The WesternU family remains an ongoing source of strength, ready to celebrate your triumphs and offer guidance when needed, Callahan told the graduates.
“From your earliest days as WesternU students you embraced the core principles of patient-centered care, humanism, and a commitment to scientific excellence. These values will serve as your compass as you navigate your careers,” she said. “The Class of 2025 embodies immense talent and a rich array of perspectives, joining a distinguished legacy of WesternU graduates who are making a profound impact on health care. Together you form a powerful force ready to transform the future.”
CHS graduate Brenda Porras, DPT ’25, said she was introduced to physical therapy in high school and then worked as an aide in a PT clinic. She was drawn to the personal interactions with patients.
“I like that we actually get to spend a lot of time with patients,” Porras said. “We get to see them grow and help them in what they want to do in achieving their goals.”
“I like when you treat a patient and you can see them get better,” said CHS graduate Andrew Cline, DPT ’25. “It makes your whole day better when you get to make difference in someone’s life.”
CHS graduate Rehan Saber, MSMS ’25, said the Master of Science in Medical Sciences program helped her prepare for the next phase of her journey. She hopes to gain acceptance to the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. The MSMS students built a community of support among classmates and faculty, she said.
“I feel proud of the journey we embarked on together. The friends I made along the way were imperative to my success,” Saber said. “I feel grateful for the lifelong friendships I made. Developing grit and resilience have been really great for me as well.”
