Fall Commencement Ceremony Highlights SMU Student Success

On December 7, 2022, Samuel Merritt University students gathered in the Paramount Theatre, ready to walk across the stage with pride, cheered on by the support of their family and friends. Due to the increase in graduating students at SMU, two commencement ceremonies are held each year, one in the spring and fall. Yesterday’s Fall Commencement served as an important moment to recognize the hard work of our graduates, congratulate them on their success, and celebrate their accomplishments. 

This fall, 46 students from the College of Health Sciences were honored at the ceremony for completing their rigorous programs. Thirty-eight students earned a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA), 6 earned a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and 2 earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DOT).

From the College of Nursing, 382 students celebrated their accomplishments from over half a dozen programs at the Doctoral, Master, and Bachelor levels. These programs included the BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management, Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Nursing Practice – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Students were able to take in their hard work and reflect on their progress as they move on to enter vital roles in our society as healthcare professionals. Guest speaker Jane Carcia, CEO of La Clinica da La Raza, welcomed SMU graduates into their respective fields with an inspiring and moving speech. 

Faculty and staff watched with pride as their students accepted their hard-earned degrees, highlighting the tight-knit community that we are fortunate to have. 

Congratulations to all of our graduates!