To WesternU’s Class of 2020,

A lifetime of hard work, dedication and determination has brought each of you to this pivotal moment in your life. Congratulations on a job well done!

I encourage you to celebrate this achievement with all those who helped you reach this extraordinary milestone — family, friends, classmates, and mentors.

But your journey continues. You will now take your place among the healers of the world, with all the opportunities and responsibilities this brings. Your skilled hands and compassionate hearts will help foster wellness for individuals and communities the world over.

You are shining and stalwart examples of WesternU values, and of our commitment to excellence. I am honored to officiate – and celebrate – this Commencement with you. I very much look forward to hearing of your many accomplishments in the years ahead.

Again, congratulations for your attainments today and for the bright future. Godspeed.

Best wishes,

 

 

 

 

Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD
President
Western University of Health Sciences

A Message from Dr. Beverly Guidry

Dear Graduating Students,

Today, our virtual Commencement activities begin, with each College celebrating in its own unique way. Congratulations, graduates! We are all so proud of you.

Western University of Health Sciences President Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD, is opening each of the WesternU College Commencements in a brief video address and then charging the Dean to officiate the academic exercises and oath ceremonies. For those graduates unable to attend your College ceremonies, or for those having difficulties viewing the video live, please watch Dr. Wilson’s Commencement message.

I also invite you to post well wishes for your colleagues with 20 words for 2020, a fun and unique way to pay tribute to each other on this special day. Please join us on social media by using the hashtag #WesternU2020 in your Commencement posts, post a photo, and follow our live coverage of the ceremonies on WesternU’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds.

Graduating students, we are thinking of you, and we are here for you. Enjoy your day as  together we celebrate this incredible milestone.

Graduating class of 2020, congratulations, stay well and be safe.

All my best,

Beverly A. Sanks Guidry, EdD
Senior Vice President for University Student Affairs
Chair, University Commencement Committee

Commencement History

WesternU’s annual Commencement ceremonies play an important role in the culture and traditions of the University, which was established in 1977 and now spans two states, California and Oregon. At these ceremonies, the University marshal, designated by the University mace, proudly starts the ceremony by leading the graduands into the auditorium. The faculty and administration soon follow and take their place on stage, eager to welcome their newest peers into the professional world of medicine. Graduands are then presented with colorful hoods that represent their specific area of study. As the University continues to grow and evolve, these traditions serve as a reminder of WesternU’s notable history and set the standard for countless opportunities to come.

Video Archive

Looking Back

Tradition

ACADEMIC REGALIA

Learn about the history of academic regalia, the president's distinct attire and the significance of your graduate's gown and hood colors.

Regalia worn in procession today trace origins to medieval universities, when all faculty were in religious orders and obliged to be properly gowned. Beyond ecclesiastical functions, robes marked clerics from the lay populace and also served well in unheated buildings of the day...

Learn More

POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE

We invite you to learn more about the key ritual elements that are seen at WesternU’s ceremonies. They symbolize our rich history and honored traditions.

Maces date from at least 1200 as heavy weapons borne by Sergeants-at-Arms meant to protect the King’s person. By the 14th century maces had become purely ceremonial, and increasingly decorative, symbols of royal or other institutional authority. The University Mace is a…

Learn More

LOOKING BACK

From the first keynote address in 1982 given by Dixon Arnett to the 2019 address by the first woman governor of Oregon, Barbara Roberts, the WesternU family has been honored with inspirational and influential speakers for 38 years.

Each year, hundreds of graduates leave Commencement with the keynote address fresh in their minds. WesternU prides itself on providing these future medical professionals with a message that will resonate for years to come.

Learn More
Looking Forward

We know that future planning is important, so we’ve provided the dates of commencement through 2025.

Future Ceremony Dates
Graduates looking forward while they wait in line to begin ceremony