West Coast University celebrated its Summer 2025 commencement this June, as graduates filled the Honda Center in Anaheim for a day of recognition and reflection. The ceremonies honored students from WCU’s online and on-campus programs, including advanced degrees and bachelor’s programs including nursing, dental hygiene, pharmacy, and healthcare administration.
WCU-Center for Graduate Studies pharmacy graduate Victoria S. found her passion in a close-knit cohort and faculty-driven program. She encourages students to join clubs, gain work experience, and trust the process.
“We are at the Honda Center and we are graduating,” Victoria, who transitioned into pharmacy after working as a pharmacy technician, said. “It’s the last day. We made it. I’m so excited. These past four years have been worth it.”
Bianca C., who earned her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from WCU-Orange County, overcame family hardships while shifting from dental assisting to preventive care. She now hopes to serve her community through education and clinical outreach.
“It is a milestone, and it took several years to get here. I was excited to finally be blessed with this opportunity,” Bianca said.
Freddy H., a Marine Corps veteran and BSDH graduate from WCU-OC, brought discipline and heart to his new career in dental hygiene and credits WCU’s accelerated, hands-on program for preparing him to serve patients confidently.
“It is a rigorous program,” Freddy H. said. “They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing… West Coast did a great job in preparing future hygienists to be out there and help patients in the real world.”
WCU DNP graduate Anthony P. focused his doctoral work on supporting nurses dealing with burnout. He credited WCU’s flexibility and encouragement for helping him achieve each milestone.
“I am a living testament. I was a VN graduate from American Career College and then I went to get my BSN at West Coast University, got my masters in nurse practitioner in psychiatric at West Coast University, and then went back to get my DNP. So, it is very possible,” Anthony said.
Max L. juggled a full-time job with his studies, completing the online MHA program in just one year and preparing to step into a leadership fellowship.
“I was able to finish in the year that I was wanting to, started my new job in a month, and I was able to kind of prove to myself that I was able to finish it in a year and still work full-time,” Max said.
WCU-Ontario BSN graduate Greg D. entered nursing in his 30s after supporting individuals with special needs and finding inspiration in his father’s ICU experience. He praised the university’s clinical preparation and encouraged future nurses to follow the profession for the right reasons.
“When you actually do good work and you actually heal people, being of service to others is… the best human experience,” Greg said.
JLisia B., a former speech-language pathology assistant, was driven by her father’s stroke to return to school and serve geriatric patients. WCU’s online MSLP programs offered the support she couldn’t find elsewhere.
“To be here today after the countless amount of times that I said, ‘Oh I don’t want to do this anymore, I can’t do it, I can’t do it’ — it’s great,” JLisia said.
With every hug, tassel turn, and tear shed, WCU’s Summer 2025 graduates showed the power of persistence, purpose, and a community that believes in every student’s potential.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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