More than 1,200 West Coast University graduates and 10,000 of their loved ones gathered this July at the Honda Center in Anaheim to celebrate the Summer 2023 commencement.
After a warm welcome by West Coast University Co-Presidents Ward Ulmer and Tim Lee, attendees listened as the keynote speaker and Boston Marathon bombing survivor Rebekah Gregory inspired the audience and reminded the graduates of their capability as healthcare professionals.
“Each one of you possesses an incredible power — the power to transform lives, to be advocates for those in need, and to serve as beacons of hope during your patients’ most vulnerable moments,” Rebekah said during her address to the graduating class. “Your impact extends far beyond medical procedures and interventions. It encompasses the very essence of what it means to be human.”
For WCU-Ontario graduate Jaime W., helping others brings the best out of her. Inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic by her friends in the healthcare field, Jaime decided to pursue nursing to find a way to help.
“If anything like this happens again, I’m not going to be on the sidelines,” Jamie said. “I’m going to be in the middle of it. I’m going to be helping people.”
WCU-Ontario graduate Danielle B. balanced school, motherhood and ran her own business during her BSN program. Crossing the stage as her daughters watched was an emotional and proud moment, she said.
“I’m the role model to my daughters. I want them to look at me and know that if mom can do it, they can do it,” Danielle said.
WCU-Los Angeles graduate Ellen T. also expressed joy in having her son cheer her on during the ceremony. Ellen had a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and was working in research when her mentors encouraged her to go into nursing after expressing a desire to have a more hands-on approach with patients.
“When I’m at the bedside, it’s a whole other feeling,” she said. “It’s not just bringing the knowledge. It’s knowing how to communicate it. It’s that therapeutic communication that we’re taught. It’s an actual skill. You get better and better at it. Here at West Coast, I was taught everything I need to know.”
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.
