CHS Celebrates Spring 2025 Commencement
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
More than 200 College of Health Sciences students came out to walk across the big stage at Rupp Arena Friday, cementing their status as graduates of the University of Kentucky, ready to take on the world.
And, as always, leading the way was one familiar face. Karen Badger, PhD, MSW, professor and Vice Dean of the College of Health Sciences, again served as University Faculty Marshal, leading the procession.
“I am honored to serve as a University Faculty Marshal at commencement,” Badger said afterward. “It is a privilege to uphold this tradition and take part in such a significant milestone, working alongside fellow faculty marshals and so many others to support this meaningful celebration honoring the hard work, growth and achievements of our graduates — and the dedication of all who have guided and supported them throughout their academic journeys.”
For those students, it meant the culmination of years of hard work.
“As a graduate of the College of Health Sciences, I feel thoroughly prepared to attend medical school in the fall and be a compassionate, professional, and culturally competent healthcare provider in the future,” said Maria Hadjisavva, who graduated with a degree in Human Health Sciences (pre-med track). “I am confident that my HHS degree will set me apart from my peers and enable me to provide exceptional care to my patients one day.”
With their decorated mortarboards set atop their heads and family in the stands, the students patiently waited as others went up, walked the stage and shook hands with President Eli Capilouto.
“I am really thankful to be a College of Health Sciences graduate,” said Mason Wooten, a Human Health Sciences major (pre-med track). “Thanks to the incredible education, supportive staff, and unique opportunities, I am ready to take on my next steps towards a career in the healthcare field!”
Of course, not all the students who walked are actually finished with their college careers.
Those in the Physician Assistant Studies Program, for instance, still have some work to do.
“It feels great!” Emily Goodman, a PA student from Grayson, Ky., who walked Friday, said laughing a day later. “But I have to go to a clinical rotation today, so that’s a bummer. Ha!”
Lucy Bowers, a PA student from Granger, Ind., who also graduated from HHS in 2020, also walked on Friday.
“I don’t think it’s hit me yet, but that’s also because we still have six weeks to go,” she said, laughing.