The first inaugural graduating class of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Commencement Ceremony was held in Whitley Auditorium on Sunday, March 8, 2015. The academic commencement ceremony includes: the Processional "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1," by Edward Elgar; the Invocation was given by The Reverend Janet (Jan) F. Fuller, University Chaplain; the Welcome was given by Steven D. House, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; the Introduction of the Speaker was given by Patricia D. Ragan, Associate Professor, Department Chair and Program Director; the Address was given by Dawn Morton-Rias, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants; the Recognition of Open Door Partnership, Melissa M. Murfin, Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator; the Pi Alpha Honor Society Inductees, Professor Ragan; Presentation of Candidates for Degree, Provost House; Conferring of Degrees, Leo M. Lambert, President of Elon University; Hooding Ceremony and Awarding of Diplomas, Elizabeth A. Rogers, Dean, School of Health Sciences, Diane M. Duffy, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education, and President Lambert; the Charge to the Graduating Class was given by President Lambert. Lambert said, "Long Live Elon". Some names include: Seth Alan Abel, Allison Kathleen Alexander, Whitney Claire Shoemaker Andrew, Corrina B. Baglia, Jennifer Michelle Burnette, Laura Alice Ciompi, Lindsay Carolina Collins, Tessa Nicole Conte, Sara Ashley Dennin, Michaela Nicole Fajardo, Mary Hannah Farish-Williford, Lindsay Nicole Finch, Courtney Amanda Forcucci, Amanda Aydelette Futrell, Emily Caitlin Godfrey, Melissa Ann Holmes, Daniel Alan Jacobs, Brittany Lauren James, Allie Black Kelly, Krista Meier Kroeger, Jennifer Leigh Little, Veronica Mary Machaj, Sinead Meghan McFarlane, Madeleine Malembe Mvula, Keri Nicole Buchanan Norris, Katie Ann O"Gara, Sahar Osman, Darcy Paulus, Miranda Jalene Pool, Matthew Preston Rainbolt, Brittany Leigh Ramsy, Tyler Madison Roper, Jamie Leiann Seals, Arezu Shekari, Jaclyn Jeanette Stevens, Kimberly Ann Trinh, and Caroline Abigail York.
