Hooding ceremonies mark scholar-to-professional transition for graduates in four programs

 

Four School of Health Professions programs held hooding and awards ceremonies for their graduates in May, adding another tradition to the memory-rich commencement season.

Here are a few takeaways from the ceremonies.

 

Doctor of Physical Therapy 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program held its first hooding ceremony in 2024, making the May 16 event the second in the program’s history.

The program included awards presentations, superlatives, faculty awards and a slideshow. School of Health Professions Dean David Shelledy, PhD, RRT, FAARC, FASAHP, presented the Dean’s Award to Kimberly Bristow.

Assistant Professor Selina Morgan, PT, DPT, NCS, gave faculty remarks, telling students to take time to reflect on the journey that brought them to their graduation.

“Today marks the culmination of years of hard work,” Morgan told the audience in the Academic Learning and Teaching Center. “Lots of sacrifice, unwavering commitment to the calling that you chose. It’s so special to be a PT.”

 

 

 

Respiratory Care

David Henzi, EdD, FASAHP, senior associate dean in the School of Health Professions, asked family members attending the program's joint hooding and awards ceremony for master's and bachelor's students to stand up and receive applause for supporting students on their journey.

“I think it’s important to recognize your amazing family members,” said Henzi, before he announced Antoinette Juarez as the recipient of this year’s Dean’s Award for bachelor’s students. 

Master’s students were hooded by family and friends they had chosen to stand with them in front of the assembled audience during the May 16 event. Master’s students officially finish their program in August and will receive their awards at that time.

Assistant Professor/Research Rain Rueda, MD, MSHCA, RRT, RRT-NPS, presented the Clinical Excellence Award to bachelor’s student Lovetta Petty.

“In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of respiratory care, clinical excellence is not just about knowing how to adjust vent settings or interpret blood gasses," Rueda said. "It’s about being calm under pressure. It’s about showing empathy when patients are afraid, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves and truly listening to both patients and colleagues. It’s about rising to the moment when no one is watching.” 

 

 

 

Master of Science in Imaging Sciences

The Master of Science in Imaging Sciences program is graduating its first cohort of students in 2025 and held its hooding ceremony on May 16 in Holly Auditorium. 

Mario Vasquez III received the Dean’s Award, presented by Dean Shelledy. In his remarks, Shelledy called the master’s program “one of a kind” in medical imaging education.

“These guys are the pioneers,” he said of the inaugural cohort. “These guys are going to be highly sought after.”

Brandon Smith, MBA, MSRS, RT(R)(VI), CIPP, president of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, served as keynote speaker.

“There is humanity in your expertise,” Smith told the 18 graduating students. 

 

 

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Founding chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Fang-Ling Lu, PhD, CCC-SLP, FASAHP, shared some history about UT Health San Antonio in her remarks during the first-ever hooding ceremony for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. She encouraged graduates to think for themselves, work hard and collaborate.

“Think independently. You need to be your own person," she said. "Work diligently. Work hard. But live your life collaboratively."

Held May 17, the event included remarks from Class President Maya Datt.

“Let’s take what we’ve learned, the enriching experiences and the passion we have discovered for this field of speech-language pathology and use them to make a difference,” Datt said. 

Before he presented the Dean’s Award to Devin Lukachik and Laurna McFarland, Senior Associate Dean David Henzi asked the program faculty to stand for recognition.

“This group works really, really hard to make sure that you all are the best possible speech-language pathologists that you can be."