1 / 2

Graduates are shown at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions' 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Aug. 14, 2026. (Courtesy RMU)

Courtesy RMU

2 / 2

Dr. Lily S. Hsu, president of Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton, Massachusetts, delivers the commencement speech during Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions' 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Aug. 14, 2026. (Courtesy RMU)

Courtesy RMU

❮ ❯

“Today is the culmination of years of studying, sacrificing, balancing study time with family time, overcoming challenges and refusing to quit when the finish line felt impossibly far away.”

That congratulatory encouragement from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) President Cameron K. Martin was among the poignant messages delivered to graduates during RMU’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Aug. 14 at the UCCU Center.

Nearly 300 students attended the event in person, while another 30 participated virtually as family, friends, alumni, faculty and staff celebrated the culmination of their educational journey.

“Today is the day that we used as a motive to help us make it through the tough times of writing papers, taking exams, sacrificing sleep for late nights of studying or researching — I mean, opportunities of growth,” Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) graduate Michael Cheesman told the audience. “You did it!”

Cheesman and Dr. Harmony Beppler, a recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, were recognized during the ceremony for earning the Richard P. Nielsen Student Service Award.

The recipients of RMU’s annual faculty and alumni awards were also honored, including Dr. Mary Shotwell, Hartgraves Award for Excellence in Teaching; Tye Jensen, Rising Star Teaching Award; Dr. Lori McGowan (2024, DMSc), Early Career Alumni Award; and Dr. Kimberly Masker (2015, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy), Outstanding Alumni Award.

Commencement speaker Dr. Lily S. Hsu — president of Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton, Massachusetts, and a member of RMU’s Board of Trustees — lauded the students for the sacrifices they made while pursuing graduate degrees.

Dr. Hsu spoke from experience, having traveled 450 miles round-trip between Boston and New York once a week as she pursued a doctorate (Ed.D. in Health and Behavioral Studies) from Teachers College, Columbia University — and she did it while raising three children and working full-time.

“You have spent the last several years and hundreds of hours completing your studies and now have earned your degree,” Dr. Hsu said. “There were many sacrifices you made to accomplish this. But these sacrifices were made because of your dedication to healthcare and your personal desire to be a better healthcare professional. I commend you for making the choice to advance your learning at Rocky Mountain University and to being compassionate caregivers.”

Dr. Hsu urged RMU graduates to help overcome health challenges that afflict society. She emphasized the importance of being compassionate caregivers and clinicians while also advocating for their patients.

“Health disparities are hurting all of us, and it will take everyone to work together to eliminate them,” she said.

Dr. Hsu commended students for pursuing careers in the healthcare field, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports will have an enviable 10% rate of growth or more in the next decade. She pointed out that nurse practitioners are expected to grow 40% and noted that the National Institute of Health estimates that one nurse will treat an average of 1,512 patients a year. That equals about 30,000 patients in two decades, meaning the total number of lives touched by one nurse’s care will be millions.

The impact is made one patient at a time.

“The sense of connection to your patients on a human level is an effective medication that is always needed,” Dr. Hsu said.

While conferring the degrees, RMU Trustee Dr. Jessica Egbert told graduates, who are joining 5,000-plus other RMU alumni in the workforce, that they are part of work that is built on trust.

“Patients, families, colleagues and communities will look to you not only for what you know but also for how you serve, how you lead and how you treat people,” Dr. Egbert said. “Carry your credentials with humility. Protect the dignity of every person entrusted to your care and service. Let your character be as evident as your competence both in your professional work and beyond it.”

President Martin related the importance of relying on others in healthcare to how aspen trees grow and flourish.

“What appears separate above ground is actually connected below it. Through this network of connectivity, aspen trees share water, nutrients and stress signals,” he said. “The need for a patient, any person really, to be seen, heard and understood — in essence, to be loved — is foundational to their being and healing.

“This is what it means to love and lift those in need, which is the secret sauce to improving the human condition.”

Jody Genessy is the senior content writer for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.