More than 300 students are entering their careers as medical practitioners after graduating from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, marking a new milestone.

“With 317 graduates, including 294 attending in person and 23 participating virtually, this was the largest assembly of graduates in the Provo, Utah-based university’s 26-year history,” a press release from the institution stated.

The commencement ceremony held Friday at the UCCU Events Center in Orem on the campus of Utah Valley University honored the hard work, dedication and full body of work of the graduates.

The ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of RMU’s diverse range of students, who hailed from 42 states and eight countries, but also highlighted the commitments of its faculty and alumni, according to the release.

“This commencement is a powerful reflection of the dedication, hard work, and excellence that define our university,” RMU President Cameron K. Martin said in the release. “As we honor the exceptional accomplishments of the Class of 2024, we are reminded of the impact that dedication and perseverance have on shaping the future of healthcare.”

Perseverance was a focal point for the message graduate Kirsten Thornhill spoke about during the ceremony.

“Despite the hiccups, hurdles, and hoops, we have persevered, and it is this perseverance that will continue to drive us forward in our careers,” Thornhill said, according to the press release. “I am proud to stand here as a first-generation college student, knowing that this achievement is not just mine, but ours, as we continue to improve the human condition, beside one another, united together.”

Thornhill completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences in human and sport performance, a field that specializes in preventive cardiovascular health, cannabis and interdisciplinary health care research. Her work will include advancing health care knowledge through innovative research.

Thornhill recently was recognized as the top college or university student in Utah for 2024 by Best of State, the release noted.

She also was presented with the Richard P. Nielsen Student Service Award, along with graduate Jessica Raymond.

Both graduates “showed exceptional service to their community while attending RMU,” according to the press release.

RMU alumnus Guillermo Escalante, who graduated in 2012 as a Doctor of Science in athletic training and is currently an associate dean and professor of kinesiology for the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino, was the commencement keynote speaker.

In an offer of hope and inspiration, he assured the graduating class that they are the future of health care and health care education, while also speaking to his experience as an RMU student over a decade ago.

“Rocky Mountain University was instrumental in setting the foundation of a quality graduate education to help me develop as a resilient lifelong learner focused on outcomes-oriented, evidence-based practices,” Escalante said as part of the release. “The fundamentals learned in classes such as research methods and biostatistics have helped me to succeed as a researcher, reviewer, and editor.”

Escalante didn’t leave the ceremony empty-handed; he was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award. Derek Strate, a 2023 graduate of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, was awarded the Early Career Alumni Award.

Several 2024 RMU Faculty Teaching Award recipients also were honored.

In all Friday, RMU awarded 143 doctorate degrees, 158 master’s degrees and 16 certificates.

“RMU produces healthcare leaders who are lifelong learners. Their contributions in their fields are amazing,” Martin said in the release.

Editor’s note: Based on information provided by Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, a previous version of this story misspelled the first name of graduate Kirsten Thornhill. The Daily Herald regrets the error.