A Momentous Occasion: Physician Assistant Program Recognizes 25th Graduating Class

The Physician Assistant program is celebrating a milestone class.

On Aug. 10, students in the Class of 2024 received their white coats and certificates of completion during a ceremony in the DeSales University Center. 

This was the program’s 25th graduating class. Kathy Ehrhardt, MMS, PA-C, program director, applauded students for their exceptional dedication and perseverance, calling the class a testament to the enduring legacy of the program. 

“This is a momentous occasion. With this class, including our graduates today, there are now 1,432 DeSales Physician Assistant program graduates.” -Kathy Ehrhardt, MMS, PA-C, program director

After receiving their white coats, students recited the Physician Assistant Professional Oath. Also during the ceremony, faculty tearfully recognized Bernie Childs as the program’s first honorary inductee into Pi Alpha, the national physician assistant honor society. Childs recently retired as a clinical assistant for the program. 

Congratulations to this year’s graduating class and the following student award winners: 

• Medical Director Award: Alyssa Arrain M’24, Bailee Brown M’24, and Hannah Tobin ’23, M’24.  
• Clinical Medicine Award: Hannah Tobin ’23, M’24.  
• Dr. Wayne Stuart Award for Excellence in Anatomy: Paige Cadieux-Petrie ’23, M’24. 
• Dr. Karen Walton Award for Excellence in the Didactic Year: Sarah Vetesi M’24. 
• Fr. Peter Leonard, OSFS, Award for Excellence in the Clinical Year: Kylie McNamee ’23, M’24. 
• Self-Directed Learner Award: Fedaa Jabir ’23, M’24.  
• Program Director Award: Kara Fagerstrom M’24.