UC Davis nursing school hosts commencement

Mortar board decorated with syringe and the words: I call the shots now

UC Davis nursing school hosts commencement

Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing celebrates 128 graduates

(SACRAMENTO)

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis lauded the accomplishments of 124 master’s-degree students and four doctoral candidates at its 2023 commencement on June 15. The event was held at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on the UC Davis campus.

More than 750 friends and family gathered as Dean Stephen Cavanagh presided over the event, which featured remarks and the conferring of degrees from UC Davis Provost Mary Croughan.

Cavanagh honored the memory and legacy of Gordon Moore, the co-founder of the School of Nursing, who passed away in March at the age of 94.

“Just as Gordon Moore was driven by an exceptional curiosity, generosity and unassuming commitment to hard work…so are we at the School of Nursing…committed to going beyond in simulation training, recruiting and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and cementing our leadership role in the health care of the Sacramento region and beyond,” Cavanagh said.

Dean Steven Cavanagh in cap and gown outside wearing sunglasses
We at the School of Nursing…committed to going beyond in simulation training, recruiting and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and cementing our leadership role in the health care of the Sacramento region and beyond.Dean Stephen Cavanagh

These graduates are from four degree programs. They are future registered nurses, physician assistants, family nurse practitioners, and nursing scientists and researchers.

woman kneels during graduation as son hoods her from behind, two other faculty flank her
Doctor of Philosophy candidate Tequila Porter is hooded by her son, Calais, while Associate Professor Jessica Draughon Moret, left. and UC Davis Provost Mary Croughan assist.

Croughan told them to “be very proud that you are earning a degree from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing! You have chosen a school committed to the highest quality of health care and to achieving true equity for the betterment of all members of society.”

Selu Vargas, a 2020 graduate of the school’s Master of Health Services — Physician Assistant Degree Program gave the keynote. She shared advice for times when self-doubt might bring about struggle.

“I would ask that you take a moment to remind yourself, foremost, of your tenacity and determination. Then explore introspectively what’s going to keep that flame ignited inside of you,” said Vargas, who provides care for unaccompanied immigrant minors and those seeking asylum in El Paso, Texas. “Take it from me and trust that you will do amazing things.”

Nursing faculty recognized five students with awards of excellence highlighting the school’s five core attributes:

  • Excellence in Leadership: Ashlyn Oller, Master’s Entry Program in Nursing
  • Excellence Collaboration: Victoria Le, family nurse practitioner program
  • Excellence Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Felix Howard, family nurse practitioner program
  • Excellence in Community Connection: Aliyah Bell, physician assistant program
  • Excellence in Innovative Solutions: Monica Godden, Doctor of Philosophy program
Selu Vargas speaks from podium wearing cap and gown
Selu Vargas, an alumna of the physician assistant program, told graduates that they "will do amazing things" in her keynote address.

The programs offered under the Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership Graduate Group include master’s degrees in physician assistant studies and entry-level nursing, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy and a new Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner program. They are led by an interprofessional team of more than 60 faculty from across UC Davis. View the program from the celebration.