UC Davis nursing school celebrates 108 graduates

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis lauded the accomplishments of 102 master’s-degree students and six doctoral candidates at its 2024 commencement on June 13. 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 graduation. The ceremony featured remarks and the conferring of degrees from UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May.

“The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing lies at the intersection of humanity, innovation, empathy, diversity and leadership. It is through these guiding principles that we have flourished,” Cavanagh said. “In today’s ever-changing landscape, our graduates are not just prepared to meet the challenges ahead. They are poised to embrace them with courage, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

The graduates are from three programs who will join a workforce of careers in high demand. They are future registered nurses, physician assistants, and nursing scientists and researchers.

May implored the graduates to “harness the critical thinking skills, life-saving techniques, and problem-solving research strategies” they developed at the School of Nursing and “tackle the social determinants of health and deliver culturally appropriate solutions rooted in empathy and understanding.”

The keynote address was delivered by Susan Baade Song, a health care and philanthropic consultant. Song previously served as a program officer who for 10 years led the efforts of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support nursing leadership and innovation. During that time, she worked with leadership, faculty and staff to develop the vision and programs at the then-new school, which opened in 2010. In her speech, Song honored the memory and legacy of Betty Irene Moore, the co-founder of the School of Nursing, who passed away in December at the age of 95.

“While she may not be here to see this, Betty’s generosity and passion for improving the human condition has had a lasting impact on the field of nursing. Betty’s dedication to improving health care and education continues to benefit countless individuals and communities, including all of us gathered here today,” Song said.

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

• Excellence in Leadership: Santiago Garcia III, Master’s Entry Program in Nursing
• Excellence in Collaboration: Mary Anjielen Artille, physician assistant studies
• Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Val Torrico, physician assistant studies
• Excellence in Community Connection: Chaulette Palafox, Master’s Entry Program in Nursing
• Excellence in Innovative Solutions: Marla Shauer, Doctor of Philosophy program

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing lies at the intersection of humanity, innovation, empathy, diversity and leadership. It is through these guiding principles that we have flourished.—Dean Stephen Cavanagh

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 Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner program. They are led by an interprofessional team of more than 60 faculty from across UC Davis.

Watch a recording of the celebration.

View the program from the event.