UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
May 17, 2025 I Capitol Theatre I 10am & 1:30pm
Welcome to our University Commencement—an event that marks the beginning of a new chapter for our graduates, their families, and the faculty who have guided them along the way. This year’s commencement brings together students from across all programs in two unified ceremonies, celebrating academic achievement and fostering a sense of community. By honoring shared experiences and individual excellence, this special day promises to be filled with pride, joy, and memories that last a lifetime.
Morning Ceremony
PROGRAMS: School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, Master of Arts in Medical Sciences
LOCATION: CAPITOL THEATRE
Doors Open: 9am
PROCESSION BEGINS: 10am
Afternoon Ceremony
PROGRAMS: College of Osteopathic Medicine, Military Promotions
LOCATION: CAPITOL THEATRE
Doors Open: 12:30pm
PROCESSION BEGINS: 1:30pm
Commencement Keynote Address
Sonny Ramaswamy, PhD
Immediate Past President of Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Ret.)
Sonny Ramaswamy recently retired after nearly seven years as president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. This commission accredits higher education institutions across the United States, including Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.
Appointed by President Barack Obama, Dr. Ramaswamy served as the director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, where he supported advancements in food and agricultural systems through funding discoveries, innovations, and education. His distinguished career also includes roles as dean of Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, director of Purdue University’s Agricultural Research Programs, university distinguished professor and head of entomology at Kansas State University, and professor of entomology at Mississippi State University.
Dr. Ramaswamy holds a BSc in Agriculture and an MSc in Entomology from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, India, and a PhD in Entomology from Rutgers University. He completed postdoctoral research at Michigan State University and is an alumnus of Harvard’s Management Development Program.
