OMAHA, Neb. – During a hooding ceremony on August 15, 32 College of Saint Mary (CSM) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies students received their degrees.
“Your education was never only about what you know. It was also about who you are becoming. You learned how to think critically. How to advocate for others. How to approach challenges with both intellect and empathy. You learned that leadership is not about titles or status. It is about using your gifts in service of something greater than yourself. And perhaps most importantly, you learned that courage and compassion can exist together,” said President Heather Smith during the ceremony.
The master’s hooding ceremony recognizes the achievement of an advanced degree and marks the formal transition from student to practicing professional. During the ceremony, faculty place the master’s hood over the graduates’ shoulders, symbolizing mentorship and the passing of professional knowledge and values.
“I believe God has given each of these graduates unique gifts and will place them where those gifts are most needed. I hope they approach that calling with humility, recognize the dignity of every person they encounter and always remember that caring for others is both a tremendous responsibility and a sacred privilege,” said Risa Zimmerman, associate program director.
Lindsey Kaiser, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, gave the invocation. Graduate Jocelyn Farhar and Melissa Groff, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, were the keynote speakers.
The Preceptor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Stephen Grove, a family medicine physician in the emergency department at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs. Students consistently describe Grove as welcoming, patient and deeply invested in their learning.
“Dr. Grove exemplifies excellence in medicine, dedication to his patients and a genuine commitment to preparing the next generation of physician assistants. His mentorship has made a lasting difference for our students, and we are incredibly grateful for his partnership with the College of Saint Mary PA program,” Zimmerman said.
The 24-month physician assistant studies master’s program prepares students to become competent and compassionate healthcare providers. Faculty cultivate a culture of servant leadership and social responsibility, encouraging students to engage with their communities and address healthcare disparities.
Students get hands-on experience in the physician assistant classroom, patient exam rooms and anatomy lab, and with high fidelity simulation equipment. They are required to complete 12 clinical rotations in various medical specialties.
As a group, the graduates completed 1,500 classroom hours and 55,000 clinical hours at 120 clinical sites where they saw over 70,000 patients.
2026 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Graduates:
Garrison D. Beach, Logan, Utah
Tennasynn Boersen, Hampton, Neb.
Olivia Lynn Bohac, Omaha, Neb.
Grace Jene Breckenridge, Blair, Neb.
Zoe Marie Brenden, Pierce, Neb.
Rylee Claussen, Omaha, Neb.
Brizeth Anahi Covarrubias, Omaha, Neb.
Addison Anne Dorn, Filley, Neb.
Jocelyn Farhar, Omaha, Neb.
Jacy Zoey Marie Fehl, Underwood, Iowa
Daisy Vianey Gonzalez, Omaha, Neb.
Callie Haneborg, North Platte, Neb.
Gabriella Natanya Hillman, St. Louis Park, Minn.
Lexi Nicole Jenner, Holton, Kan.
Haley Kennedy, Omaha, Neb.
Ananda Marie Lopez, Leawood, Kan.
Pedro Martinez Jr., Omaha, Neb.
Andrew Vincent Marzocchi, North Liberty, Iowa
Blake Alexander Morgan, Kirksville, Mo.
Evelyn Navarro, Banning, Calif.
Savannah Renẻ Nolde, Raymond, Neb.
Jena Sue Runia, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Deirdre K. Oetken, Bennington, Neb.
Kaleb V. Ovik, Billings, Mont.
My Pham, Omaha, Neb.
Xena Shafi, Folsom, Calif.
Austin Travis Streeter, Elkhorn, Neb.
Reise Elizabeth Thomsen, Elkhorn, Neb.
Emma Louise Thurmond, Overland Park, Kan.
Jack Vande Hei, Omaha, Neb.
Rebeka Ventura, Lincoln, Neb.
Olivia Youngdahl, Minneapolis, Minn.