24 CSM physician assistant students graduate during hooding ceremony
OMAHA, Neb. – During a hooding ceremony August 16, 24 College of Saint Mary (CSM) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduates received their degrees.
“They developed true resilience—the kind that allows future providers to remain calm, focused and effective no matter the circumstances,” said Risa Zimmerman, interim physician assistant studies program director. “They encountered the unexpected and didn’t let it stop them. Instead, they found the motivation to keep moving forward, always with the vision of becoming compassionate, competent and confident PAs.”
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.
Graduate Grace Baker gave the invocation, and graduate Samuel Pond gave the keynote address. Assistant professor Lindsey Kaiser was the faculty speaker.
The Preceptor of the Year Award was presented to Sarah Schuetz, a nurse practitioner who works in behavioral health.
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 44,484 hours of clinical training, about 1,853 hours per student, during the program.
“These were hours filled with new experiences, tough lessons and moments that shaped who they are as professionals,” Zimmerman said.
2025 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Graduates:
Jaden Autey, Naples, FL
Grace Anne Baker, Maple Grove, MN
Richard Todd Carter, Winchester, CA
Brooke Chambers, Ashland, NE
Sydney Dose, McClelland, IA
Sonya Flores, Omaha
Natalie JoAnne Garner, Highlands Ranch, CO
Rebecca Jerina, Crete, NE
Mayuri Kanji, Nebraska City, NE
Marti Claire Kennedy, Omaha
Madeline Emily Lowe, Gurnee, IL
Brianna Melendez, Omaha
Jaclyn Negrete, La Vista, NE
Renae Otto, Apple Valley, MN
Samuel Pond, Omaha
Mikayla Jo Reeves, Wahoo, NE
Samarth Saini, Maple Grove, MN
Victoria Simon, Valencia, CA
Sydney Stephens, Olathe, KS
Samantha Sterbenz, Grimes, IA
Bryan Tran, Omaha
Matthew Trotter, De Pere, CA
Sidney Wells, Cedar Creek, NE
Madison Ybarra, Redlands, CA
