For immediate release: Aug. 9, 2007
GALVESTON, Texas - Eighty-four students will receive baccalaureate or master's degrees in allied health specialties from the University of Texas Medical Branch in a 2 p.m. ceremony, Friday, Aug. 17, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center.
Sixty-two students will receive bachelor's degrees in clinical laboratory science and respiratory care; 22 will earn master's degrees in physical therapy and in occupational therapy.
Elizabeth Protas Ph.D., interim dean of the UTMB School of Allied Health Sciences, will officiate at the graduation; university president Dr. John D. Stobo will deliver a commencement address on leadership.
Protas said that the graduating class "is a distinctive and dynamic group of students."
"I am impressed by the caliber, the commitment, and the accomplishments of these individuals, and I am certain they will have a positive impact within their health care specialties," she said.
Protas noted that a recent national poll showed that nurses and allied health care providers are among the most respected and trusted workers in the nation.
Five students will be honored for their exceptional contributions. They are: Bethany Joy Degray, a physical therapy graduate, recipient of the John G. Bruhn Award for Professionalism; Janet Appleton, Janet Applewhite, and Kimberly Franke, clinical laboratory sciences graduates, recognized for their outstanding collaboration in a community project; and Martha Acevedo, respiratory care, recipient of the Team IDEAL Professionalism Award.
Raymond Lewis, associate dean of admissions and student affairs, said that nearly all of the graduates have been offered jobs, and 70 of the 84 graduates have already signed commitments or contracts for employment in the health care industry.
"The job market is excellent for our graduates this year, he said. "Those who have not yet taken a job are weighing their options or they are considering continuing their education."
Established in 1968, the UTMB School of Allied Health Sciences has educated more than 6500 professionals who currently serve in the nation's healthcare workforce. Allied health sciences include such professions as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, clinical laboratory scientist, and respiratory care. The School of Allied Health Sciences at The University of Texas Medical Branch offers all of these programs. The majority of UTMB graduates - more than 85% - elect to practice in Texas.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Public Affairs Office
301 University Boulevard, Suite 3.102
Galveston, Texas 77555-0144
www.utmb.edu