On Friday, May 16, 447 graduate degrees were conferred during the 2025 University of Lynchburg Commencement ceremonies.
The day of celebrations kicked off at 9 a.m. with the Doctor of Medical Science and Master of PA Medicine Commencement ceremony. A total of 251 DMSc and 39 MPAM candidates were recognized on Shellenberger field.
The candidates were greeted first by Dr. Jenna Rolfs ʼ20 DMSc, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Science, and then the University’s president, Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar.
Morrison-Shetlar emphasized that no matter how the candidates, their families, or even the institution may grow and change, they would always have a home at Lynchburg. She then addressed the inspiring and impactful role the candidates would take on as PAs.
“For you, the drive to become a medical professional comes from a deep-seated desire to make a real difference,” Morrison-Shetlar said. “Your answer to, ‘How was your day?’ will always be, ‘Life-changing.’”
“Your response to danger will always be, “I’m coming!” even when others run the opposite way. Your stamina will always be tested, your courage always called upon, and your knowledge always needed. You will be the light in many, many moments of darkness.”
Once the president completed her address, Rolfs returned to the podium to introduce the keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Bill A. Soliz ʼ22 DMSc.
Soliz, the first PA to obtain the rank of brigadier general, has spent over 30 years in active duty military service. He has served in a variety of leadership roles in clinical and operational settings, including as PA to the president of the United States, and has participated in numerous combat operations, such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Currently, Soliz is director of the Office of Operations, Plans, and Training for the Defense Health Agency; chief of the U.S. Army’s Medical Specialist Corps; and an adjunct faculty member in the University of Lynchburg School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Upon taking the podium, Soliz first greeted and thanked the faculty, Morrison-Shetlar, and the degree candidates’ gathered friends and families.
Turning then to the candidates, Soliz began, “Today is not a finish line. It is a launching pad to your journey of life. You are stepping into the world as highly trained medical professionals, but more than that, as leaders.
“Leadership is an action, not a position or title. You do not need subordinates to lead.”
In his speech, Soliz offered six points of advice that helped him to grow as a leader: Be authentic, be intentional with your time, take care of yourself first, build a team not an individual title, be bold, and mentor the future.
“You all have worked hard and have earned your degrees, and I am super proud of you,” Soliz said. “But your real work is still yet to be done, the meaningful work that changes people’s lives. That starts today.
“The future of healthcare is in great hands with you. Lead with your hearts and minds. Serve others with compassion and excellence. And above all, never stop learning.”
Kathleen Howard ʼ25 DMSc took the podium next and spoke on behalf of her class.
She began by reflecting on her journey to her current role as acting executive director of PA services for the Veterans Health Administration.
“My journey to this point was not a straight path — it was a climb, step by step, filled with challenges, opportunities, and determination,” Howard said. “But let’s be honest, when I started this journey, I didn’t wake up one day saying, ‘Executive director, that’s the goal.’
“Like many of you, I just wanted to make a difference without passing out during cadaver lab.”
Howard then encouraged the graduates to go beyond the limits others may set for them.
“As you, the graduates, step into your next chapter, I encourage you to keep looking up,” she said. “Set your sights high, because there’s no limit to how far you can go. Keep climbing. And if you hit a ceiling, break it. Or at least gently nudge it until someone else helps you lift it.”
Howard left the candidates with six guiding principles: Set a goal and keep it, surround yourself with those who will champion you, get a mentor, be an advocate for positive change, be real, and don’t let hard win.
Morrison-Shetlar then stepped forward with Dr. Jeremy Welsh, chief academic officer and vice president for academics and strategic operations, to greet and congratulate each DMSc and MPAM candidate as they received their diploma.
Once all of the candidates received their diplomas, Welsh took the podium to offer some final closing remarks.
“Looking out at you all, it’s clear that the spirit of dedication and compassion highlighted earlier today resonates within this group,” Welsh said. “You have answered a profound calling, one that demands not only intellect, but immense heart.
“The future of healthcare benefits immeasurably from your expertise and your dedication. Go forth with confidence, knowing that you are well-equipped to be the compassionate and skilled medical professionals our communities so desperately need.”
At 2 p.m., 36 Doctor of Physical Therapy candidates were honored in Turner Gymnasium.
After a welcome from the class vice president, Bradford Davis ʼ25 DPT, Morrison-Shetlar took the podium.
“You have been given the extraordinary gift of helping others find quality of life again,” she said. “As physical therapists, you will help prevent injury, ease the pain of chronic illness, and restore hope in the future.
“Because of your courage, dedication, and hard work, the diploma you receive today represents the privilege you’ve earned to walk people through one of the most powerful steps of the healing process — rehabilitation.”
Welsh was the next to take the stage, echoing the president’s sentiments and adding, “Because you now know that physical therapy is not merely a technical skill but a profound act of empathy, understanding, and patient-centered care, you stand ready to offer both your hands and your hearts in this noble pursuit of healing.”
Dr. Allen Moore, program director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy, also greeted the candidates.
“Graduates, today marks the end of your formal education, but it also marks the beginning of your career as independent clinicians,” Moore said. “The next time you walk into a treatment room, you’ll be the expert.
“No more clinical instructors, no more nudges from faculty. The decisions — and the responsibility — will be yours. But here’s the good news: You’re ready. You’ve got the knowledge, the skills, and the heart to lead with confidence.”
Theodore Hu ʼ25 DPT was chosen by his peers to address the cohort during the ceremony.
During his time in the DPT program, Hu served as the cohort’s American Physical Therapy Association representative, a student success liaison, president of the Community Health Clinic, and as a board member of the American Association of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists student group.
Hu began by addressing the family, friends, and coworkers in attendance. He stressed the impact of the “investments [they] make daily” and the “pattern of selfless love and care deposited in [the candidates’] lives.”
The concept of investment was a recurring theme throughout Hu’s speech, as he reflected on his experience in the program.
“Caffeine, late nights, early mornings: These we expected to invest, the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears,” Hu said. “Less expected was the literal blood, sweat, and tears.”
Hu described the surprising levels of high blood pressure the cohort discovered when examining each other, the nervous sweat before a practical and from exertion during their “1.5-mile maximum-effort run,” and the tears from stressing over grades and laughing too much.
“The investment by our professors toward our success and excellence as clinicians is on full display today,” Hu said. “Thirty-six doctors of physical therapy ready to join their ranks. Thank you for investing in us.”
As his speech came to an end, Hu considered the significance of the letters DPT, which would from that point on follow the name of each candidate.
“The letters DPT are an end,” he said. “The end of three years of hard work and dedication. The reward of investment in you by friends, family, and professors. But also the beginning.
“The beginning of opportunity to reinvest in the profession, in family and friends alike, and in your patients. Here’s to you, Class of 2025. Invested. Excellent. Caring. Congratulations on DPT, an end and a beginning.”
At the conclusion of Hu’s speech, multiple faculty stepped forward to present awards, such as the Service Excellence Award, presented by Dr. Carole Friend.
Service is a fundamental component of Lynchburg’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and every year, the faculty honors a “student who has consistently gone above and beyond their course requirements.”
The 2025 Service Excellence Award was given to Elena Flowers ʼ25 DPT. Flowers demonstrated her commitment to service through her efforts as co-president of the geriatrics student professional involvement group, participation in the Parkinson’s exercise group, co-leader of the GOServe club, contribution to the PT Day of Service, and other efforts.
“Enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to do whatever needs done, even when it doesn’t receive acknowledgement,” Friend said, in describing Flowers. “Kindness, compassion, and leadership that shares the limelight.
“That is the kind of professional service that lights the way for others to follow.”
Additional awards presented included:
- Academic Excellence Award – Theodore Hu ʼ25 DPT
- Clinical Excellence Award – Taylor Craft ʼ25 DPT and Leigh-Ann McCormick ʼ25 DPT
- Core Values Award – Alexandra Searles ʼ25 DPT
- Leadership Award – Sarah Dillon ʼ25 DPT
The candidates were hooded by faculty members and received their diplomas from Morrison-Shetlar and Welsh.
The ceremony concluded with a few encouraging remarks from Sarah Dillon ʼ25 DPT class president.
The day of celebrations ended with the Graduate Commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. in Turner Gymnasium. It celebrated 159 master’s candidates and one Doctor of Education candidate.
The candidates were welcomed by the chair of the board of trustees, Julie Doyle.
“As you move forward to whatever lays ahead, I hope you will carry with you the fellowship, the wisdom and the spirit of this community,” Doyle said. “Never hesitate to return in your heart to this place, to this day, and to all who helped you along the way.”
Morrison-Shetlar also greeted the graduates before introducing the keynote speaker, Gloria Witt.
Witt is a dedicated leader in the Lynchburg community. She is the founder and CEO of Define Success Coaching & Facilitation Services and was the Democratic 5th Congressional District candidate in 2024.
Additionally, Witt has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg, is a past president of the Amherst, Virginia, branch of the NAACP, and is active in the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Workforce Development Committee and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
Her speech addressed the idea of “stepping boldly into leadership.”
“Leadership is not just a title; it is a responsibility,” Witt said. “It requires courage, vision, and the willingness to take risks. The world does not need more passive observers — it needs bold, confident, and compassionate leaders who challenge the status quo.”
Witt challenged the candidates to “expand your leadership impact” and to “not wait for opportunities — create them.”
She emphasized the importance of going outside of your comfort zone in order to see real growth. “The most successful leaders do not wait for the perfect moment — they step forward, despite uncertainty,” she said. “Be bold. Take the risk. Trust yourself.”
As she came to the end of her speech, Witt said, “The world will not change by chance. It will change because you dared to lead with integrity, to innovate with intention, and to serve with impact.”
Morrison-Shetlar returned to the podium and solemnly addressed the audience as she presented the posthumous Master of Public Health degree to the family of Francis “Frank” Lawrence Csorba ʼ23, ʼ25 MPH.
A moment of silence was held in honor of Csorba’s memory.
Morrison-Shetlar was then joined by Welsh, and together they conferred the degrees upon the 2025 candidates.
As Morrison-Shetlar said, “It’s a great day to be a graduating Hornet!”
