College of Saint Mary Celebrates 7th Annual Physician Assistant Completion Ceremony

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) celebrated its seventh annual Physician Assistant Completion Ceremony in Gross Auditorium on Saturday, Aug. 17. The event recognized 12 students who completed their Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree and will soon become certified practicing physician assistants.

Kimberly Allen, PhD, vice president of academic and student affairs, gave the welcome address. “While today is about celebrating your achievements over the past two years, it is also about looking forward to the incredible impact you will have on the future of healthcare,” Allen said. “You are entering the field at a time when the world needs you more than ever.”

Sydney Kramcha M’24 led the invocation. Assistant Professor Lindsey Kaiser, MPAS, PA-C, gave the keynote address.

“As you stand on the threshold of your professional careers, I urge you to take a moment to reflect – not only on the knowledge and skills you have acquired but also on the personal growth you have experienced,” Kaiser said.

After receiving their long white coats, the students took the Physician Assistant Professional Oath. Justin Gambini, DMSc, MSPASc, director of CSM’s PA program, provided closing remarks.

“The long white coat you don today is not just a symbol of your transition from student to practitioner; it is a mantle of responsibility, compassion, and commitment to the patients and communities you will serve,” he said. “It signifies the trust that has been placed in you and the high standards of care you are now entrusted to uphold.”

After obtaining their certification, the graduates will be practicing physician assistants, conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, advising on preventative care, and helping in surgery and prescription writing.

Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2024

Darayu Boltaeva, Omaha

Erika Cross, O’Fallon, Mo.

Kylee Dunphy, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Maria Garcia, Miami, Fla.

Alyssa Grawe, Omaha

Anna Haho, Corcoran, Minn.

Sydney Kramcha, Denver, Colo.

Emily Ludwig, Omaha

Sienna Mahan-Deitte, Omaha

Erin Peabody, Omaha

Sarah Ryan, Omaha

Sarah Wiger, Omaha