UC Davis nursing school celebrates 174 graduates

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis lauded the accomplishments of 114 master's-degree students, 29 doctoral candidates and 30 graduate certificate recipients at its 2025 commencement on June 12. The celebration was held at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on the UC Davis campus.

More than 750 friends and family gathered as Dean Stephen Cavanagh presided over the graduation. The ceremony featured remarks and the conferring of degrees from UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May.

"Graduates, you are entering the health care profession during a time of profound change and uncertainty," Cavanagh said. "But in the face of unpredictability, we remain anchored by the values that have always guided our professions and the unwavering commitment to optimal health care for all."

The graduates are from five programs who will join a workforce of careers in high demand:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP)
• Master of Health Services - Physician Assistant (PA) Studies
• Master's Entry Program in Nursing
• UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program (PMHNP)

This is the first class of DNP-FNP students to graduate. They began studies in 2022 and culminated their program last month in an academic symposium to showcase their scholarly projects.

This is also the first class of psych mental health NPs, who have completed the collaborative UC program, to join in the UC Davis ceremony.

Keynote speaker Hendry Ton shared with the graduates a life lesson he learned in medical school. One, he hoped, would reassure them as they grow into their new roles as nurses, nurse practitioners, PAs, mental health professionals and researchers.

"Some of the most meaningful healing happens in quiet spaces, where there may be no applause, no grade, no recognition, said the associate vice chancellor of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for UC Davis Health. "As you enter the next chapter of your journey, don't hesitate to work in those hidden spaces. You may not always get credit, but your impact will be profound."

He also encouraged them to speak out for health equity and call out injustice in all its forms. "Because silence in the face of injustice injures as much as action," he said.

Nursing faculty recognized five students with awards of excellence for representing the school's five core attributes - community connection, diversity and inclusion, leadership, innovative solutions and collaboration. The winners are:

• Joan Taylor, UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
• Katharine Owens, Master's Entry Program in Nursing
• Allison Bacani, Master of Health Services - Physician Assistant (PA) Studies
• Giulia Arostegui, Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
• Jacke Humphrey-Straub, Doctor of Philosophy

Upon receiving the honor, Humphrey-Straub said, "When I heard my name called, I wasn't sure I heard correctly. My cohort's nomination was so special. I chose this school because I wanted to go somewhere that valued community, collaboration and bold system change."

Following the presentation, graduates and their families celebrated together.

The commencement ceremony can be watched here.