School of Nursing’s Class of 2023 Heralded as “Catalysts for Change”

School of Nursing Commencement - June 12, 2023

The UCSF School of Nursing celebrated the Class of 2023 at Commencement at Herbst Theatre.

Members of the Class of 2023 gather at Herbst Theatre for Commencement.

Sachi Timmons, a master's graduate, takes a celebratory walk across the stage at Commencement.

Assistant professor Alexandra Duke places the doctoral hood on Lionel Hoyte at Commencement.

Heather Coyne, a master's graduate, shakes the hand of UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood at Commencement.

Maritza Franqui, a master's graduate, sits with classmates at Commencement.

The UCSF School of Nursing celebrates the Class of 2023 at Commencement.

Members of the Class of 2023 gather at Herbst Theatre for Commencement.

DNP program graduates and members of the Class of 2023 gather at Herbst Theatre for Commencement.

The UCSF School of Nursing celebrates the Class of 2023 at Commencement.

Enthusiastic applause echoed throughout San Francisco’s historic Herbst Theatre on the evening of June 12 at the School of Nursing’s Commencement. 

Family, friends and colleagues of the class of 2023 packed the venue, cheering as UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, conferred degrees on 189 master’s and doctoral graduates. Additionally, 13 nurses received post-master’s certificates in advanced specialties. 

Catherine Gilliss, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, began the evening’s celebration by welcoming graduates, university leadership, faculty and guests. Matt Tierney, MS, NP, FAAN, professor and chair of the Nursing Faculty Council, addressed the graduates, commending their commitment to advance health and health equity.

Keynote speaker Shelby Decosta, MHA, president of UCSF Health Affiliate Network, spoke about the critical role of nursing in the delivery of health care.

“As nurses, you possess a unique perspective that transcends the walls of hospitals and clinics?. You witness firsthand the struggles and the triumphs of humanity, and you know the immense strength of the human spirit in the face of illness and adversity,” Decosta said. “You're our catalysts for change and champions of compassion.”

A call to lead health care with empathy and strength was a theme among the speeches from student speakers Kate Oppegaard (PhD in Nursing), Alicia Bacchus (DNP), Carolyn Bogard (DNP) and Heather Coyne (Master of Science).

“May we be inspired to make a difference not only in health care as nurse leaders, but most importantly in the lives of those who we will continue to serve through the provision of care and advocacy,” said Bacchus. 

The following students were recognized at Commencement for their achievements:
    •    Carolyn Harris received the Distinguished Dissertation Award in Nursing
    •    Ashley Perez and Nicole Foti received the Distinguished Dissertation Award in Sociology
    •    Jessica Harrison received the Anselm Strauss Special Award for Distinguished Qualitative Dissertation
    •    Melissa Fesler and Jennifer Viner received the Distinguished DNP Project Award
    •    Heather Coyne and Giselle Kaneshige received the Outstanding Master of Science Student Award
    •    Janice Cain received the Nursing Alumni Student Award for Meritorious Service
    •    Jasmine Ramos Rivera received the Emma Deboncoeur Trans Health Scholarship Award

In addition, the graduating students honored three faculty members for their mentoring and teaching excellence:
    •    OiSaeng Hong was honored as the PhD mentor of the year
    •    Lisa Lommel was selected as DNP mentor of the year
    •    Rosalie Bravo was named the Master of Science teacher of the year