The UTMB School of Health Professions recently held its commencement ceremonies at Moody Gardens.
A total of 121 students graduated, including 32 with bachelor of science degrees in clinical laboratory sciences, 21 with bachelor of science degrees in respiratory care, 28 with master of science degrees in occupational therapy, two with master of science degrees in physical therapy and 38 with doctoral degrees in physical therapy. Dr. David L. Callender, UTMB president, conferred the degrees.
The commencement speaker was Michael Pirkle, who graduated from UTMB in 1997 as an occupational therapist and earned a master of public health degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health in 2004. Pirkle is also the school’s 2010 distinguished alumnus. He is director of rehabilitation services at the Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center campus. His research focuses on outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.
Graduating students selected professor Jon Nilsestuen, chairman of the respiratory care department, as the grand marshal.