By Dave DeFusco

The Katz School’s M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2025 gathered for its completion ceremony with a shared sense of relief, pride and well-earned confidence. The event marked the culmination of more than two and a half years of rigorous coursework, demanding clinical rotations and profound personal sacrifice—and the moment when students formally crossed from training into the physician assistant profession.

Dean Paul Russo opened the ceremony by welcoming students, families, faculty and staff, calling the occasion a “joyous time.” Reflecting on the magnitude of the journey, he reminded graduates what they had accomplished together. He emphasized that technical skill alone does not define a great clinician.

“Eighty-six credits, 26 courses, 10 rotations later—and soon you’ll be ready for the PANCE exam and sooner still, you’ll be in practice,” he said. “You diagnose and treat but more than that, you treat the whole patient, not just the disease, with competence, with empathy and with kindness.” 

Class President Abigail Assenza delivered a deeply personal address that captured both the struggle and meaning behind the white coats the students wore. She spoke about the honor of standing before loved ones and supporters and reflected on her path to becoming a PA, which was shaped by the loss of her father to gastric cancer in 2020.

“Watching him go through the healthcare system taught me how deeply patients and families rely on compassionate providers,” said Assenza. 

Assenza also addressed the unique challenges her cohort faced, noting that their experience was far from traditional. Beginning with 56 students and navigating significant program changes, the class emerged smaller but resilient. She thanked program leadership and faculty for guiding them forward, offering special recognition to Assistant Dean and Program Director Lorraine Cashin and Brian Baker for stabilizing and strengthening the program. 

Looking ahead, Assenza shared her plans to begin a career in emergency medicine at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and expressed her hope to one day return as a preceptor or professor, giving back to the program that shaped her. “Without any of you, none of us would be here wearing these white coats,” she said. 

Vice President Matthew Vahling followed with remarks that blended humor and gratitude. He praised Assenza’s leadership, highlighting her role in creating a mentorship program, organizing fundraisers and fostering moments of connection during stressful periods of training. Vahling reflected on his own motivation to pursue medicine, shaped by growing up around healthcare and supporting a sibling with special needs. He thanked Cashin, Baker, faculty and staff for putting students first and preparing them for the future. 

“Through all the ups and downs, we stuck together—and it’s finally over,” he said, addressing his classmates.

Cashin then led the formal presentation of white coats and certificates of completion, calling each graduate by name and officially recognizing them as emerging professionals. She also announced this year’s individual awards, celebrating excellence across academic, clinical and professional domains.

The Academic Excellence Award, presented to the student who demonstrated consistent academic achievement, was awarded to Ewa Gerlak, who was also inducted into the Pi Alpha honor society. 

The Merit and Integrity Award, recognizing perseverance, passion and ethical leadership in the face of adversity, was presented to Wynter Holland. 

The Clinical Excellence Award, honoring outstanding clinical acumen and compassionate patient-centered care, was awarded to Olivia Closson and Arfan Ali. 

The Director’s Excellence Award, recognizing scholastic excellence, professionalism, leadership and tireless advocacy for patients and classmates, was presented to Abigail Assenza. 

The Peer Award, chosen by classmates to honor the PA who best exemplifies professionalism and integrity, was awarded to Michaela Fiederer, also a Pi Alpha inductee.

Additional Pi Alpha inductees included Ilana Rouhani, Olivia Closson and Ariele Bongiovanni, reflecting the cohort’s strong commitment to academic and professional excellence.

The Class of 2027 added a meaningful gesture by presenting pins to the graduates, accompanied by a message honoring the Class of 2025’s perseverance, mentorship and example. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Physician Assistant Oath, affirming the graduates’ commitment to ethical practice, compassion and lifelong learning.

In her closing remarks, Cashin addressed the class with pride. “Congratulations again to our Class of 2025 students. We are so proud of your accomplishments and all that you will bring to the profession,” she said. “It is our privilege to now call you ‘colleagues’ instead of students.”