As more than 250 family and friends packed into the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, a steady rain — along with lightning and thunder — fell outside as Marietta College conducted its 14th Physician Assistant graduation ceremony.
The 36 graduates join a special group of The Long Blue Line, as only 351 others who have earned the degree from the College — bringing the total of Marietta PA graduates to 387.
“Each of you have a common goal, and that is to make health care better and the world better,” said Dr. William N. Ruud, President of Marietta College.
Many of the graduates have already secured employment and will be heading out across the U.S., while others are weighing their professional options. The ceremony also featured a personal moment, when Coulton Waite PA’16 proposed to Kristen Scheutzow PA’17 (she said yes!).
Five students — Abigail Connelly (Amsterdam, Ohio), Amy Hutchison (Dayton, Ohio), Michelle Knepper (Moon Township, Pennsylvania), Brittany Lisjak (Rochester Hills, Michigan) and Brittany Tomello (Hartville, Ohio) — were inducted in Pi Alpha Honor Society. Joining them as inductees are Natalie Ball PA’12, ’10, Chad Showen PA’11, ’06, Bradley Pierce PA’11, ’08 (faculty), Kevin Alten (faculty) and Penny Rose AA’13 (honorary).
Provost Janet L. Bland, Program Director Miranda Collins and Ruud all spoke during the ceremony.