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Commencement
2021
About Touro University California
Touro University California (TUC) is a Jewish nonprofit, independent graduate institution of higher
learning that was founded in 1997 on three Judaic values: social justice, the pursuit of knowledge, and
service to humanity. TUC’s vision is to be a place of inspirational teaching and scholarship, transformative
leadership, and exemplary service.
Today, the university is organized into three colleges: the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College
of Pharmacy, and the College of Education and Health Sciences. Home to over 1,500 students, TUC is
deeply committed to its mission of offering distinguished professional programs in osteopathic medicine,
pharmacy, physician assistant studies, public health, nursing, and education. The TUC learning experience
is student-centered, enriched by research and scholarship, and prepares professionals for rewarding lives
in service to others both locally and around the globe.
Touro College and University System
Touro University California is part of the Touro College and University System (TCUS), which is composed
of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education.
• Touro College was established in 1970 with the mission to educate, to serve, to perpetuate, and to
enrich the historic Jewish tradition of tolerance and dignity. Created as an independent institution
that would support and strengthen the Jewish community, Touro has remained steadfast in its
commitment to Jewish continuity and more broadly, to humankind.
• TCUS has grown to serve a widely diverse population of over 19,000 students across 35 schools
in four countries and is uniquely attuned to the importance of an education that accommodates
students from all backgrounds and circumstances.
• Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus, as well as Touro College Los Angeles
and Touro University Worldwide, are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College
and University System.
History of the Campus
Touro University California faces the Napa River on historic Mare Island where in 1854, the first permanent
Navy installation on the West Coast was established. Naval operations at that time ensured the flow of
gold and U.S. mail to and across Panama and protected American whalers in the South Pacific. Under the
leadership of Commander David G. Farragut, Mare Island began a long history of shipbuilding. The first
U.S. warship built on the West Coast was launched at Mare Island in 1859, and the first dry-dock on the
West Coast was completed in 1891. The Mare Island Base Hospital, a National Historic Landmark, was
constructed in 1899 on the foundation of an even older Navy hospital. The only U.S. battleship ever built
on the West Coast, the Californian, was launched from here in 1919. Other historic milestones include the
building of a platform on the vessel Pennsylvania, which permitted the first carrier landing of an airplane,
and converting the Navy’s first vessel to run on oil rather than coal. During World War II, Mare Island
produced almost 400 vessels and in 1958 launched the first of 17 nuclear submarines.
tu.edu
1
Congratulations Graduates!
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Touro University California’s Spring 2021 Commencement. On behalf of the
entire university leadership team and our faculty and staff, we are thrilled to have you here remotely for this wonderful
celebration.
I offer a special welcome and thank you to the family and friends of our graduates. They could not have completed this
journey without your steadfast support.
Graduates – your commencement marks a pivotal and important day for you, Touro, and most of all, the communities
and people that you will go on to serve. Today, after persevering through long days of studying, lectures, and labs
while learning at the side of our expert faculty and community partners, you can walk with your heads held high as
well-prepared professionals in your field.
You will be joining a distinguished group of alumni who are outstanding doctors, pharmacists, educators, physician
assistants, nurses, family nurse practitioners, public health practitioners, and health science professionals. You are
now fully prepared to meet the same challenges and make an important impact on those that look to you for help and
counsel. As the newest alumni of the university, I encourage you to remain closely connected to Touro University
California. You are now the leaders and mentors for future generations of Touro students.
Congratulations on your achievement under the most challenging of circumstances. You are joining a battle against a
difficult pandemic that has altered our lives in immeasurable ways and will continue to have a grip on our society for
some time – even after our lives return to “normal.”
Your presence here is proof that you don’t back away from challenges, and as Touro graduates, be confident in yourself,
as I am of each and every one of you, that you have it within you to meet not only this challenge, but the challenges of
the future we have not yet discovered.
Shelley Berkley, JD, CEO and Senior Provost
Touro Western Division
Touro University California Graduates of 2021, your commitment to social justice has created transformational changes
in our community even in the midst of a pandemic. Despite the limitations placed upon you by a global pandemic, you
have still found ways to serve your communities that were not insignificant. Many of you have served in communities
across the globe to create and implement meaningful public health interventions. The educators among you have
adapted to circumstances few other educators have had to face en masse and for such a long period of time, giving your
heart and soul to your students no matter the obstacles.
In your own ways, each of you have stood up to the challenge of COVID-19 that has altered the way we live. You
responded with grace in the call to shelter-in-place, to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, and
when volunteers were needed in various capacities, so many of you didn’t hesitate to raise a hand and say, “Send me.”
You have continued to serve by supporting our communities and each other in the midst of great challenges from
sewing masks, to caring for the homeless, to staffing drive through testing centers, providing remote education for
K-12 students, and working at mass vaccination clinics in Solano County, throughout California and across the nation.
Today you stand ready to meet our community’s most essential needs in an unprecedented time.
Your perseverance in these times reminds me of The Little Engine That Could and the growth from “I think I can” to
success ending in “I thought I could.” Use your experience to live a life of great impact while continually upholding
these values: respect for the inherent value and dignity of each individual, acceptance and appreciation of diversity,
and compassion and service to society. We, your faculty and staff, know you will continue to create positive change
in our world.
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD, Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Touro University California
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College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sunday, May 23, 2021 | 10:00 a.m.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Alan Kadish, MD Shelley Berkley, JD Sarah Sweitzer, PhD Michael Clearfield, DO,
President of Touro Chief Executive Officer Provost and Chief MACOI, FACP
College and University and Senior Provost of Academic Officer of Touro Dean of the College of
System & New York Touro University University California Osteopathic Medicine
Medical College Western Division
CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKERS
Zoë Lehman and Gregory Weygandt
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Michael Clearfield, DO, MACOI, FACP
Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Shelley Berkley, JD and Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
PRESENTATION OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
DEGREE CANDIDATES
READING OF NAMES
Gail Feinberg, DO, M Ed, FACOFP, M dist, Walter Hartwig, PhD,
Tami Hendriksz, DO, FACOP, FAAP, and Kimberly Wolf, DO, FACOP, FAAP
RECITATION OF THE OSTEOPATHIC OATH
Michael Clearfield, DO, MACOI, FACP
RECITATION OF THE COMMISSIONING OATH
Natalie Nevins, DO, MSHPE, COL US ARMY
ALUMNI WELCOME
Tami Hendriksz, DO, FACOP, FAAP
BLOWING OF THE SHOFAR
Bruce Silverman, MS
CONGRATULATIONS AND CLOSING
Michael Clearfield, DO, MACOI, FACP
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine California (“TUCOM”), founded in 1996, moved from San
Francisco in 1999 to its current location, now occupying 44 acres on the historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard
in Vallejo, California. Since our first graduating class of 2001, TUCOM alumni are practicing throughout the
United States and globally, from large urban cores to rural enclaves and serve honorably in all branches of
the United States military and public health services. The mission of TUCOM is to prepare students to
become outstanding osteopathic physicians who uphold the values, philosophy and practice of osteopathic
medicine. These fundamental tenets emphasize the care of the whole individual and promote wellness of our
diverse communities. TUCOM is distinguished by an innovative, student-centered, systems-based
curriculum with robust educational outcomes. The traditional four-year medical school education includes
threads that emphasize global and public health, osteopathic manipulative medicine, obesity, hand-held
ultrasonagraphy, interprofessionalism, and empathy. Clinical, basic science and translational research,
funded by a variety of sources including the National Institutes of Health, enrich the knowledge base of
medicine and is foundational to our educational mission. The vision of Touro University - inspirational
teaching and scholarship, transformative leadership and exemplary service - are not just goals, but a reality
lived each day by our students, staff and faculty.
3
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
Name Residency Location
Ashley Anderson (10) Family Medicine Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical
Center - CA
Yamah Anwari Internal Medicine Sunrise Health GME Consortium - NB
Sama Alazawi (18) Transitional Year Naval Medical Center San Diego - CA
Randy Aviado Transitional Year and Sunrise Health GME Consortium - NV and
Radiology-Diagnostic Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Yama Babari Family Medicine Sunrise Health System - Southern Hills
Hospital and Medical Center - NV
Yasmin Bains (2, 4, 6, 11, 17, 19) Medicine - Primary Alameda Health System - Highland Hospital
Jayinee Basu Psychiatry Zucker School of Medicine - Northwell Staten
Island University Hospital - NY
Adam Blank Family Medicine LewisGale Medical Center - VA
Pranay Bonagiri (7) Internal Medicine Scripps Mercy Hospital - San Diego - CA
ThucAn Bui (12, 17) Emergency Medicine Merit Health Wesley - MS
Jay Chan Internal Medicine Santa Clara Valley Medical Center - CA
Benson Chen Emergency Medicine Kaiser Permanente - Central Valley - CA
George Chen Internal Medicine University of Nevada Las Vegas
School of Medicine
Catherine Choi Family Medicine Central Washington Family Medicine
Sydra Cooperdock Family Medicine Concord Hospital - NH
Kevin Dales (10) Emergency Medicine Riverside University Health System
Asit Hirenkumar Dave (18) Psychiatry Wright State University/Wright Patterson
Air Force Base - OH
Sarah Davis (14) Family Medicine University of California San Francisco -
Fresno - CA
Navneet Deol Family Medicine Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa - CA
Hannah Dragomanovich (5, 7, 11) Family Medicine Lifelong Medical Care - CA
Simone Easterbrook (6) Family Medicine Kaiser Permanente - Santa Rosa - CA
Sarah Faitell (8) Psychiatry Maimonides Medical Center - NY
Katherine Farley (6,13) Internal Medicine Alameda Health System - Highland Hospital
Maya Gattupalli (11) Medicine - Preliminary/ University of Arizona-Phoenix
Neurology and Neurology
4
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
Grant Gifford Internal Medicine St. Mary's Medical Center - San Francisco - CA
Kavitha Gilroy (3) Pediatrics University of Texas at
Austin Dell Medical School
David Go (17) Internal Medicine CA Pacifc Medical Center - San Francisco - CA
Irene Guzman Internal Medicine University of California San Francisco -
Fresno - CA
Souad Hamade (3,8,11,15,17) Internal Medicine University of California San Francisco -
Fresno - CA
Rowena Hann (8,11,17) Medicine - Pediatrics University of Miami/
Jackson Health System - Florida
Jessica Heng (8) Emergency Medicine/ Jefferson Health - Northeast - PA
Family Medicine
Liana Hinds-Pereira Pediatrics Morehouse School of Medicine - GA
Michael Hower
Mahrose Iftikhar Family Medicine Shasta Community Health Center - CA
Medicine - Preliminary/Physical
Esme Irvine (17) Medicine and Rehabilitation and Albert Einstein Medical Center - PA
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sukhpreet Janda (3) Family Medicine Sutter Health - CA
Jonathan Jong (17) Emergency Medicine New York - Presbyterian/ Queens
Jaime Katuna (8, 11) Emergency Medicine Michigan State University -
Spectrum Health - MI
Shubhreen Kaur General Surgery Henry Ford Macomb Hospital - MI
Rebecca Kawagoe Family Medicine Kaweah Delta Health Care District - CA
Lucinda Kurzava Kendall Physical Medicine and New York University Grossman School of
Rehabilitation Medicine - NY
Natasha Khokhar (8) Family Medicine San Joaquin General Hospital - CA
Jessica Kim (18) Anesthesiology Brooke Army Medical Center - TX
Rachel Kim
Kristen Kobayashi (3, 17) Emergency Medicine New York - Presbyterian/ Queens
Ryan Koewler Emergency Medicine University of California Davis
Medical Center - CA
Katherine Ku (1, 8, 9, 20) Emergency Medicine St. Joseph's Medical Center - CA
Gokul Veedu Internal Medicine Brown University/ Kent Hospital
Ikramah Latif Internal Medicine San Ysidro Health - CA
5Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
Vy Le (3) Psychiatry University of Kansas School of Medicine -
Wichita
Joelle Lee (17) Dermatology St. John's Episcopal - NY
Joshua Lee (10) Family Medicine Chino Valley Medical Center - CA
Lawrence Lee Internal Medicine Kaiser Permanente - Oakland - CA
Zoë Lehman (8, 11, *) Family Medicine Swedish First-Hill Family Medicine - WA
Griffin Lerman Orthopaedic Surgery Valley Consortium - CA
Naran Lodhia (18) Surgery Naval Medical Center San Diego - CA
Jaimie Long (17) Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine - Houston - TX
and Children's Hospital of San Antonio - TX
Adam Lyle Pathology University of Utah Health
Dunia Mardini Family Medicine Northwestern McGaw/NMH/VA-IL
Angela Martey (11) Family Medicine San Joaquin General Hospital - CA
Nahal Massoudi Emergency Medicine Western Michigan University Stryker
School of Medicine
Ana Mathew Internal Medicine St. Joseph's Medical Center - CA
Jennifer McDonald Psychiatry Baylor College of Medicine - Houston - TX
Ryan McHenry (6) Family Medicine St. Joseph Hospital - Eureka - CA
Alia McKean (3) Pediatrics University of California San Francisco -
Fresno - CA
Andrew Melendez Emergency Medicine University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Ian Mines (17) Internal Medicine University of Texas Health Science Center -
San Antonio
Sabiha Mulla Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pinnacle Hospitals - PA
Jessica Nguyen (10) Internal Medicine San Joaquin General Hospital - CA
Minh-Thy Nguyen (3, 10, 17) Pediatrics Children's Hospital - Oakland - CA
Spencer Pace Internal Medicine Loma Linda University - CA
Daniel Park Internal Medicine University of California San Francisco -
Fresno-CA
Raj Patel Emergency Medicine Riverside University Health System - CA
Sydney Phan Family Medicine University of Nevada Las Vegas
School of Medicine
6Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
Vimala Ponna Family Medicine Kaiser Permanente - San Jose - CA
Hayden Porter Transitional Year/ Radiology KPC Health Hemet Valley Medical Center -
and Radiology Diagnostic CA
Akhil Puri Transitional Year KPC Health Hemet Valley Medical Center -
CA
Ryan Quinn (17) Orthopaedic Surgery Riverside University Health System - CA
Mikaela Rico Obstetrics-Gynecology Santa Clara Valley Medical Center - CA
Sage Rivard Emergency Medicine Desert Regional Medical Center - CA
Chiara Rosenbaum (11) Dermatology Beaumont Health, Trenton - MI
Felicia Salanga Family Medicine Adventist Health Glendale - CA
Kevin Shiah Internal Medicine Riverside University Health System - CA
Harman Singh Psychiatry Riverside University Health System - CA
Keerat Kaur Singh (8, 11) Family Medicine University of California San Francisco -
Fresno - CA
Malini Singh Psychiatry St. Joseph's Medical Center - CA
Danielle Smith Family Medicine Adventist Health Ukiah Valley - CA
Aruna Souri Neurology HealthONE - CO
Peter St. George Family Medicine Providence Health Oregon - OR
Warren Stopak Pediatrics - Medical Genetics Detroit Medical Center/
Wayne State University - MI
John-Paul Suastegui (18) Obstetrics-Gynecology San Antonio Military Medical Center - TX
Timothy Sugimoto (17) Internal Medicine Valley Hospital Medical Center - NV
Tyler Sullivan (11) Emergency Medicine St. Agnes Medical Center - CA
Yasamin Taghikhan Surgery - Preliminary UC Davis Medical Center - CA
Oliver Tamis Physical Medicine and SUNY Upstate Medical University
Rehabilitation
Sherin Thomas Family Medicine Kaiser Permanente - Los Angeles - CA
Darren Tiet Family Medicine San Joaquin General Hospital - CA
Dan Ton (17) Surgery - Preliminary San Joaquin General Hospital - CA
Hung Tran Family Medicine Mercy Medical Center - Redding - CA
7Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2021
Jennifer Tu (10) Pediatrics Harbor - University of California Los Angeles
Medical Center - CA
Emily Tze (10) Internal Medicine Alameda Health System - Highland Hospital
Kevin Varner Anesthesiology
Irene Velarde Emergency Medicine Kaweah Delta Health Care District - CA
Alyssa Villanueva Surgery - Preliminary and University of California San Francisco - East Bay
Anesthesiology and University of Colorado School of Medicine
Peter Vuong (17) Emergency Medicine Kaiser Permanente - Central Valley - CA
Shreshtha Wadhwa
Matthew Wai Internal Medicine Riverside Community Hospital - CA
Aaron Wang (8) Family Medicine Samaritan Health Services - Corvallis - OR
Ryan Wang (17) Internal Medicine Riverside Community Hospital - CA
Winnie Wei-Chieh Wang (3, 17) Internal Medicine Kaiser Permanente - Santa Clara - CA
Gregory Weygandt (8, 11, *) Family Medicine Family Health Centers of San Diego - CA
Kat Winger (11, 16) Pediatrics Children's Hospital - Los Angeles - CA
Brigitte Wray-Miller (8, 11) Family Medicine St. Joseph's Medical Center - CA
Harrison Wu Family Medicine Loma Linda University Medical Center -
Murrieta - CA
Julia Yip (10) Emergency Medicine Detroit Medical Center/
Wayne State University - MI
(1) Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, 2018-2019
(2) Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, 2019-2020
(3) American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Certificate of Commendation for
Academic Achievement to women who graduate in the top 10% of their class
(4) Bernard I. Zeliger Leadership/Service Award
(5) COM student Doctor of the Year Recipient, 2019-2020
(6) Completed Predoctoral Teaching Fellowship – Primary Care or Osteopathic Medicine
(7) Diabetes Certificate
(8) Dual Degree Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Public Health
(9) Fulbright Fogarty Fellowship 2020-2021
(10) Global Health Pathway Certificate
(11) Gold Humanism Honor Society
(12) Outstanding Student Clinician of the Year
(13) Outstanding DO Student Award
(14) Outstanding Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Student Award
(15) Outstanding Student in Basic Sciences Award
(16) Pediatric Distinguished Student Award
(17) Sigma Sigma Phi, National Osteopathic Medicine Fraternity Member
(18) United States Military Graduate
(19) United States Public Health Service 2020 Excellence in Public Health Award
(20) United States Public Health Service 2021 Excellence in Public Health Award
* Student Speakers
8College of Pharmacy
Monday, May 24, 2021 | 10:00 a.m.
PROCESSIONAL
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
Debra Sasaki-Hill, PharmD
Interim Dean of the College of Pharmacy
WELCOME
Alan Kadish, MD
President, Touro College and University System & New York Medical College
Shelley Berkley, JD
Chief Executive Officer and Senior Provost of Touro University Western Division
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Touro University California
RECOGNITION OF FACULTY AND STAFF
Debra Sasaki-Hill, PharmD
CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKER
Hafasa Mojaddidi, MS, PharmD
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Keith Yoshizuka, PharmD, MBA, JD, FCSHP
Assistant Dean for Administration
Chair, Social, Behavioral, and Administrative Sciences. College of Pharmacy
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES
DOCTOR OF PHARMACY
READING OF NAMES
Eric Ip, PharmD, APh, BCPS, CSCS, CDE, FCSHP
Laura Baumgartner, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
RECITATION OF THE PHARMACIST OATH
Debra Sasaki-Hill, PharmD
Keith Yoshizuka, PharmD, MBA, JD, FCSHP
CLASS OF 2020 ALUMNI SPEAKER
Runa Akahoshi, PharmD
BLOWING OF SHOFAR
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum
CONGRATULATIONS AND CLOSING
Debra Sasaki-Hill, PharmD
RECESSIONAL
9College of Pharmacy
The Touro University California College of Pharmacy was founded in 2005 and achieved full accreditation
with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) when it graduated its first Doctor of
Pharmacy (PharmD) class of 61 students in June 2009. It is fully accredited through 2023. The PharmD
program is unique in the nation in that it provides two full years of advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
Students are offered a variety of clinical practice and management opportunities in their final two years.
Our PharmD program graduates students that are well-prepared to provide clinical services in community
pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and new healthcare models of practice. Students also have the option to
select research and academic experiences that hone their skills in research methodology and academic
endeavors. Our international group of pharmacy faculty is committed to supporting student learning,
community and professional service, research and scholarship, and have a strong record of partnering with
research programs in California and elsewhere to generate new knowledge. Over the years, our PharmD
graduates have been selected for competitive pharmacy positions, pharmacy residency programs, research
fellowship programs, and graduate/professional programs in business, law, public health and healthcare
all across the United States. We are dedicated to maintaining a supportive relationship with our alumni as
they pursue their careers and are extremely proud of the 73 Doctors of Pharmacy being presented today.
Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2021
Undergraduate Degree Hometown
Shervin Abtahi MS in Cell and Molecular Biology/Genetics Concord, CA
Bushra Alsharif ɫ BS in Microbiology Milwaukee, WI
Sheida Amadeh BS Agricultural Engineering-Food Industry Fremont, CA
Sharon Ashong * B. Pharm Vallejo, CA
Raman Badal BS in Animal Science Benicia, CA
Alexandria Barney * BA in Biology Chico, CA
Tamila Betyaghoub BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry San Jose, CA
Phuong Uyen Bui * BS in Biochemistry San Jose, CA
Joanne Canedo BS in Biochemistry, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences Vallejo, CA
Janessa Esmeria Cariaga ¥ BS in Molecular Biology, Minor in Chemistry San Jose, CA
Sarah Beth Carpio ¥ BS in Biochemistry, Minor in Asian American Santa Maria, CA
Studies
Jesus Alex Chavez-Rojas * BS in Human Biology, Minor in Chemistry Lindsay, CA
Mindy Chen BS in Chemistry, Emphasis in Biochemistry San Francisco, CA
Benita C. Cyriac BS in Biology and MA in Teaching New Hyde Park, NY
Casey Diep * ¥ BS in Biochemistry Little Saigon, CA
Daryll Adrian Ferrer * BS in Environmental Science, Minor in Chemistry Daly City, CA
Felicia Gary BS in Animal Biology Citrus Heights, CA
Roberto Gonzalez BS in Microbiology Brentwood, CA
Derek Han BS in Biological Sciences San Mateo, CA
10Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2021
Sami Hanna ɫ BS in Health Sciences New York City, NY
Zachary Hua BS in Biological Sciences Oakland, CA
Nour Itani * ¥ BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology San Jose, CA
Shany Kalman BS in Chemistry Walnut Creek, CA
Daljit Kandola BS in Biology and Minor in Psychology Livingston, CA
Baljinder Kaur * BS in Biochemistry Yuba City, CA
Judy Lam BS in Molecular Cellular Biology San Jose, CA
Binh Minh Thanh Le BS in Biochemistry San Jose
Christine Le BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Fresno, CA
Jessica Le * BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Fresno, CA
Tiffany Le BS in Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology Alameda, CA
Vu Vy Le BS in Biochemistry San Jose, CA
Megan LeVay * ¥ BS in Biochemistry Yorba Linda, CA
Sarah Elizabeth Lewis ɫ ¥ BA in General Chemistry Watsonville, CA
Ching Man Liu ¥ BS in Pharmacological Chemistry Rancho CuCamonga, CA
Steve Liu BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Castro Valley, CA
Alejandro Lopez-Castillo ɫ BS in Biological Sciences, Minor in Psychology BoCa Raton, FL
Courtney Joy Mac Donald * ¥ BS in Biopsychology Fremont, CA
April Frances Oro Mancilla ɫ ¥ BS in Biological Science (Molecular Biology), South San Francisco, CA
Minor in Chemistry
Hafasa Mojaddidi ¥ BS and MS in Biological Sciences Fremont, CA
Selam Monjor BS in Biological Sciences Oakland, CA
Paochee Moua BS Biology Lathrop, CA
BS in Neurobiology, Physiololgy, & Behavior; MS in Medical
Girmay D. Naizghi Health Sciences Emphasis in Pharmaceutical Sciences Santa Rosa, CA
Mitra Najmi BS and MS in Cell and Molecular Biology Novato, CA
Catherine Kay Nang BS in Biological Sciences, Minor in Chemistry Simi Valley, CA
Fatemeh Navadeh BA in Journalism and Philosophy Novato, CA
Vanessa Ng * BS in Public Health Sciences San Francisco, CA
William Ng BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry San Francisco, CA
Dee Duong Truong Nguyen BS in Human Development & MOT Castro Valley, CA
Nguyen Nguyen BS in Health Science Fremont, CA
11Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2021
Nhat Minh Thi Nguyen BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology San Jose, CA
Tam Vo Nguyen ¥ BS in Chemical Biology Milpitas, CA
Sabrina Jennyfer Olshansky BA in Biology, MS in Medical Health Sciences Woodland Hills, CA
Emphasis in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Mauricio Ortega ¥ BS in Biological Science, MS in Biological Sciences San Rafael, CA
Yoon Kyul Park * BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Irvine, CA
Hemadri Parmar BS in Chemistry San Francisco, CA
Sam Pournezhad * BS in Genetics San Ramon, CA
Valerie Stephanie Ramos ¥ BS in Biological Sciences West Covina, CA
Ashley Saclolo-Torres BA in Biology, MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences West Sacramento, CA
Stephanie Mae Salcedo ¥ BS in Biological Sciences emphasis in Neurobiology,
Physiology, & Behavior; Minor in Textiles & Clothing Vallejo, CA
Amenpreet Sandhu BS in Biology, Minor in Psychology Reno, NV
Erica Shew BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Cupertino, CA
Gagandeep Sihota BS in Biotechnology Carlsbad, CA
Raphael Sotelo BA in Chemistry Patterson, CA
Mustafa Sultani BS in Biological Sciences Bay Point, CA
Rothana Aaron Torn BS in Chemistry, Concentration in Biochemistry Stockton, CA
Ramin Totti BS in Neuroscience San Jose, CA
Monica Ukaoma ¥ BS in Biological Science Washington, DC
Jennifer Van BS in Chemistry Long Beach, CA
Toufu Vang BS in Biology Fresno, CA
Tiffany Vong BS in Biological Sciences, Systems Physiology Gilroy, CA
Nicholas Wang BS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Fremont, CA
Cindy Wen BS in Biochemistry Daly City, CA
Matthew Wong BA in Chemistry Oakland, CA
Vionna Wong BS in Chemical Engineering & Pharmacological Sacramento, CA
Chemistry
Leslie Wu BS in Policy Analysis and Management San Francisco, CA
Xeng Xiong BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Fresno, CA
* Member of Rho Chi, Pharmacy Academic Honor Society
¥ Member of Phi Lambda Sigma, National Pharmacy Leadership Society
ɫ Dual-Degree Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health
12College of Education and Health Sciences
On December 1, 2010, the College of Education and College of Health Sciences merged into a single entity
now known as the College of Education and Health Sciences. Within this college are the Graduate School of
Education, the Joint Physician Assistant & Master of Public Health Program, the Public Health Program, and
the School of Nursing.
Graduate School of Education
Founded in 2004 to meet the need for high quality educators in the local community, the Graduate School of
Education’s mission is to promote equitable, diverse and inclusive education while preparing and supporting
the development of innovative, culturally responsive educators who serve, lead, and teach with integrity. Our
Master of Arts in Education and Master of Education degrees cultivate teacher leaders through inquiry-based
action research conducted in local school districts. Each degree culminates with the completion of a research
thesis or project in which the candidate investigates a local challenge, delves into a research cycle informed
by the educational research literature, and then reports those findings back to their schools or districts. The
Graduate School of Education also offers credentials (licenses) approved by the California Commission on
Teacher Credentialing in elementary, secondary, special education teaching, and school administration.
Alumni serve in local schools as teachers, principals, teacher-leaders, and administrators and live Touro’s
mission by making a positive impact in their schools and communities.
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing is proud to contribute to healthcare in the region with the graduation of these Doctoral
and Master’s-prepared nurses and post-graduate Family Nurse Practitioners. The Master of Science in Nursing
program ushered in the first cohort in 2014 and admits students who are graduates of Associate Degree Nurse
or Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Master of Science in Nursing graduates are eligible to take the
national certification for Clinical Nurse Leaders examination and are positioned to be the transformational
nursing leaders of the future to meet the needs of the complex and rapidly evolving health care environment.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner graduates are eligible for national certification as
Family Nurse Practitioners and will increase the number of primary care providers in the region. To address
a national health crisis, the focus of the Family Nurse Practitioner program is on primary care and these
graduates also complete many specialty hours in the care and management of patients with diabetes and
metabolic disorders across their lifespans.
The Public Health Program
The Public Health Program mission is to develop outstanding public health professionals who believe that
health is a human right and that health inequity must be addressed in collaboration with communities and
with an understanding of the historical roots and structural causes of injustice. This mission is achieved
through a program of study that combines a broad public health base with further specialization in one of
three areas: Community Action for Health, Global Health, and Health Equity & Criminal Justice. The Public
Health Program offers an independent Master of Public Health, an integrated Joint Physician Assistant/
Master of Public Health, and dual degree options for students in the Touro University California College of
Osteopathic Medicine and College of Pharmacy, as well as the College of Osteopathic Medicine at our sister
campus Touro University Nevada. The Public Health Program is accredited by the Council on Education
for Public Health.
Joint Physician Assistant & Master of Public Health Program
Through the integration of the Physician Assistant and Public Health disciplines, the Joint Physician Assistant
& Master of Public Health Program graduates Physician Assistants who understand the link between an
individual’s health and the surrounding physical and socio-cultural environment. Established in 2002,
and available only at Touro University California, the 33-month Joint Program has a unique, integrated
curriculum resulting in all graduates earning both a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a
Master of Public Health. The mission of the Joint Program is to increase access to care for under-resourced
populations by educating excellent Physician Assistants who are from these communities or and individuals
with a demonstrated interest in serving these communities. The Physician Assistant Program is accredited by
the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
13College of Education & Health Sciences
Sunday, June 13, 2021 | 3:00 p.m.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum
WELCOME
Lisa May Norton, EdD
Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences
REMARKS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Alan Kadish, MD
President, Touro College and University System and New York Medical College
REMARKS FROM THE CEO & SENIOR PROVOST
Shelley Berkley, JD
Chief Executive Officer and Senior Provost of Touro University Western Division
REMARKS FROM THE PROVOST AND CAO
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Touro University California
RECOGNITION OF FACULTY & STAFF
Lisa May Norton, EdD
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIAL AND DEGREE CANDIDATES
SCHOOL OF NURSING
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE, FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION,
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Terrye Moore-Harper, DNP
Interim Assistant Dean and Interim Director of the School of Nursing
SCHOOL OF NURSING CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKER
Caroline Lenaerts, DNP
READING OF NAMES
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Certification, Master of Science in Nursing
Terrye Moore-Harper, DNP
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATIVE AND TEACHING CREDENTIALS
MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION, MASTER OF EDUCATION
Louise Santiago, PhD
Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate School of Education
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKER
Faustino Cadiz, MEd and Administrative Credential
READING OF NAMES
Administrative and Teaching Credentials,
Master of Arts in Education and Master of Education
Linda Haymes, PhD, Page Hersey, EdD, Pamela Redmond, EdD, and Jessica Reed, MAEd
14College of Education & Health Sciences
Sunday, June 13, 2021 | 3:00 p.m.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PROGRAM
JOINT MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES
AND MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM
Grace Landel, MEd
Assistant Dean and Director of Physician Assistant Studies Program
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PROGRAM CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKER
Corinne Benson, MSPAS, MPH
READING OF NAMES
Grace Landel, MEd
RECITATION OF THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT OATH
Grace Landel, MEd
PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH,
DUAL DEGREE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE,
DUAL DEGREE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DOCTOR OF PHARMACY
Gayle Cummings, PsyD
Assistant Dean and Director of Public Health Program
PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKER
Alaina Brett Star, MPH
READING OF NAMES
Sahai Burrowes, PhD
BLOWING OF SHOFAR
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum
CONGRATULATIONS AND CLOSING
Lisa May Norton, EdD
RECESSIONAL
Recorded Music
15Doctor of Nursing Practice
Jenney Leem Lam Tanagra Jackson
Alouisa Gay Sadhagun Agcaoili Michelle Ladringan
Ekua Baiden Caroline Lenaerts
Kristine Yvet Rae Catacutan Betty Melchor
Stella Iseghehi Eliboh Aura Sanchez-Mundi
Lana Sakura Gleckman Suzanne Goodwin Wang
Master of Science in Nursing
Jasleen Kaur Agroia Sonia Mahi
Vanessa Elena Almaguer Chetachi Newman Ndu
Alexis Raquel Astling Thao Tb Nguyen
Grethel Joy Roa Escala Charissa Noelle Purefoy
Charlie Pagsolingan Fajardo Anne Sabater
Emily B. Fillmore Dara Chan Sek
Tiffany Flores Ginger Mae Velasco Sing
Azita Gholami Jennifer Rose Sullivan
Kristel M. Harbour Lauren Romero Tabora
Nikitia Karon Hardwick Ashley Elizabeth Thompson-Brundidge
Rupinderjit Kaur Ashley Vasquez
Christine Larot Gregory James Weicher
Xiaoying Lu Destiny Dell Wilson
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
Samantha Butalid
Master of Arts in Education
Monika M Berger Keyauna Morris
Isabelle Chen Ashley Cassandra Mourlot
Victor Antonio Cruz Loyola James Patrick Quinn
Dylan James Habegger Meiko Pilar Sace Smith
Elizabeth Anne Hall Myla Sue Thompson
Jennifer Lynn Hard James Joseph Vaughan
Jenifer Lopez-Flores Krysten Marie Vaughn
Shannen Ariel-Brown Mendez Marianita Carbonare Vieira
16Master of Education
Amy Eileen Bardwell Irina Jackson
Sheri Michelle Blades Jamie Allison Mannion Lutz
Janine L. Burt Sarah Louise Magallano
Faustino Romero Cadiz Kimberlee Joy Nelson
Martha Calderon Danielle Nichole Nevins
Jason Robert Chatham Minna K. Nummelin
Magen Ann Edwards Tamara Michelle Potier
Kathy L. Flynn Erica Kimberly Reeves
Jenae’ Tierney Fox Michael Sariano
Laurie Gaynor Serina Noel Tomsun
Abraham Joshua Gottfried Lynda Jo Tuttle Bergner
Stavros Dionysius Gougoumis Sharda Wati
Dustin Green Kelly Brian Wehrley
Erica Gysbers Elizabeth Felton Whitt
Grace Victoria Ingersoll
Administrative and Teaching Credentials
Christopher Adame Wendy Arlene Jinks
Julie Marie Angold Shomonique Johnson
Geordan Justin Herrera Arenal Marisa A. Kaluza
Sarah J. Black Hilary Alison Kjaer
Martin Castillo Cardenas Josef Joel Klapper
Rachel Concepcion Chang Thomas Lewis
Lisa Kelly Christopherson Janice Hill Lubin
Jeremy Mason Cooper Corey Dae Meshack
Leslie Michel Cooper Sarah Miller
Stephanie Crocker Sofia Elizabeth Moreno
Rosa Dimas Stephanie Morgado
Melissa Louise Duncan Alec Mutter
Haley Michelle Duncan Colleen Maria O’donnell-Merill
Trecia Kadine Frater Heather A. Oja
Rachel Galdamez April Marie Olson
Darrell Litan Geliberte Brigida Gabriela Perez
Taurean Renard Gibson Lori A. Rockwell
Amanda Katelin Gunnell Kara L. Schinella
Jose Maria Gutierrez Brigetta Carlinda Smith
Michael Anthony Henry Chris Tasik
Morgan Danielle Jefferson Yarely Estela Topete
Pamela Latrice Jenkins
17Joint Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
and Master of Public Health
Natalie Ambriz Yasaman Lajevardi
Vanessa Eleonor Rarangol Pulido Artienda Jenny le
Anam Banani Sherlynn Lee
Sujata Behera Hayden Leslie
Jancy Benavides Sarah Elizabeth Kessler Loebner
Corinne Benson Prieto Elizabeth Lopez
Rachel Brodhead Jamie Louie
Brent Carmona Amy Ly
Sabrina L. Chang Ashley-Anne Feria Makaula
Sammy Cheuk Steven Montenegro
Michela Cupo Robert Oliver
Kiley Davis Alexandra Ozder
Angela Rose DuTremaine Shafon Monyé Rollins
Sean Dy Juanco Ellen Taylor Self
Kasey Fontaine Maria Shafer
Ana Gabasan Isabel Sim-Campos
Natalie Griffin Neda Tahami
Yenling Yang Hernandez Mary Thi Tran
Waide Gonzales Michelle Truong
Reva Jain Justin Tynan
Talitha Jansen Van Rensburg Eric Vargas
Joseph Karpel Thomas Williams
Caitlyn Klan Carmen Yu
Master of Public Health
Taylor Anderson Alejandro Lopez-Castillo
Hugh Alley Jessica Lopez-Jimenez
Bushra Alsharif April Frances Oro Mancilla
Sarah Faitell Melinda Martinez
Harveer Gill Devin Oates
Su Hamade Salina Ramachhita
Rowena Hann Keerat K. Singh
Sami Hanna Alaina Brett Star
Jessica Heng Daeja Tillis
Jamie Katuna Jasmine Tran
Natasha Shabbir Khokhar Hurjessica Virk
Katherine Ku Aaron Wang
Zoe Lehman Gregory Weygandt
Sarah Lewis Brigitte Wray-Miller
Salvador Lopez
18Masters of Science in Medical Health Sciences
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 | 12:00 noon
The Master of Science in the Medical Health Sciences (MSMHS) is a one-year program designed to enrich
a student’s academic knowledge base as well as strengthen a prospective medical student’s credentials for
admission to medical school. This one-year program consists of a rigorous graduate curriculum in the basic
medical sciences and a semester long research internship course. The curriculum consists of courses in
all areas of basic sciences: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Physiology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology,
and Immunology and Microbiology. The content and rigor of these courses will be similar to medical
school and will therefore offer students a sense of the challenges of a medical school curriculum.
In addition to spring semester coursework, students participate in a research internship in the spring
semester with one of the faculty. This internship culminates in an oral and written presentation. Students
have a broad range of research areas to choose from, including drug design for HIV, microbiology, ion
channels, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, neuronal development, obesity, public health, osteopathic
manipulation, and educational research.
After completion of the program, a student has increased his/her basic medical science knowledge base,
has been fully engaged in a research project, and has a much stronger application to medical school.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum
WELCOME
Alan Miller, PhD, Program Director
Alan Kadish, MD Shelley Berkley, JD Sarah Sweitzer, PhD Michael Clearfield, DO,
President of Touro Chief Executive Officer Provost and Chief MACOI, FACP
College and University and Senior Provost of Academic Officer of Touro Dean of the College of
System & New York Touro University University California Osteopathic Medicine
Medical College Western Division
CLASS OF 2021 STUDENT SPEAKERS
Shalaya Asal Yazdi, MPH, Melody Wang, Lina Isa
A NOTE OF GRATITUDE FROM THE MSMHS CLASS OF 2021
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
Alan Miller, PhD, Ted Wong, PhD, Barbara Puder, PhD, Donna Fyfe, MSW
REMARKS
Ted Wong, PhD, Assistant Program Director
CLOSING REMARKS
Alan Miller, PhD
DESCRIPTION AND BLOWING OF THE SHOFAR
Rabbi Elchonon Tenenbaum and Bruce Silverman, MS
Masters of Science in Medical Health Sciences Class of 2021
Andre Ailoje Jaspreet Dhanoya Marc Matossian Jaskaran Singh
Natalie Andrew Charles J. Enfield Bryan Muñoz Dominic Som
Corey Atkins Akashdeep Gill Kelly Murrell Chanelle Svid
Caroline Auxier Srilekha Gnanashanmugam Dante Nazarian Arpana Thalluri
Timothy Balmorez Sravya Gudipudi Justin Nguyen Karolyn Tran
Elise Jessica Bautista Wyatt Horner Justin D. Nguyen William Umeh
Lindsay Brown Tyler Hovsepian Viet Nguyen Sarina Utamsing
Sallie Canumay Lina Isa Hanh Pham Andrea Varias
Keenan Cane Centlivre Jenna Kirschner Sean Reyes Melody Wang
Kyle Chung Rasha Kiwan Alexander Roesner Ashley Westerlund
Gabriella Converse Lily Kwong Nitin Saukhla Shalaya Asal Yazdi
Aisha Coons Dylan Loquist Nader Shah
Merna Danial Gabriela Rios Macedo Kiranjot Shelopal
Sharlene Delos Santos Sarah Maple Gurmun Singh
19The Osteopathic Oath
I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter.
I will be mindful always of my great responsibility
to preserve the health and the life of my patients,
to retain their confidence and respect
both as a physician and a friend
who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity,
to perform faithfully my professional duties,
to employ only those recognized methods of treatment
consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability,
keeping in mind always
nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery.
I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community,
sustaining its laws and institutions,
not engaging in those practices which will in any way
bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession.
I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person,
though it may be asked of me.
I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues
in a spirit of progressive cooperation
and never by word or by act
cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.
I will look with respect and esteem upon all those
who have taught me my art.
To my college I will be loyal
and strive always for its best interests and
for the interests of the students who will come after me.
I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biologic truths
to the healing arts
and to develop the principles of osteopathic medicine
which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.
In the presence of this gathering I bind myself to my oath.
20The Physician Assistant Oath
I pledge to perform the following duties with honesty and dedication:
I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings.
I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice.
I will recognize and promote the value of diversity.
I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.
I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
I will assess my personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve my medical practice.
I will actively seek to expand my knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients.
I will use my knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
I will respect my professional relationship with the physician.
I will share and expand knowledge within the profession.
These duties are pledged with sincerity and upon my honor.
The Pharmacist Oath
I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy.
In fulfilling this vow:
I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of human suffering my primary concerns.
I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability
to assure optimal outcomes for my patients.
I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me.
I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence.
I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of
our profession’s moral, ethical, and legal conduct.
I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.
I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.
I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility
with which I am entrusted by the public.
Commissioning Oath
I (state your full name)
Having been appointed Captain/Lieutenant
in the United States Armed Forces
do solemnly swear or affirm
that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic,
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,
that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion,
and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter,
so help me God.
21Corinne Benson, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health
Joint MSPAS/MPH Program, College of Education & Health Sciences
Corinne Benson is a Midwestern native passionate about reproductive justice and intersecting public health issues. After
graduating from University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she worked with Planned Parenthood in a variety of capacities and
continued working with them during PA school. At Touro, Corinne immersed herself in AAPA’s student advocacy
efforts as Academy Representative, Leadership Committee member and HOD student delegate. She’s also taken an
active role in her school’s community, helping organize campus-wide events with her fellow classmates. Outside of
school, Corinne enjoys the reputation of cyclist and cat-lover. Forever sentimental, she’s a proponent of a good cry,
good read & hugs from the ones you love, namely her husband Brandon.
Faustino Romero Cadiz III, Master of Education
Graduate School of Education, College of Education & Health Sciences
Faustino is an educator in his hometown of Vallejo, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in
Drama, from San Francisco State University and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from California State Uni-
versity, Sacramento. He is a graduate of Touro University California with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a
Preliminary Administrative Service Credential. Alongside being an educator he is an avid performing artist appear-
ing on stages around the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Zoë Lehman and Gregory Weygandt, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Greg and Zoë are future family medicine docs, lovers of glitter, sun, plants, and harm reduction. At Touro, they were
members of the student government, dual degree DO/MPH students, and members of the Gold Humanism Honor
Society. They also dazzled the campus every year with their award-winning halloween costumes. In their free time
they enjoy sparkling wine, but hope to one day be able to afford champagne.
Caroline Lenaerts, Master of Science in Nursing
School of Nursing, College of Education & Health Sciences
Caroline Lenaerts was born in the Netherlands and completed her nursing and clinical psychology education in Belgium,
before coming to the USA in 1996 with her husband and their three children. She developed her passion for nursing
at a young age while accompanying her grandmother, who was a home healthcare nurse. Caroline worked in the
hospital setting early in her career, and completed a Master’s in Public Health in 2002. The family moved to California
in 2009, she has developed a passion for diabetes care, and works in endocrinology at UC Davis in Sacramento. She
loves the outdoors, enjoys yoga, running, swimming, and skiing.
Hafasa Mojaddidi, Doctor of Pharmacy
College of Pharmacy
Hafasa Mojaddidi, PharmD, is a graduating fourth-year pharmacy student with an MS in Biological Sciences from
Dominican University of California where she studied the genetic basis of degenerative eye diseases. In addition, she
is a published clinical researcher who studied the relationship between insulin resistance and obstructive sleep apnea
at Stanford School of Medicine with the Reaven Lab. During her pharmacy academic career, she has been an intern
pharmacist at Walgreens Specialty pharmacy and Sutter Health all while balancing multiple leadership, research, and
community roles in both Solano and Alameda County. Her interests include chronic disease management and patient
advocacy.
Alaina Brett Star, Master of Public Health
Public Health Program, College of Education & Health Sciences
Alaina grew up in Goleta, California where she spent most of her time outdoors and working with animals. After
earning her undergraduate degree at UC Davis, she became a counselor at a rape crisis center charged with creating
and supporting prevention education programs while also serving as an advocate for survivors of violence. Alaina
completed her MPH at Touro with the goal of returning to advocacy work and supporting communities. She is now a
project manager with a program focused on enhancing emotional health services and serves as a volunteer advocate for
vulnerable youth. In addition to her passion and dedication to her work, Alaina is an avid ultramarathoner.
Shalaya Asal Yazdi, MPH, Melody Wang, Lina Isa, Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Shalaya Asal Yazdi was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. She earned a Bachelors of Science from Saint Mary’s
College of California and a Masters of Public Health from Boston University. Shalaya is passionate about serving the
community. Melody Wang graduated from UCLA with a degree in Applied Linguistics and a minor in Language
Teaching. She hopes to join her classmates in Vallejo someday as a medical student. Lina Isa was born in Baghdad,
Iraq and immigrated to the U.S at the age of 10. Lina pursued a Bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and physiology from
UC Davis. Lina is passionate about public health and hopes to work with under-resourced communities to breakdown
inequities in healthcare.
22Dr. Bernard Lander, Founder of Touro College and University System
A teacher to many and a friend to all, Dr. Bernard Lander’s inspired leadership has defined our history and
his legacy will shape our future.
By the time he founded Touro College in 1970, Dr. Lander had already established himself as an educational
innovator, a trusted and beloved community figure, and a highly regarded thought leader.
Education and Empowerment for All
Dr. Lander earned his Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University. As a professor at the City University
of New York for over two decades, he worked tenaciously to build schools and increase educational
opportunities for youths throughout the boroughs.
In the early 1950s, he sat on the founders committee for Bar-Ilan University and served as President of the
Queens Jewish Center. In 1952, he co-founded Yeshiva Dov Revel, a day school in Queens, going on to become Dean of the Bernard
Revel Graduate School at Yeshiva University. From 1954-1969, he served a pivotal role in developing YU’s distinctive graduate
schools of social work, education, and psychology.
A tireless advocate for social justice, youth outreach, and human equality, Dr. Lander’s influence reached well beyond Queens.
Under former New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, he served as Associate Director of the Committee on Unity—a precursor
to the city’s Commission on Human Rights. While on the Committee, he fought for key fair employment legislation and condemned
discriminatory quotas in higher education.
Dr. Lander spent eight years at the University of Notre Dame conducting a national study on youth issues. This work led him to
Washington D.C., where he served three United States presidents. He was a consultant in the White House Conference on Children
and Youth and sat on a congressionally established advisory council on public assistance. He was also a member of the President’s
Advisory Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime under the Johnson and Kennedy administrations.
A Man of Many Words
Dr. Lander’s intellect, compassion, and curiosity served many. As an author, he wrote the book Toward an Understanding of Juvenile
Delinquency published by Columbia University Press, in addition to numerous scholarly articles. As a public servant, Dr. Lander
advised the Maryland State Commission on Juvenile Delinquency. As a community and spiritual leader, Dr. Lander was widely
known and much beloved. A longstanding vice president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America for over thirty
years, he served early on as rabbi of the Beth Jacob Congregation of Baltimore.
At the time of his passing in 2010, he had achieved more in one lifetime than most could in 10. While advocating for and working on
behalf of so many diverse communities, cultures, and causes across New York and the country, he helped Touro evolve. From our first
graduating class of 35 students, we have grown into a flourishing international institution serving over 18,000 students worldwide.
As Touro continues to expand, we strive to uphold the values and spirit of Dr. Lander while serving the needs of an ever-growing and
increasingly interconnected global community.
Alan Kadish, M.D., President, Touro College and University System &
New York Medical College
Alan Kadish, M.D. is President of Touro College and University System, the largest Jewish-sponsored
educational institution in the United States.
Before succeeding Dr. Bernard Lander as Touro’s second president in March 2010, Dr. Kadish distinguished
himself as a prominent cardiologist, dedicated teacher and researcher, and experienced administrator.
A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, Dr. Kadish received
postdoctoral training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and at
the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a fellow in cardiology. He is board certified
in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac electrophysiology.
Prior to joining Touro in 2009 as Senior Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Kadish taught at the
University of Michigan and held a 19-year tenure at Northwestern University. He served Northwestern as the Chester and Deborah
Cooley Professor of Medicine, Senior Associate Chief of the Cardiology division, Director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Trials unit,
and sat on the finance and investment committees of the Northwestern clinical practice plan.
An accomplished and prolific research scientist as well, he has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers, received numerous grants,
including from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and contributed to several textbooks.
Dr. Kadish is a past chair of the Clinical Cardiology Program Committee of the American Heart Association, and has been elected
to prestigious scientific research and education societies including the American Association of Professors, the American Society for
Clinical Investigation, and the American Society of Physicians.
As a deeply committed observant Jew and a forward thinker, Dr. Kadish was a natural fit with our mission to serve the educational
needs of our varied constituencies throughout the country and around the world.
He has helped Touro expand its unique offerings for Jewish and underserved communities while becoming a top-tier institution for the
study of health sciences and medicine. Our distinct medical programs—two colleges of pharmacy, five colleges of medicine, a college
of dental medicine, graduate schools and programs in health sciences—serve increasingly large and dynamic student populations. As
one of the largest healthcare educational systems in the US, Dr. Kadish has positioned Touro to lead a new era in medicine.
In providing educational opportunities that are rigorous, accessible, and—perhaps most of all—relevant, Dr. Kadish keeps our vision
clear and progressing ever forward. Under his leadership, we continue to prepare a new generation of scholars, entrepreneurs, and
leaders for the world ahead.
Dr. Kadish, who was born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens, and educated in yeshivas in New York, is married with four children.
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