Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony
Philadelphia Campus Friday, July 29, 2022
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomes you to the Twenty-Third Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony in honor of the Classes of 2022
Doctor of Psychology inClinical Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology Educational Specialist in School Psychology Master of Science in School Psychology Master of Science inCounseling and Clinical Health Psychology Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Master of Science inOrganizational Development and Leadership Master of Science in Public Health Management and Administration Master of Science in Non Profit Leadership and Population Health Management Master of Science inClinical Psychology Master of Science in Forensic Medicine Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies
Friday, July 29, 2022, 12:00 Noon Academy of Music 240 South Broad Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Program The Twenty-Third Annual Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony July 29, 2022 e PCOM campus of 2022 bustles with the intellectual activity of hundreds of graduate students in a variety of masters and doctoral programs, partners in a learning community of 2,860 graduate, medical, physical therapy and pharmacy students at campuses in Pennsylvania and Georgia. However, the College has grown from a small seed planted more than a century ago. When osteopathic schools were forming throughout the country in the 1890s, two students at the Northern Institute of Osteopathy in Minneapolis, Mason W. Pressly and Oscar John Snyder targeted Philadelphia as a future home for an osteopathic medical college. e two pioneering osteopathic physicians followed through with their vision, incorporating the Philadelphia College and Infirmary of Osteopathy on January 24, 1899. e first PCIO degree was awarded to a transfer student; the first PCIO class, comprised of two students, graduated from the fledgling college then located at 21 South 12th Street, in February 1900. e college prospered and moved through a number of sites in its first century, including 1715 North Broad Street, 832 Pine Street, 19th and Spring Garden, 48th and Spruce, and finally, the City Avenue Campus. During this growth period, the medical curriculum intensified, osteopathic research was initiated, and clinic and hospital services grew dramatically as the medical school’s student body and faculty rapidly expanded. After nearly a century of training physicians, PCOM opened its first graduate degree program, the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 1993. e first five graduates in June 1995 marked the beginning of yet another period of growth for the college — the development of the graduate school. Today, nearly 900 graduate students are enrolled in PCOM’s masters and doctoral degree programs and 241 degree candidates are with us today at commencement. August 2005 marked the opening of the PCOM Georgia Campus, the College’s branch campus located in Suwanee, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. e PCOM School of Pharmacy opened at the Georgia Campus in August 2010. In 2016, the first class of Physician Assistant students began their studies at the Georgia Campus and we welcomed our first Doctor of Physical erapy students in June 2018. e PCOM School of Professional & Applied Psychology and PCOM School of Health Sciences were added in 2018 to house the numerous graduate programs in these areas. In 2019, PCOM expanded its Georgia mission with the opening of PCOM South Georgia, in Moultrie, Colquitt County, GA. PCOM’s graduate students pursue studies at the master’s level in biomedical sciences, counseling and clinical health psychology, mental health counseling, organizational development and leadership, forensic medicine, public health management and administration, nonprofit leadership and population health management, and physician assistant studies. Doctoral-level study is offered in clinical psychology and in educational psychology, and three programs in school psychology are offered at the master's, post master's educational specialist, and doctoral levels. Certificate programs are offered in biomedical sciences, organizational development and leadership, counseling, and applied behavioral analysis. e trustees, faculty and administration are pleased that you are with us on this important day in our academic year, as we celebrate our graduate students, their research and their futures in the academic and professional community.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? Francis Scott Key September 1814
Program Fanfare and Processional* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Brian Pastor Brass Quintet, “Pomp and Circumstance” (Elgar) Faculty Procession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP; Stephanie H. Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP; Laura A. Levy, DHSc, PA-C; Marcus G. Bell, Ph.D.; Jessica Glass Kendorski, Ph.D.; Katy Tresco, Ph.D.; Richard Allen, Psy.D.; Jeffrey Branch, Ed.D.; Lisa Corbin, Ph.D., LPC, NCCP; Virginia Burks Salzer, Ph.D.; Gregory McDonald, D.O.; Reflection*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara A. Golden, Psy.D., ABPP The National Anthem*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaitlyn Tierneyi Welcome Provost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth J. Veit, D.O., M.B.A. President’s Welcome President and Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. Board of Trustees Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John P. Kearney Vice Chairman Presentation of Candidates for Honorary Degree* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Veit DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS, HONORIS CAUSA William Richard Miller, Ph.D. Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry University of New Mexico Conferring of the Honorary Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Feldstein Presentation of Candidate for Honorary Degree* Introduction of 2022 Commencement Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Veit DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS, HONORIS CAUSA Francisco J. Diaz, M.D., F.C.A.P., F.A.S.C.P. Chief Medical Examiner Washington, D.C. Conferring of the Honorary Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Feldstein Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Diaz Welcome Remarks School of Professional and Applied Psychology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., A.B.P.P., Dean Presentation of Candidates for Degrees in Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Veit Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology Educational Specialist in School Psychology Master of Science in School Psychology Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership Master of Science in Public Health Management and Administration Master of Science in Non Profit Leadership and Population Health Management
Conferring of the Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Feldstein Procession of Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Felgoise Welcome Remarks School of Health Sciences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregory McDonald, D.O., Dean Presentation of Candidates for Degrees in Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Veit Master of Science in Forensic Medicine Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies
Conferring of the Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Feldstein Procession of Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drs. Denah Appelt and Sean Guinane PCOM Alumni Association Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Shanda Lucas-O’Dennis Closing Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Veit Fanfare and Recessional* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Trumpet Tune and Voluntary” (Henry Purcell) *Audience please rise
Honorary Degree Recipient
School of Professional and Applied Psychology
William Richard Miller, Ph.D. Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry University of New Mexico
Renowned clinical psychologist William R. Miller, Ph.D., is the codeveloper of Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a method by which therapists conduct conversations about change to strengthen their clients’ motivation and commitment to change. MI honors the person’s autonomy, draws forth the inherent desire to change and takes a collaborative—rather than confrontational—approach. An alternative to the usual approach of educating clients and trying to persuade them to change, MI is backed by four decades of research, including more than 1,000 controlled clinical trials. Dr. Miller has published more than 400 scientific articles and chapters and 60 books, including Living As If: How Positive Faith Can Change Your Life and Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd edition). Dr. Miller has focused particularly on developing and testing more effective treatments for helping people with substance use disorders talk themselves into changing. He is credited with changing the way clinicians think about the nature of substance use disorders, their treatment and the means to effect change in patients. Dr. Miller received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Oregon in 1976. Since then, he has been at the University of New Mexico, where he retired as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry in 2006. While Dr. Miller’s primary scientific interest is in the psychology of change, his research spans the treatment of addictive behaviors, self-regulation, spirituality and psychology, motivation for change and pastoral psychology. He has taught a wide range of subjects, including courses on alcoholism and abnormal psychology, and seminars on positive psychology and on self-fulfilling prophecies. He has been a visiting scholar at the Oregon Health & Science University, the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, Stanford University, the University of Bergen and the Hjellestad Clinic in Norway. He is a recipient of the international Jellinek Memorial Award, two career achievement awards from the American Psychological Association and an Innovators in Combating Substance Abuse Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, among many other honors. e Institute for Scientific Information has listed him as one of the world’s most highly cited researchers. In 2016, he won the R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award for publicly sharing the message of hope and the promise of help for those suffering from alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Dr. Miller is an ordained deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Commencement Speaker School of Health Sciences
Francisco J. Diaz, M.D., F.C.A.P., F.A.S.C.P. Chief Medical Examiner Washington, D.C.
One of the country’s foremost experts in forensic pathology, Francisco J. Diaz, M.D., F.C.A.P., F.A.S.C.P., has performed more than 10,000 postmortem examinations, testified in court approximately 400 times and been deposed more than 100 times. He is a board-certified anatomic pathologist and forensic pathologist. Dr. Diaz is currently the chief medical examiner at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Washington, D.C. After joining D.C. OCME, Dr. Diaz was appointed to the faculty of George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2017 and holds the rank of assistant professor. He previously held medical examiner positions in Michigan, and was an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Medicine from 2012 to 2017. He is on a variety of editorial boards for medical publications, and he has extensively presented and published on a variety of areas in pathology. He has also provided numerous civil depositions. He has been a practicing forensic pathologist for 20 years. Dr. Diaz attended medical school in his native country, the Dominican Republic, where he obtained his medical degree at Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo. He went on to pursue his training in the United States after being certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. He initially trained in anatomic pathology at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in affiliation with Temple University in Pennsylvania from 1995 to 1999. In 2000, Dr. Diaz accepted a fellowship in forensic pathology with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Philadelphia, in affiliation with Hahnemann University (now Drexel University). After completing the forensic pathology fellowship, Dr. Diaz joined the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Wayne County, Michigan, as an assistant medical examiner. In January 2012, in affiliation with the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office, Dr. Diaz was appointed to the University of Michigan faculty, Department of Pathology, as assistant professor. Dr. Diaz was a medical examiner in Michigan for 16 years. He is a fellow of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). He is a member of the board of directors and the government affairs committee’s chair for NAME. Dr. Diaz is an advisor for the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program with the U.S. Department of Justice. Dr. Diaz co-authored the 2017 National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper Recommendations for the Definition, Investigation, Postmortem Examination, and Reporting of Deaths in Custody. Dr. Diaz is co-editor and contributing author of Spitz and Fisher’s Medicolegal Investigation of Death (5th edition). He is a peer reviewer for the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. Dr. Diaz has also co-authored 35 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts and presentations, and has been invited on numerous occasions to speak at regional, national and international conferences. He has lectured extensively in Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Canada, Morocco and Indonesia.
Degrees inCourse July 29, 2022
Participants in the Commencement Ceremony may have had the degree conferred earlier in the academic year, or degree conferral may be pending completion of final requirements.
PhiladelphiaCollege of Osteopathic Medicine School of Professional and Applied Psychology Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Dean
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology Educational Specialist in School Psychology Master of Science in School Psychology Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership Master of Science in Public Health Management and Administration Master of Science in Non Profit Leadership and Population Health Management Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Master of Science in School Psychology
Degrees inCourse The Doctoral Graduates and Their Research DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Eguono Voke Akpoduado “Inventory of Cognitive Distortion: Validation of a Measure of Cognitive Distortion Using a Forensic Sample.”
Tiffany Maria Araujo “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining the Effects of Social Networking Sites on Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms.”
Brianna Mary Bliss “Pediatric Health Care Providers’ Perceptions and Knowledge of Caregiving Youth.”
Rachel Jill Brookland “The Relationship between Affective Disorders, Locus of Control, and Weight-Loss Expectations in Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery.”
Spencer Paige Brown “Exploring the Association between Female Infertility Stigma, Women’s Cognitions and Coping Responses.”
Melissa Ysabel Chipollini “Are Narcissism and Entitlement Associated with Higher Rates of Violence and Unsuccessful Treatment Completion?”
Aleta Cohn “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatment-Related Beliefs in Cannabidiol Users with Generalized Anxiety.”
Degrees inCourse Kimberley C. Desir “Black Girls Work Out Too: An Exploration of Physical Activity Behaviors of Black Women.”
Nicole Alexis Gulkis “Do Law Enforcement Officers’ Attitudes and Knowledge Impact their Likelihood of Administering Naloxone?”
Maria Ann Hays “A Qualitative Study Exploring the Impact of Anxiety on the Sibling Relationship.”
Alyssa Hertz “The Association between Neuroticism, Self-Esteem, and Peer Interactions and Disordered Eating and Body Checking in Female College Athletes.”
Nicholas Thomas Hope “Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dementia Prevention: A Pilot Study to Protect the Brain and Memory.”
Philip Kaplan “Examining Physicians’ Attitudes and Knowledge regarding Medical Marijuana.”
Lakia Marshell Kearson “Characterizing the Relationship between Executive Functioning and Social/Emotional Behaviors following a Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.”
Katie Anne Manganello “Does Public Stigma towards People with Borderline Personality Disorder Differ among Mental Health Providers?”
Justin Daniel Misterka “Sleep Quality, Weight Status, and Executive Functioning in Patients Presenting for Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation.”
Degrees inCourse Pali Blair Payne-Storey “The Effects of Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (Care) Training in Reducing Restraints and Staff Injuries.”
Brooke Singer “Cognitive Distortions, Partisan Strength, and Authoritarianism: Exploring Potential Factors Contributing to the Current Partisan Divide.”
Kristine Sherri Smalls “African American Women’s Perspectives on Mental Health.”
Alana Paige Summers-Plotno “Children’s Dental Fear and Anxiety: Parent Predictions, Perceptions and Behaviors.”
Kara Elizabeth Taylor “Predicting ADHD Symptoms in Adults from Performance on Selected Neuropsychological Measures.”
Lauren Marie Truskey “The Association between Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, Big Five Personality Factors, and Comorbid Clinical Syndromes in Adults Seeking Treatment for ADHD.”
Degrees inCourse e Doctoral Graduates and eir Research DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Kelly Ann Larson “Adopting a Growth Mindset Approach to Interventions for Self-Regulation.”
Degrees inCourse e Doctoral Graduates and eir Research DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Kelly E. Freund “Parent Mindset and Its Impact on Pursuance of Higher Education Options.”
Gabrielle Ione Van Heest “An Evaluation of DPAS II in regards of Student Engagement based on Teacher Self-Report.”
Kimmely Mechelle Williams “Closing the Gap: Culturally Competent Consultation in Schools.”
Degrees inCourse EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Michelle Sophia Anzaroot Kimberly Clarke Amber Lynn Edmond Marissa Jane Franklin Gina Louise Giorno Kristen Elizabeth Green Megan Griffen Kapinos Julie Paige Leeds Gabrielle Louden Adiel Xavier Mendez Tyler Miksitz Deanne Millo Shannon Mintze Brittany Anne Pniewski Christina Marie Reich Elizabeth Anne Reich Abigail Grace Rhoads Taylur N. Warthen Briana Justine Williams Kaylee Ann Zarick
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Yolanda Abreu Maya Victoria Alicea Carmen Bartolone Renee Ann Cresse Yebin Shin
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING AND CLINICAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Yadeni Kibret Alemayehu Julianna Louise Bidic
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING Logan Ann Avena
Maria Esther Maldonado Weng
Madison Ann Belcher
Jessica Marcacci
Kate Billings
Jacob Benjamin Marshall
Riley Brown
Lauren Elizabeth McGarvey
Sydney Hope Cohen
Sam Memon
Giavanna Michele Copsetta
Michael Miller
Nicholas James Everett
Kate Caroline Oliver
Courtney Warren Flank
Hannah Julianne Reiser
Brian James Flatley Jr.
Antonell Tionna Amanda Robinson
Angela Gabriella Frederick
Rebecca Molly Ruben-Miller
Elizabeth Friedman-Zayon
Salima Shah
Matthew Ryan Hollowniczky
Melissa Nicole Trout
Jilana Boston Jaxon
Laura Ulshafer
Alexandra Faith Knaub
Natalie Rose Wharton
omas Joseph Lepera
Lanier E. Williams
Monica L. Makovicz
Alyson Zerbe
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP Ileana Berrios Teah Bussell Stacey Caryn Chazin Jennifer Bertrand Doone Shamika Chioma Ekwunife Latrisse Lynn Griffiths Sahara Khan Dionandre King Melissa D. Spadaccino Tommie Wilson Suggs II Ahkeem D. Towles
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Karen Helen Honoré
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NON PROFIT LEADERSHIP AND POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT Jacob Jasper Barnes III
Dianna Kelly
Malcolm Carey
Elizabeth A. Lopez
Patricia David
Jennifer Ann Marazzo
Mafar M. Forkpah-Bright
Gregg Newman
Colin James Fox
Elizabeth O'Toole
Caroline Francis
Anna R. Pansky
Rebecca Fullman
Shamiese Briana Parks
Lauren Hawley
Esther Ekwui Sampson
Stacey Lynn Hilinski
Jomah Bindi Samuels
Tayvante Frankie Holmes
Matthew Wiechnik
Jodie Kamara
Siana Elizabeth Wright
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Awarded to the following Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology students at the time of progression to doctoral degree candidacy. Alexis Nicole Bracy Mallory Justine Christman Carly Gerbi Marisa Anett Gretz Kristen Elizabeth Hawk-Purcell Kelsey Lee Jones Michael Kastelnik Jessica Lynn LaMont Patrick McKenna Mullen Tamar Yael Runyan Lindsey Ann Salerno Sally Sanchez Simone Jackee' Sims-Riley Portia Elizabeth Womer
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Awarded to the following Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology students at the time of progression to doctoral degree candidacy. Jessica M. Baer Laura Brockman Eric John Dougherty Brooke Goldsmith Erin Lynn Henning Alexandra Leigh Mastrangelo Janelle Alilah Pierce
PhiladelphiaCollege of Osteopathic Medicine School of Health Sciences Gregory McDonald, D.O., Dean
Master of Science in Forensic Medicine Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC MEDICINE
Corey Allegrucci
Courtney Taylor Helm
Jessica Lynn Bisch
Samia Brieonna Jones
Taylor Elise Butler
Ana Pacheco
NaKirah Dena Dandridge
Jasmine Monair Parker
Cecilia Dang
Susheela T. Reeves
Molly Dupuis
Ariel Adina Robbins
Alaja Jenae Fletcher
Vickie Lorraine Patric Rusnak
Alexa Grabowski
Stephanny Salas
Mark S. Guralnick
Julia B. Stern
Kathleen Elizabeth Hastings
Anna Stuart
Megan Rose Heichel
Sophia Valentin
Ashley Nicole Zandick
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Riley Alvaro Neurobehavioral Science Concentration
Carla Fotopoulos Public and Population Health Concentration
Ashley Marie Bailey Public and Population Health Concentration
Guillaume Furey Forensic Biology Concentration
Taylor Marie Barrett Public and Population Health Concentration
Alexander John Gerick Research Concentration
Kasulul Bhuiyan Research Concentration “Assessing Seizure Susceptibility following Early-Life Seizures in Zebrafish.”
Caroline R. Getz Forensic Biology Concentration
Julia Anne Bushold Forensic Biology Concentration Maayra Irfan Butt Forensic Biology Concentration
Sasha Naseem Ghofrani Forensic Biology Concentration N Dean Gouda Neurobehavioral Science Concentration Semaje Denice Harper Forensic Biology Concentration
Paul Carango Research Concentration “Associating Infection by C. Pneumoniae and the Presence of Amyloid-β Plaques in the Brains of Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia Patients.”
James Wenfeng Huang Forensic Biology Concentration
Taylor Adele Champ Forensic Biology Concentration
Georgia Karmee Organizational Leadership in Bioscience Concentration
Logan omas Clair Neurobehavioral Science Concentration Britni Erika Covington Forensic Biology Concentration Alice Elizabeth Curran Forensic Biology Concentration Taylor Anne DiLisi Neurobehavioral Science Concentration Victoria Djakow Public and Population Health Concentration Alexa Marie Filion Public and Population Health Concentration Meghan Fitzwater Forensic Biology Concentration
Kandyce Denae Jones Forensic Biology Concentration
Rebecca Joan Keyes Forensic Biology Concentration Beryl N. Khakina Research Concentration “ADAMTS1 Is A Novel Mediator of Reelin Signaling in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells.” Marissa Lynne Kissinger Neurobehavioral Science Concentration Eriq Krugman Forensic Biology Concentration Tarah Fawn Kuhn, D.O. Research Concentration “Correlation between Regional Coronary Blood Flow by Microspheres and Cardiac Function in Ex Vivo Myocardial Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury.”
Degrees inCourse Maria Lebedev Forensic Biology Concentration
Kimberly Ann Pfau Forensic Biology Concentration
James Lonnay Jr Public and Population Health Concentration
Nicole Alexandra Pollard Forensic Biology Concentration
Caroline Elizabeth Lozzi Research Concentration “Investigation of the Role of PARP-1 and CD38 in Modulating NAD + Levels in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy.”
Alyssa Mary Roberts Forensic Biology Concentration Faisha Salami Neurobehavioral Science Concentration
Kelly Annie Mercado Research Concentration “Mechanisms involved in Mitoquinone-Mediated Cellular Protection against Anti-Cancer Drug Doxorubicin in H9c2 Cells.”
Natalie Philomena Santucci Bioscience in Medical Education Concentration
Nina Alaine Pappan Public and Population Health Concentration
Yasmina Sultan Public and Population Health Concentration
Doreen Patichi Public and Population Health Concentration
Joseph T. Tran Public and Population Health Concentration
Lauren Ann Steiner Public and Population Health Concentration
Sherrie Wallace Forensic Biology Concentration
Degrees inCourse MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES – PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES Zoha Nabil Ahmad
Simone Elizabeth Fleary
Kerry Anderson
Paige Analise Foschi
Louise Ben-Naim
Michelle Elizabeth Hand
Kate Lucille Blanchard
Jimmy Jaime
Emily Nicole Blaszkow
Mackenzie Elizabeth Janssen
Kelso Lynne-Borrell Blaze
Kathryn Yumiko Kono
Victoria Iris Bockius
Caitlin Taylor Kratzer
Samantha Lynn Bornhardt
Despina Lianidis
Jency Kimble Boyce
JoAnnah Marie Lim
Christina Marie Burgese
Desiree Marie Malacusky
Steven Cammarano
Brandy Martinez
Anh Cao
Elaine Isabel Mellinger
Haylie Jordan Coats
Sarah Elizabeth Naber
Julia Maria Colangeli
Erin Chisa Nakamura
Desarae Costanzo
Zuhra Nassery
Mackenzie Carolyn Waltz Dallaire
Halil Onal
Sarah Ruth DeFelice
Hanna Ozarski
Eric Gerard Dempsey
Nathan Papadeas
Maria Caitlin DiCioccio
Jason Philip
Cassidy Marie Flanigan
Casey Elizabeth Reid
Degrees inCourse Julia Rochelle Rembalsky
Kaitlyn Ann Talt
Abigail Ross
Zoe Autumn Violet Tirado
Savanna Lynn Ruppert
Liann Ngoc Tran
Cara Scatena
Tyler James Trobetsky
Nicolette Carolyn Serratore
Jordan Vitelli
Kara LuAnne Steck
Alexa Nicole Wister
Alexander Glubiak Suarez
Storm Zink
Graduate Programs
Awards W
e congratulate all of our award recipients for their distinguished academic performance and service to the College and community.
Awards PCOM SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
PROVOST’S AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The Provost’s Award recognizes academic excellence and potential for contributions to the field of study and profession.
PROVOST’S AWARD DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Nicole Alexis Gulkis
PROVOST’S AWARD DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Kelly Ann Larson
PROVOST’S AWARD EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST Megan Griffen Kapinos
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Yebin Shin
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING STUDIES Sydney Hope Cohen
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP Melissa D. Spadaccino
Awards PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NON PROFIT LEADERSHIP AND POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT Jennifer Ann Marazzo
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Karen Helen Honoré
Awards ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY is award is presented in recognition of a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology graduate who most truly exemplifies the leadership and commitment to being an exceptionally strong advocate for those coping with behavioral health problems and to promoting fair and equitable mental health services and recovery for all individuals, especially the underserved. Kristine Sherri Smalls
ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY is award is presented in recognition of a graduate from the Edcuational Specialist in School Psychology program who most truly exemplifies the leadership and commitment to being an exceptionally strong advocate for children and youth within school settings and the community and to promoting fair and equitable educational and mental health services for all children and adolescents, especially the underserved. Kristen Elizabeth Green
ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY is award is presented in recognition of a graduate from the Master of Science in School Psychology program who most truly exemplifies the leadership and commitment to being an exceptionally strong advocate for children and youth within school settings and the community and to promoting fair and equitable educational and mental health services for all children and adolescents, especially the underserved. Carmen Bartolone
ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING STUDIES is award is presented in recognition of a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling or Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology graduate who most truly exemplifies the leadership and commitment to being an exceptionally strong advocate for those coping with behavioral health problems and to promoting fair and equitable mental health services and recovery for all individuals, especially the underserved. Kate Caroline Oliver
Awards ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP is award is presented in recognition of a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership graduate who truly exemplifies the commitment to being an exceptionally strong advocate for leading change by fostering and enhancing collaboration, service, and community engagement and to promoting the health of organizations. Tommie Wilson Suggs II
ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NON PROFIT LEADERSHIP AND POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT This award is presented in recognition of a Master of Science in Non Profit Leadership and Population Health Management graduate who truly exemplifies the commitment to being an exceptionally strong advocate for leading change by fostering and enhancing collaboration, service and community engagement and to promoting the evolving population health sector.
Dianna Kelly
Awards 2022 PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP IN DIVERSITY AWARDS Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has made a unique contribution to create an environment of shared responsibility and ownership for diversity and inclusion at PCOM, as well as demonstrating emerging and sustained commitment thereon. DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Eguono Voke Akpoduado
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Megan Griffen Kapinos
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING AND CLINICAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY/MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING Maria Esther Maldonado Weng
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP Tommie Wilson Suggs II
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Karen Helen Honoré
Awards PCOM SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES THE SARA SOMERS RUPERT HUMANITARIAN AWARD This award is presented to a senior physician assistant student who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to those in need. The recipient exemplifies the philosophy of health care service and compassion above self. Elaine Isabel Mellinger
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CLINICAL ACHIEVEMENT This award is presented to a student who, while on rotations, consistently showed eagerness to learn clinical medicine while maintaining respect for patients, preceptors, fellow healthcare workers and other students. Jency Kimble Boyce
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PRECEPTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Awarded by the department of physician assistant studies to an outstanding clinical preceptor who has demonstrated excellence in bedside care and patient-focused teaching to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine physician assistant students. Bernard Gottschalk, M.D.
CENTER FOR CHRONIC DISORDERS OF AGING EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AWARD This award is presented in recognition of a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences graduate who most truly exemplifies through their research a dedication and commitment to the mission of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA) at PCOM which is to improve the quality of life for all individuals suffering from age-related chronic diseases and disorders. Beryl N. Khakina
Awards PROVOST’S AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The Provost’s Award recognizes academic excellence and potential for contributions to the field of study and profession.
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES Kerry Anderson
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC MEDICINE Alexa Grabowski
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CONCENTRATION Alexander John Gerick
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES NEUROBEHAVIORAL SCIENCE CONCENTRATION Riley Alvaro
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES MEDICAL EDUCATION CONCENTRATION Natalie Philomena Santucci
PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES FORENSIC BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION Rebecca Joan Keyes
Awards PROVOST’S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN BIOSCIENCE CONCENTRATION Georgia Karmee
PROVOST'S AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES PUBLIC AND POPULATION HEALTH CONCENTRATION James Lonnay Jr.
2022 PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP IN DIVERSITY AWARDS Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has made a unique contribution to create an environment of shared responsibility and ownership for diversity and inclusion at PCOM, as well as demonstrating emerging and sustained commitment thereon.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES Zoe Autumn Violet Tirado
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Riley Alvaro
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Boards of Trustees Administration
Boards of Trustees Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Board of Trustees James H. Black, D.O. ’62, LL.D. (Hon.)
omas J. Gravina
John B. Bulger, D.O. ’95, M.B.A.
Jerel A. Hopkins
Timothy P. Burgess
John P. Kearney
Joseph A. Dieterle, D.O. ’70
Vincent Lobo, D.O. ’65
Matthew O. Elkes
R. David McCleskey
elma Dye-Holmes, Ph.D.
A. Scott McNeal, D.O. ’88
Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81
Dana C. Shaffer, D.O. ’85**
Julie R. Fox, M.B.A.
Wayne T. Sikes
Marla D. Golden, D.O. ’88, M.S.*
Virginia A. Stallings, M.D. Kenneth J. Veit, D.O. ’76, M.B.A.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Officers Chairman of the Board
Thomas J. Gravina
Vice Chairman
John P. Kearney
President and Chief Executive Officer
Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81
Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kenneth J. Veit, D.O. ’76, M.B.A.
Vice President for Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Peter Doulis, C.P.A.
Chief Legal Affairs Officer
David F. Simon, J.D.
Chief Advancement and Strategic Planning Officer
Carrie Collins, J.D., Ph.D.
Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer
Marcine Pickron-Davis, Ph.D.
Chief Campus Officer – PCOM Georgia
R. Bryan Ginn Jr.***
Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board
Lynn A. Kush
*Faculty Representative **Alumni Representative ***Officer of the PCOM Board only
Administration Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth J. Veit, D.O., M.B.A . Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Doulis, C.P.A. Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer David Simon, J.D. Chief Legal Affairs Officer R. Bryan Ginn, Jr. Chief Campus Officer, PCOM Georgia Carrie Collins, J.D., Ph.D. Chief Advancement and Strategic Planning Officer Marcine Pickron-Davis, Ph.D. Chief Diversity and Community Relations Officer Linda R. Adkison, Ph.D., M.S. Associate Provost H. William Craver III, D.O. Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medicine Program, PCOM South Georgia Robert DiTomasso, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. . Dean, School of Professional and Applied Psychology Andrea Mann, D.O., F.A.A.P. Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Osteopathic Medicine Program, PCOM Georgia Gregory McDonald, D.O. Dean, School of Health Sciences Shawn Spencer, Pharm.D. Dean and Chief Academic Officer, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Arthur Sesso, D.O. Interim Dean, PCOM, Chair, Surgery David Kuo, D.O. Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Director of Medical Education Nikita Mirajkar, Ph.D. Associate Dean, Curricular Execution Osteopathic Medicine Program Naushad M. Khan Ghilzai, Ph.D., B.Pharm. Associate Dean for Academics, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia
Michael Becker, D.O., M.S. Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Marla Golden, D.O., M.S. Associate Dean of Clinical Education, PCOM Georgia, Chair of Clinical Education, PCOM South Georgia Stephanie H. Felgoise, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. Associate Dean for Academic Integration of the School of Professional and Applied Psychology Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology Michael Lee, Ph.D. Assistant Dean, Professional and Student Affairs, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Julie Wickman, Pharm.D. Assistant Dean, Clinical Experiential Affairs, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Susan Hingley, Ph.D. Interim Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM Lisa Corbin, Ph.D., L.P.C., N.C.C. Chair, Department of Counseling Jeffrey M. Branch, Ed.D. Chair, Department of Organizational Development and Leadership. Jessica Glass Kendorski, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., B.C.B.A.-D Chair, Department of School Psychology, PCOM Laura Levy, D.H.Sc., P.A.-C Chair, Physician Assistant Studies PCOM and PCOM Georgia Ruth Maher, P.T., Ph.D., D.P.T. Chair, Physical erapy, PCOM Georgia
Avadhesh C. Sharma, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Jennifer Shaw, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences PCOM South Georgia John Tovar, Pharm.D. Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, PCOM Georgia Richard White, Ph.D., F.A.H.A. Chair, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM Georgia Oliver Chen, Ph.D. Chief Library Services Officer
Administration (continued) Jane Z. Dumsha, Ph.D. Chief Research Operations Officer Mindy George-Weinstein, Ph.D. Chief Research and Science Officer Joanne Jones, M.B.A. Chief of Campus Operations PCOM South Georgia Erik Langenau, D.O., M.S. Chief Academic Technologies Officer
Brian Mann, Ed.D., M.S., P.A.-C Chief Simulation Operations Officer Patience Mason, M.Ed. Chief Student Affairs Officer Samuel A. Matheny, M.Ed,. M.A. Chief Student Services Officer, Offices of Financial Aid and Registrar Maureen O’Mara Carver Registrar
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Graduate Programs Deans Department Chairs Program Directors Philadelphia Graduate Programs Alumni Association
Graduate Programs Deans
PCOM School of Professional and Applied Psychology Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP PCOM School of Health Sciences Gregory McDonald, D.O.
Graduate DepartmentChairs Department of Physician Assistant Studies Laura A. Levy, DHSc, PA-C
Department of Forensic Medicine & Pathology Gregory McDonald, D.O. Department of Bio-Medical Sciences Susan Hingley, Ph.D., Interim Chair Department of Physical Therapy Ruth Maher, P.T., Ph.D., D.P.T. Department of Clinical Psychology Stephanie H. Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP Department of School Psychology Jessica Glass Kendorski, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA–D Department of Counseling Lisa Corbin, Ph.D., LPC, NCC Department of Organizational Development and Leadership Jeffrey M. Branch, Ed.D.
Graduate Programs Directors Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Stephanie H. Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology Katy Tresco, Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology Virginia Burks Salzer, Ph.D. Educational Specialist in School Psychology Richard Allen, Psy.D. Master of Science in School Psychology Jessica Glass Kendorski, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D
Graduate Programs Directors (continued) Master of Science in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Lisa Corbin, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership Jeffrey M. Branch, Ed.D. Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Marcus G. Bell, Ph.D. Master of Science in Forensic Medicine Gregory McDonald, D.O. Master of Science in Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Studies Laura A. Levy, DHSc, PA-C Director of Dual Degree Programs & Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Specialty Concentrations Denah Appelt, Ph.D.
PhiladelphiaCollegeOf Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Association 2022 Council Members
Executive Committee Officers
Members at Large
Paul LaPoint, D.O. ’90, President
Christopher Brown, M.S./C.C.H.P. ’11
Shanda Lucas O’Dennis, M.S./O.D.L. ’09,
Ashara Cashaw, Psy.D. ’13
Vice President
Dipan Desai, D.O. ’02
Michael Becker, D.O. ’87, President Elect
Elisa Giusto, D.O. ’18
William Swallow, D.O. ’79, M.S./F.M. ’20,
Gretta Gross, D.O. ’97
Past President Ruark Lanham, M.S./O.D.L. ’07,
William Pesce, D.O. ’89 Preston Williams, M.S./P.A. ’07
Awards Committee Chair Jessica Masser, D.O. ’07, Nominating Committee Chair Rashim Lancit, Ed.S. ’13, Fundraising Committee Chair Jennifer Dwyer, D.O. ’08, School of Osteopathic Medicine Chair Jennifer Alvarado, M.S./F.M. ’08,
Student Representatives Matthew Peterman (D.O. ’25), Student Representative, South Georgia Sagar Darira, (D.O. ’25), Student Representative, Georgia Joseph Tran, (M.S./Bio-Med ’22), Student Representative Philadelphia
School of Health Sciences Chair Prerakkumar Adhuria, Pharm.D. ’17, School of Pharmacy Chair Krystal Carter, M.S./C.C.H. ’10,
Alumni Association Board Representative to PCOM Board of Trustees Dana C. Shaffer, D.O. ’85
School of Professional and Applied Psychology Chair PCOM President & CEO Jay S. Feldstein, D.O. ’81 Deputy Chief Advancement Officer Necie Liggeons, M.S./O.D.L. ’20
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The College Seal The Academic Costume
The College Seal
The College seal first appeared in 1925 embossed on the cover of The Synapsis, the College’s first yearbook. Volume One of The Synapsis was published by the junior class of Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in honor of the graduating class of 1925. The first seal incorporated the College motto mens et manus, “mind and hand.” The seal’s origin is unknown, as is its designer. In 1938, Edgar O. Holden, D.O. ’22, dean of the College from 1924 to 1943, and Russell C. Erb, Ph.D., associate dean from 1937 to 1943, proposed and designed a coat of arms. The coat of arms appeared for the first time in the 1938 alumni magazine and featured a heraldic design that applies to the osteopathic profession. The three triangles are symbolic of the three segments of the vertebral column, which has a significant part in the science of osteopathic medicine. The hand emerges from a noble crown indicative of the regal aspect and dignity, as well as the healing powers of the human hand when applied to the art and science of osteopathic medicine. The College motto was retained, and the coat of arms was utilized as the College seal in various motifs through the mid-1980s. An adaptation of the first College seal was re-introduced in 1986. Today’s College seal, similar to the original, was adopted following the College’s Centennial Celebration in 1999. The seal features a centrally placed shield within which are shown a scroll and a flaming torch of knowledge. Immediately above is the College motto, reflecting the College’s osteopathic origin. Uppermost and arranged in a radial pattern are streaks of solar brilliance. Separated from either side of the shield are branches of laurel joined and bound together at the center, close to the base of the shield. These components exemplify teaching, learning and the attainment of knowledge leading to successful careers in the healthcare professions. The name of the College and the year of its founding encircle the seal.
The Academic Costume The academic dress worn today for ceremonial occasions originated in medieval times and stems from the early days of the oldest universities. It is thought that long gowns were first worn for warmth in the cold lecture halls and hoods may have covered the tonsured head (shorn crown) of priests and monks who made up the faculty. One university insisted on the tonsure for scholars. The hoods were replaced by the skull cap, which in turn was displaced by a headgear somewhat like that worn today. The faculty and students of European universities still wear a diversity of academic regalia. However, in 1893, a United States intercollegiate commission dictated a uniform code which has been accepted by most American colleges and universities. The commission devised three types of gown and three types of hood for the bachelor’s, the master’s and the doctoral degrees. All gowns are black except for the associate in arts degree, which is gray. The bachelor’s gown features pointed sleeves and is worn closed; the master’s gown has an oblong sleeve and may be worn open or closed. The gown for the doctoral degree has bell-shaped sleeves slashed with three velvet bars. The front of the gown is faced with velvet and is worn either open or closed. Mortarboards are generally recommended for caps, although soft, square-topped caps are permissible. Tassels may be black or gold and are usually gold for the doctoral degree. The colorful hoods are lined with silk in the color or colors of the institution granting the degree (PCOM’s colors are maroon and gray). The length of the hood varies according to the degree: short for the associate’s and bachelor’s degree, medium for the master’s degree and long for the doctoral degree. In addition, the hood is trimmed with velvet facing representing the academic discipline or school of study. Although there has been much innovation in cap and gown design in recent years, the standard colors representing the various academic disciplines have remained the same. These are: White: Golden yellow: Purple: Lemon yellow: Sapphire blue: Light blue: Brown: Dark blue: Green:
Arts and Letters or Humanities Science Law Library Science Commerce or Business Education Fine Arts Philosophy Medicine—the color of life and growth. (Fellows of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons wear hoods trimmed with crimson.)
While there is no rule for the position of the tassel, many colleges and universities (including PCOM) request the candidate to wear the tassel on the right side and to shift it to the left at the moment the degree is awarded.