UPAP Class 49 Graduation and Awards

On Wednesday, September 2, UPAP celebrated its 49th graduating class of Physician Assistants in a special online ceremony. The two-hour long event brought in University of Utah leadership, Physician Assistant Program administrators, and, of course, the graduating class and their loved ones.

Class 49 has met several challenges unique among the graduating year, including the global pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of clinics across the Utah health system. Speakers at the ceremonies praised the students’ resilience during challenging times and highlighted many who put in significant extra effort to continue their education and reach out to others affected by the unique challenges of 2020.

“Class 49 graduated today and will be remembered with high regard,” says Virginia Valentin, DrPH, PA-C, who was recently named as the Physician Assistant Division Chief. “This class started as the first class to include our St George campus, they developed two community events that will last for years to come (Hilldale Health Fair and the Student-run free clinic at the Doctors Volunteers Clinic) and they persevered through the pandemic when all clinical training was stopped and restarted again. This is a special group of students that will work to make healthcare accessible to the underserved and serve as leaders in their communities.”

UPAP CLASS 49 AWARDS

Community Service Award

Jackie Erbin Leadership Award (Class or Community Leadership)

Activism and Social Service Award

Steven Halmstead Political Action Award (Political Involvement)

Robert M Alston Commitment to Excellence Award(Outstanding Graduate)

Castle Scholars

William M Wilson Underserved Areas Scholarship Program Recipients

Marcia L Feldkamp, PA Scholarship in Physician Assistant Studies Recipient

Dick A. Rensch, PA Endowed Scholarship in Physician Assistant Studies Recipient