LSU Health New Orleans graduates 730 new health professionals during the 150th commencement ceremony

Written By Alicia Vial

NEW ORLEANS (May 21, 2024) – Last Thursday, 730 students walked across the stage at the UNO Lakefront Arean during LSU Health New Orleans’ 150th commencement ceremony.  Graduates included students from six professional health schools including the Schools of Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health. 

“As the state’s most comprehensive health university, LSU Health New Orleans is an integral part of the city of New Orleans and the fabric of medical education across Louisiana,” said LSU Health New Orleans Chancellor, Dr. Steve Nelson. “As our graduates enter the health care workforce, they will immeasurably improve the quality of life throughout Louisiana.” 

The LSU School of Allied Health Professions graduated 164 students, the School of Dentistry 136, School of Graduate Studies 11, School of Medicine 173 graduates, School of Nursing 211 and the School of Public Health 35. For the second year in a row, the School of Nursing represents the highest percentage of graduates, making up 28% of the graduating class.  

The commencement address was delivered by Louisiana Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Ralph L. Abraham. The national anthem was performed by graduate Yen Thi My Vo. The invocation was given Dr. Micquel Dachelle Downs and the Benediction by Dr. Tiffany Marie Morgan.  

“Every one of those graduates will play an integral part in making the paths to prosperity better for the patients they treat from this day on,” said Dr. Abraham. “They offer hope, they offer a dream, and they offer people a chance to live another day. That is such an awesome responsibility, but it is also an honor they should remember every day.” 

Chancellor’s Award recipients were Thomas P. Luke, Masyn I. Cameron, Torie R. Laiche, Karen S. Vidaurri, Colin H. Niselman, Paige M. Dublin, Carol M. Upchurch and Miya C. Tate.  

The graduating class represents 41 parishes, 27 states and 9 countries. Women comprise 74% of the class and men 59%. The youngest graduate is 21 while the oldest is 65. Among the graduates, 55 earned a second degree.  

The faculty recipients of the Allen Copping Excellence in Teaching Awards were Molly Brouillette, MCD, CCC-SLP, School of Allied Health Professions, Suleiman Hamdan, BS, MCDT, School of Dentistry; Angela C. Johnson, MD, FACP, School of Medicine; Kimberly Reed, MSN, RN, School of Nursing; Ashley Wennerstrom, PhD, School of Public Health; Deidre J. Devier, PhD, Basic Sciences. 

A complete list of graduates and honor graduates, who authorize the release of their names, is available lsuhsc.edu/graduates. 

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About LSU Health New Orleans  

LSU Health New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's health sciences university leader, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine with campuses in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health, and Schools of Allied Health Professions, Nursing, and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research, the LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise generates jobs and enormous annual economic impact. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment   and cure disease.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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