AUHS Class of 2026: Nearly 200 Dreams Take Flight Through Gratitude and a Commitment to Service
By Lily Nguyen, Senior Director of Marketing and Admissions
LONG BEACH, California– Amid the sound of ceremonial music, sustained applause, and emotional embraces shared between parents and their children, nearly 200 graduates of the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) celebrated the completion of an important chapter in their lives and began a new journey as healthcare professionals committed to caring for others, protecting lives, and serving their communities.
The Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony was held on July 17 at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos. More than a celebration of academic achievement, the event was filled with stories of perseverance, sacrifice, gratitude, and dreams that had been nurtured over many years.
Even before the ceremony began, emotions were evident throughout the lobby. Graduates carefully adjusted their gowns and caps while parents, spouses, and loved ones captured cherished photos. For many families, this achievement represented not only the students’ success but also years of encouragement, support, and quiet sacrifices made behind the scenes.
Behind Every Diploma Is a Story of Perseverance
From the audience, the stage was filled with smiles. Behind those smiles, however, were countless sleepless nights, difficult exams, financial challenges, family separation, and moments when giving up seemed like an option.
For Nonso Anene, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, nursing was not always his first choice.
“At first, I didn’t think I would become a nurse,” he said. “But after considering several different paths, I realized this profession was the right fit for me.”
According to Anene, nursing is about much more than passing exams.
“You don’t just learn knowledge. You learn how to care for people. This is a lifelong journey.”
During his time at AUHS, he especially enjoyed tutoring fellow students, an experience that strengthened his understanding of course material while building confidence and communication skills. Clinical rotations in hospitals also left a lasting impression by giving him firsthand exposure to the realities of patient care.
When asked what he was most grateful for, Anene immediately mentioned his professors, classmates, and his faith.
“Most importantly, I thank God for giving me the strength to overcome everything.”
The People Behind Students’ Success
Throughout the ceremony, one theme was repeated again and again: gratitude for family.
Some graduates balanced full-time work while pursuing their degrees. Others juggled studies with raising children. Many were immigrants who arrived in the United States with limited English proficiency but persisted in chasing their dreams.
“I’m so happy I can’t even describe it. Finally, I don’t have to go to school anymore,” one graduate joked as she celebrated with family and friends.
For Ghadeer Hamieh, a graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, the day was a tribute to her parents.
“My parents always encouraged me to keep pursuing my education and achieve this goal,” she said.
After completing an intensive 15-month doctoral program, Hamieh plans to take a short break before entering the field of education.
Looking back on her journey, she became emotional when thinking about the 18-year-old version of herself who first dreamed of becoming a nurse.
“If I could speak to that younger version of myself, I would tell her that I’m very proud of her.”
Dreams That Crossed Oceans
This year’s commencement also highlighted the inspiring stories of immigrant students who overcame significant obstacles to build successful careers.
Maria Clarissa Esmande, a graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program, described the long journey from the Philippines to the United States and ultimately to earning her graduate nursing degree.
She hopes to begin her professional career soon and expressed deep appreciation for AUHS faculty members.
“AUHS is an excellent school for new immigrants like me,” she said. “Everyone is willing to help you succeed.”
Similarly, Luke Jacob Narisco, 29, completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice program after seven years of continuous education from bachelor’s through doctoral studies. He currently works for two wound-care services and a medical spa.
His advice to future students was simple yet powerful:
“Never forget your purpose. Success doesn’t come from one giant leap. It’s built step by step, every day, through discipline and perseverance.”
The Impact of the Vietnamese Student Community
One of the highlights of the Class of 2026 was the strong presence of Vietnamese American and international Vietnamese students.
Khanh John Nguyen, a graduate of the Master of Clinical Research program, previously worked in clinical research in Vietnam. That experience inspired him to pursue advanced education at AUHS.
After approximately a year and a half in the program, he secured a job opportunity and is currently awaiting completion of his work visa process.
“I believe the greatest value of this program is its sense of community,” he said. “Everyone supports and uplifts one another.”
Another graduate, Trinh Nhat Duy, also earned a degree in Master of Clinical Research after discovering AUHS at an international education fair.
“The professors taught me so much about research and helped me become much more confident about my future career,” he said.
Duy added that his two years studying in the United States deepened his appreciation for the country and the opportunities it offers.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Nhu Anh viewed graduation day as the culmination of a 12-year educational journey that began in high school in Anaheim, continued through a bachelor’s degree at Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from Gonzaga University, and concluded with a Master’s degree in Clinical Research from AUHS.
The Pharmacists of Tomorrow
The ceremony also celebrated the accomplishments of several graduates from the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
At just 24 years old, Douglas Nguyen was among the youngest members of the graduating class. Through AUHS’s accelerated pathway, he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in only 4.5 years after graduating from high school.
“I entered the undergraduate program and was able to transition directly into the PharmD program after completing the prerequisite courses,” he explained. “That saved me a tremendous amount of time.”
He is currently preparing for the NAPLEX licensure examination.
Another graduate, Taha Shaltu, moved from Idaho to California to enroll at AUHS. He said the university’s three-year PharmD program was one of the key reasons he chose the school.
“Most pharmacy programs take four years, but AUHS allows students to complete the program in three years while maintaining a very high standard of education,” he said.
Following three demanding years of intensive coursework and rigorous academic requirements, his primary feeling on graduation day was relief.
“Today feels like a huge weight has been lifted.”
Taha has already accepted a position at a hospital in Northern California and is preparing for the NAPLEX exam.
Also graduating from the PharmD program was Carmel Sampson, 24, who fulfilled a dream she had cherished since childhood.
“I’ve wanted to become a pharmacist since I was a little girl,” she said. “Standing here today and receiving my doctoral degree feels like my life is finally beginning.”
Following graduation, Sampson will enter a one-year pharmacy residency program in Cleveland, Ohio. Her long-term ambitions extend beyond pharmacy practice.
“I want to become a missionary pharmacist, helping underserved people gain access to healthcare while sharing my faith.”
She concluded by thanking her family, professors, and God for guiding her throughout her journey.
A Sacred Moment in a Profession Dedicated to Caring
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the nursing pinning ceremony.
This year, students were invited to select a family member, significant other, or mentor to place the nursing pin on them. Many parents were moved to tears as they participated in this meaningful tradition.
According to Maria Shearing, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, the ceremony recognizes those who have quietly supported students throughout their educational journey.
Following the pinning ceremony, graduates participated in the traditional candle-lighting ceremony honoring Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and a symbol of compassion, dedication, and service.
“Go Out and Light the World”
During his commencement remarks, Pastor Gregory A. Johnson, co-founder of AUHS, reflected on the university’s humble beginnings 32 years ago.
At the time, AUHS had only four students. Resources were so limited that Pastor recalled sleeping on the floor while working to keep the institution operating.
From those modest beginnings, AUHS has grown into a respected institution that has educated thousands of healthcare professionals serving communities across the United States.
Pastor prayed for the graduates’ protection, success, and perseverance and encouraged them to use their knowledge, compassion, and commitment to service to “light the world.”
Dr. Michelle Paysan-Modina, Executive Dean of the AUHS School of Nursing, also congratulated the graduates and described commencement as one of the most significant milestones of their lives.
The Beginning of a Noble Mission
As graduation caps soared through the air and cheers echoed throughout the auditorium, the AUHS Class of 2026 officially concluded its academic journey.
But for nearly 200 graduates, this was not the end.
It was the beginning of a greater mission: caring for patients, protecting lives, extending compassion, and serving communities with the knowledge, passion, and dedication they cultivated during their years at AUHS.
For the Class of 2026, commencement was not merely a celebration of achievement. It was a promise to use their education in the service of others and to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they will one day care for.
