School of Health Professions sets commencement August 19

The School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will hold commencement at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., in Galveston.

A total of 130 students will graduate, including 34 with Bachelor of Science degrees in clinical laboratory sciences, 13 with Bachelor of Science degrees in respiratory care, 31 with Master of Science degrees in occupational therapy and 52 with doctoral degrees in physical therapy.

Dr. David L. Callender, UTMB president, will confer degrees. Elizabeth Protas, vice president and dean of the School of Health Professions, will officiate at the graduation.

“These graduates represent an outstanding group of students and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of them,” said Protas. “They will fill a vital role in the nation’s changing health care landscape.”

Commencement speaker and 2011 Distinguished Alumna is Bonnie Benkula, UTMB’s associate vice president for ambulatory care at Victory Lakes. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration from UTMB in 1996 and her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. She has been recognized for her success in turning facilities around to create better patient and staff satisfaction and improved profits. She oversees the UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes.

Established in 1968, the UTMB School of Health Professions has educated more than 6,500 professionals who serve the nation’s health care workforce. The school helps meet the health care needs of communities by preparing students to enter such professions as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, clinical laboratory scientist and respiratory care.