Jefferson College of Health Professions

JCHP Commencement to be held on May 22

Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP), Thomas Jefferson University, will hold commencement exercises on Monday, May 22, 10:30 a.m., at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Marsha J. Evans will receive an honorary doctoral degree.

The Class of 2006 totals 581 graduates, including 352 bachelor of science degree recipients and 87 master of science degree recipients in the disciplines of nursing, occupational therapy, radiologic sciences and bioscience technology; 3 post-baccalaureate certificate recipients in bioscience technology; 3 post-master’s certificates recipients in nursing; and 82 associate degree recipients. Also included in the totals are 41 physical therapy students and 13 occupational therapy students who will complete their combined BS-MS degree programs this summer.

Brian G. Harrison, Chair, Board of Trustees, will present an honorary Doctor of Science degree to Ms. Evans. During her nearly 30-year career with the United States Navy, Ms. Evans distinguished herself as one of only a handful of women to reach the honored rank of Rear Admiral, and gained a reputation for forging new ground for women in the military. After retiring in 1998 she assumed leadership of Girl Scouts of the USA. From August 2002 through December 2005, Ms. Evans was the 13th President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross.

University President Robert L. Barchi, MD, PhD, will confer all student degrees, with JCHP Dean James B. Erdmann, PhD, and Jefferson College of Graduate Studies Dean James H. Keen, PhD, presenting all undergraduate and graduate degrees. Janice Burke, PhD, OTRL/L, Chair and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, will serve as the Grand Marshal.