By Lawrence Lau
Thirty-three joyful and jubilant graduates gathered in the Skirball Cultural Center – Magnin Auditorium on April 21, 2013 to participate in the 2013 Yo San University Commencement Ceremony. Witnessed by family, friends, YSU faculty and staff, the graduates received their diplomas from YSU founders Drs Daoshing Ni and Mao Shing Ni, and were proudly declared ‘Graduates of Yo San University, 2013’. The group comprises 26 graduates from the MATCM program and 7 graduates from the DAOM program.
Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Myles Spar, MD, MPH, director of the Integrative Chronic Pain program at Venice Family Clinic's Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center. In his address to the graduates, Dr. Spar noted that traditional Chinese medicine is unique in its holistic approach to health and healing, and urged the graduates to continue reaching out to and collaborate with other healthcare practitioners so that more may benefit from the healing powers of traditional Chinese medicine.
Other speakers at the ceremony included elected faculty speakers Professor David Cohen, L.Ac (MATCM program) and Dr. Nurit Winkler, MD (DAOM program), and elected student speakers Ms. Anh Hoang Tran (MATCM program) Dr. Vilas Joseph Keith, DAOM (DAOM program). Ms Tran and Dr. Keith also led the graduates in the recitation of the ‘Healer’s Oath’, a tradition that dates back to the early days of Yo San University 23 years ago.
Several prizes were awarded at the Ceremony. An honorary Doctor of Science degree was conferred on Professor James Skoien from Tao Chi Schulungszentrum Zürich; Professor Skoien was honored for his contributions to his advancement of traditional Chinese medicine in Europe.
Also honored at the ceremony were Adam Cappuccino, recipient of the 2013 Board of Trustees Meritorious Award (MATCM), and Dr. Kumiko Yamamoto, recipient of the 2013 DAOM Distinction Award.
The commencement ceremony was followed by light refreshments served in the beautifully adorned Skirball Center courtyard, with fine balmy weather and glorious sunshine befitting of a very special day.