Palo Alto University Celebrates 87 New Psychologists June 9

With years of study and clinical training behind them, and with a commitment to improving the human condition, 87 new psychologists were celebrated and congratulated for their achievement in completing their doctoral programs during a festive ceremony on Saturday, June 9. Palo Alto University (PAU) President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D., conferred 51 Ph.D.’s in Clinical Psychology and 36 degrees to graduates of the PGSP Stanford PsyD Consortium.

“We gather to honor the years of work, dedication, reading, writing, researching, practicing, being supervised, supervising, persisting and believing in the value and importance of the work that psychologists do every day to improve lives,” O’Connor said. “We honor the work that has been catalogued by our graduates in clinical hours on internship and post-doctoral applications; recorded in publications and presentations; witnessed in the faces of children, adolescents, adults, veterans, and seniors; and reflected in the pride of mentors and faculty advisors—all of the people that have been touched by their skilled and developing wisdom.”

During the ceremony, PAU alumna, Dr. Jennifer Gonzales Shushereba, a 2013 graduate of the PGSP Stanford PsyD Consortium at Palo Alto University, was remembered with a moment of silence. Shushereba died after having been taken hostage by a former patient and veteran in March 2018. A talented psychologist committed to serving our veterans, she was the living embodiment of PAU's mission to engage minds and improve lives.

Melba J.T. Vasquez, the first Latina president of the American Psychological Association and a leader in multicultural psychology, was presented with an honorary degree before delivering the commencement address. “You can be very proud of obtaining your credential from Palo Alto University, whose commitment to diversity is leading the way for doctoral psychology programs across the country,” Vasquez said. “You are joining the ranks of mental health professions who are addressing the critical issues facing our society today, and I encourage you to contribute fully and with heart.”

Several awards were also presented. The 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award was bestowed upon Dr. Nicholas Grant. The Murray Tondow Dissertation Award was given to David Ernest Reed, II and Jody Aramburo. The Robert E. Kantor Medal was awarded to David Reed. And the Larry E. Beutler Faculty Award was awarded to Dr. Lisa Brown.

About Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University is dedicated to improving the human condition through excellence in teaching, research and scholarship in the fields of psychology and counseling. With an unwavering commitment to diversity and to the communities it serves, PAU offers doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s programs, as well as hands-on clinical training. A private, non-profit university, PAU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Connect at: www.paloaltou.edu