On the eve of graduation, the Florida State University School of Physician Assistant Practice Class of 2023 gathered in a Student Union ballroom for the annual dinner and awards ceremony.
The Friday evening program for the 58-member class included the presentation of awards for students, faculty and staff, recognition of PA national honor society inductees, as well as recognition for eight supporting agencies of the PA program.
Program Director and Associate Dean Ben Smith presided over the event, which is highlighted annually by the presentation of four major awards to graduating class members.
Molly Williams, from East Palatka, Florida, received the Academic and Clinical Excellence Award, presented to the student who has demonstrated excellence in both areas.
Miami native Priscilla Yost was selected for The Spirit of FSU PA Award, which recognizes the student who exhibited dedication to the goal of becoming a PA while exhibiting integrity, professionalism and persevering in the face of adversity.
Christina “Christy” Hofman, whose hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, collected the Mission Award, which is presented to the student with exceptional achievement in striving to meet the needs of medically underserved communities, especially elder, rural, minority and underserved population throughout the state of Florida.
The Director’s Award recognizes students who distinguished themselves through leadership, integrity, cooperation and understanding, while maintaining the high professional, academic and clinical standards of the program. Vero Beach native and class President Karen Post and Tallahassee native Michaela Manias were dual recipients of the honor.
Eight members of the Class of 2023 were also recognized for their selection to Pi Alpha Honor Society, the national PA honor society organized for the promotion of PA student and graduates.
Hofman, Sonya Ivanova, Manias, Monica Rowe, Jennifer Scott, Williams, Amber Winton and Christian Yann were introduced as the newest Pi Alpha members.
Membership in the society requires significant academic achievements, leadership, research, community/professional service and other activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among students and graduates.
In addition, the evening also included the presentation of the following School of Physician Assistant Practice faculty and staff awards:
• Faculty Guardian of the Mission and Service Award: Allison Justice, PA-C
• Outstanding Senior Faculty Educator Award: John Bastin, PA-C
• Outstanding Regional Campus Faculty Award: Megan Verdoni, PA-C at the Sarasota Regional Campus
• Exemplary Group/Staff Service Award: Melissa Oglesby
Smith opened the evening by recognizing eight supporting agencies of the PA program: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare; HCA Florida Healthcare; Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee; Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic; Tallahassee Primary Care Associates; North Florida Women’s Care; Talcor; and Capital Health Plan.
Contact Bob Thomas at robert.thomas@med.fsu.edu
Below: Class President Karen Post, shown here delivering the class address during Saturday's Commencement Ceremony, was one of two recipients of the Director's Award. (Photo by Colin Hackley for the College of Medicine)
