PASADENA, Calif.—More than 500 graduates crossed the stage at North-West College’s Fall Commencement Ceremony on November 6, marking the culmination of months of rigorous studies. The event drew family members, friends, Instructors, and Team Members to the Pasadena Convention Center—all there to recognize this milestone moment for these individuals.
“I am humbled and honored to be part of this commencement,” shared NWC President Mitchell Fuerst. “These students were brave enough to dream of a brighter future and courageous enough to make that dream a reality.”
The fall 2022 graduating class was comprised of students from nine campuses and nearly a dozen different career training programs, including, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Eyecare Specialist, Massage Therapist, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist, Vocational Nurse, along with graduates from the Associates Degree in Nursing program at the Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. Each student took part in a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities—a hallmark of the College that enables individuals to put their newfound knowledge into practice and hit the ground running in the health care field.
NWC Long Beach Campus Director Sugey Briones kicked off the event with her performance of the national anthem. Students and attendees then had the opportunity to hear from Keynote Speaker Alice Issai, President of Adventist Health Glendale. After coming to the U.S. at the age of 19, Issai pursued a degree in finance. Her career took her into health care, where she served at the helm of a number of medical institutions. Most recently, under her leadership, Adventist Health Glendale has made the leap from a three-star hospital to five-stars, as determined by Leapfrog. Adventist Health Glendale is one of only fifty six hospitals in the Nation to receive straight ‘A’s since spring of 2015.
Issai congratulated the graduates for choosing careers in health care, explaining just how rewarding their long, hard days will be as they serve others. “As you step out into the world, challenge yourself—don’t grow complacent,” she shared. “Have a hunger and desire to learn new things. Be true to yourself and keep your mind and heart open. And always use your knowledge and your heart to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”
After pledging to practice their chosen professions with integrity, President Fuerst officially conferred the students as graduates of North-West College. “We recognize that each and cap and gown represents a life transformed by the power of quality education here at North-West College,” Fuerst explained. “We have no doubt these individuals will step out and make a remarkable impact in their field and in the communities they serve.”
For more information about North-West College and its programs, please contact Nancy Aguillon at NancyA@success.edu.
About North-West College
Founded in 1966, North-West College has been committed to training individuals to enter and advance in the health care field for more than 55 years. A leader in allied health education, the College offers short-term programs at nine campuses throughout Southern California, including West Covina, Pomona Valley, Van Nuys, Glendale, Riverside, Anaheim, Long Beach, San Diego, and Bakersfield. The College’s first seven campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), while the San Diego and Bakersfield campuses hold institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), North-West College offers a supportive educational environment for those ready to start a health care career. To date, the College has graduated more than 55,000 students—individuals who have gone on to raise the standard of excellence at health care organizations of all types.
For more information about North-West College and its programs, visit www.nw.edu.
