Rocky Vista University Welcomes Class of 2022!

Rocky Vista University (RVU) welcomed a new class of student doctors to its College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM). The Class of 2022 is made up of 162 dedicated students from a variety of backgrounds and locations, selected from over 4,700 applicants. The incoming class is comprised of 56% female and 44% male students.

Leading up to the White Coat Ceremony, the new student doctors participated in orientation activities that highlighted the importance of teamwork and instilled RVU’s core value of service in the community, while allowing students to get to know their new classmates. Activities included icebreaker challenges, lawn games, and creating hygiene kits for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. The week culminated with the ceremony, held on Friday, July 20th, at the University of Colorado South Denver. Thomas Told, DO, FACOFP dist., Dean of RVUCOM, gave a warm welcome to the students, followed by Robert Sokol, member of the Board of Trustees and Matthew McMaster, OMS II, President of RVU’s Student Government Association. Shortly after, students were addressed by keynote speaker Alissa Craft, DO, MBA, Assistant Vice President of Program Development at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Pomona.

Lastly, students were coated by faculty members; the moment marks a memorable milestone in the students’ journey towards becoming practicing physicians. The act of being coated is not complete without reciting the class vision statement, which was written collaboratively by class leaders during orientation, in which they outline their hopes for the future and goals for the next four years.

In addition to welcoming the Class of 2022, Cathy C. Ruff, MS, PA-C, Program Director and Chair of the Physician Assistant (PA) Program, received the Faculty Innovator Award, which is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding achievements in academic excellence. Ms. Ruff received the award for her work in developing the new PA program at RVUCOM. Debra F. Nickell, PhD, MBA, PA-C, Associate Professor of PA Studies, was given the Star Award as she was the Founding Program Director for the PA Program and crucial in its early design and development.

Once again, a warm welcome to Class of 2022! We are thrilled to have you join the RVU community.

To view more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page by clicking here.