In a moment marked by pride, resilience and hope for the future of health care, 23 graduates of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program crossed the stage on Aug. 1, 2025, during the program's sixth commencement ceremony held in the Joe Crowley Student Union.
The celebration came on the heels of a notable year for the program, which earned national acclaim in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings, placing 21 out of 206 PA programs nationwide. Accredited-continued by ARC-PA, UNR Med’s PA program, which began in 2018, is known for its rigorous, hands-on curriculum that empowers graduates to step confidently into clinical roles upon passing their national board certification exam.
Founding Program Director Brian Lauf, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, addressed the class with heartfelt admiration. “To the Class of 2025, I could not be prouder of you! Today is your day. You did it!” Lauf said. “It’s not just the ceremony that matters; it’s everything that led up to it. What a journey it’s been.”
He reflected on the challenges the class faced, beginning their education amid a time of global disruption, and praised their resilience and dedication. “You entered PA school amid uncertainty and disruption. Yet you showed up, resilient, focused and ready to meet every challenge head-on,” Lauf said. “Health care needs more than knowledge — it needs heart, humility and presence.”
As part of the ceremony, the Class of 2025 also took a moment to recognize those who helped shape their clinical experiences. The students selected Renown Health physician assistants Tamsen Carson, PA-C, and Carissa Kasper, PA-C, as Co-Preceptors of the Year, honoring the lasting impression they made on the class. The graduates highlighted the duo’s commitment to the profession and their generosity in sharing their knowledge with the next generation of clinicians.
The graduates will soon join a profession expected to grow by 27% nationally through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their education at UNR Med has uniquely prepared them to meet the growing demand for primary care providers in Nevada, especially in rural and underserved communities. The program’s vision — to expand and enhance access to health care for all Nevadans through PA workforce development and advocacy — was powerfully on display at the celebration.
Though unable to attend in person, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval recorded a video message to the graduates, sharing his congratulations and appreciation for their commitment to serving the community.
Class of 2025 President Adam Serfoss reminded his peers just how far they had come. “Each and every one of us has followed a unique path that led us here, with different stories, backgrounds and strengths. But I believe we all shared the same set of goals: to serve our communities, to make a difference, and to become PAs,” Serfoss said. “Before this program, you were one of nearly 2,000 qualified applicants, then one of 200 selected for interviews, and now, you are one of 23 set to graduate. You have beat the odds. You are the top of the top.”
Keynote speaker Daniel Coll, PA-C, MBA, DFAAPA, director at large for the American Academy of Physician Associates, offered both encouragement and a challenge as graduates transition to clinical practice.
“The transition can be daunting when you consider the tremendous responsibility, trust and duty we bear when caring for others,” Coll said. “As PAs, we’re held — to ourselves and our patients — to a higher standard than most professions. You will face challenges — and yes, you will make mistakes. Those moments aren’t failures; they are part of the journey. Success depends not on being perfect, but on being committed to lifelong learning, growing and showing up every day with integrity.”
As the PA graduates embark on the next chapter of their careers, they carry not only the knowledge and skills honed over years of training, but also the shared mission to strengthen Nevada’s health care system and ensure that all patients feel seen, heard and cared for.
