Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry is a strong supporter of the California Optometric Association (COA). College of Optometry faculty continue to serve in leadership roles and faculty, alumni and students receive recognition for their accomplishments.

COA named College of Optometry Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Ida Chung, OD, MSHE, FOVDR, FAAO, as California’s 2026 OD of the Year. She previously served as COA president in 2021.



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WesternU College of Pharmacy Professor Yun (Lyna) Luo, PhD, and WesternU COMP Associate Professor Jérôme J. Lacroix, PhD, recently published their research in Nature Chemical Biology revealing how the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2 activates in response to stretching forces produced by a cell membrane under tension.

WesternU researchers publish PIEZO2 findings in Nature Chemical Biology | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy Professor Yun (Lyna) Luo, PhD, and College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Associate Professor Jérôme J. Lacroix, PhD, recently published their research in Nature Chemical Biology revealing how the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2...

WesternU COMP celebrated 224 graduates at its Commencement ceremony May 20, 2026, in Pomona, California.

The COMP Class of 2026 selected Esmeralda Santos-Guadalupe, DO ’26, to serve as their graduate speaker. She provided an inspirational and beautiful testament to the power of family, love and sacrifice.

“My immigrant parents have been silently carrying this dream for 28 years, sacrificing and believing in a future they could not have for themselves so that I can stand here today,” she said.

WesternU COMP Commencement 2026: Sacrifice transformed into opportunity | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) celebrated 224 graduates at its Commencement ceremony May 20, 2026, in Pomona, California.

WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine celebrated 34 graduates at its Commencement ceremony May 20, 2026, in Pomona, California.

Each graduate received a diploma from WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA, and CPM Acting Dean Jacqueline Truong, DPM, MPH, and then shared the stage with loved ones, who placed the academic hood on their shoulders.

“This is where your hands must be guided by your heart. Yes, your hands will become skilled and precise. They will do demanding work. And you’ll walk with confidence earned through long nights and hard decisions,” Truong said. “But it is your heart, your empathy, your presence, your humility, that gives that work meaning. These humanistic qualities aren’t extras. They are essential.”

WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine Commencement 2026: Hands guided by the heart | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) celebrated 34 graduates at its Commencement ceremony May 20, 2026, in Pomona, California.

More than 100 new veterinarians climbed onto the stage during the WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine Commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The ceremony represented a conclusion of sorts: the graduates leave CVM prepared to practice. But the learning will certainly continue.

WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA, urged the new doctors to continue to gather knowledge as they enter the workforce or begin internships and residencies.

“As you move forward from this day, I encourage you to remain lifelong learners, to be courageous in your convictions, humble in your service, and steadfast in your commitment to justice and human dignity,” he said. “Today, you do not merely graduate. Today, you step more fully into your calling.”

WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine Commencement 2026: Looking forward to new beginnings, new knowledge | WesternU News More than 100 new veterinarians climbed onto the stage during the 2026 Commencement for Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The ceremony represented a conclusion of sorts: the graduates leave the CVM prepared to practice. But the learni...

Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Health Sciences (CHS) celebrated 178 graduates, including 47 Doctor of Physical Therapy, 39 Master of Science in Medical Sciences and 92 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduates at its Commencement ceremony at Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center in Pomona, California on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

This ceremony was especially meaningful, as WesternU is celebrating 40 years since the founding of CHS.

“For four decades, this college has remained committed to humanism, excellence, and service. During that time, we have proudly graduated over 5,000 students who now serve communities across the nation and around the world,” said CHS Dean Gail Evans Grayson, EdD, MA. “Humanism reminds us that every patient is a person, every interaction matters, and every decision should be guided by empathy, dignity, and respect. It is the foundation of trust and the standard by which your leadership is measured."

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WesternU CHS Commencement 2026: A community of healers | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Health Sciences (CHS) celebrated 178 graduates, including 47 Doctor of Physical Therapy, 39 Master of Science in Medical Sciences and 92 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduates at its Commencement ceremony at Sheraton Fairplex Su...

Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry reached a milestone number of graduates and celebrated its newest class of healers who care deeply about the people they serve.

The College of Optometry conferred 68 Doctor of Optometry (OD) degrees at its Commencement ceremony May 19, 2026, in Pomona, California. The ceremony momentarily paused for the announcement that Lynette Dilanchyan, OD ’26, was the College’s 1,000 graduate. The College of Optometry’s inaugural class graduated in 2013.

WesternU College of Optometry Commencement 2026: The power of kindness, empathy, and loving what you do | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Optometry reached a milestone number of graduates and celebrated its newest class of healers who care deeply about the people they serve.

Leadership, advocacy, and compassion took center stage Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as Western University of Health Sciences celebrated 110 graduates from the College of Graduate Nursing. The class included five Master in Science Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP), 92 Master of Science in Nursing-Entry (MSN-E) graduates, and 13 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates.

CGN’s ceremony was the third of eight Commencement ceremonies hosted by WesternU at the Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center in Pomona, California, with WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA, presiding over the event.

“Nurses are caregivers, scientists, and scholars. They are leaders and advocates. Nurses are innovators who improve systems, teachers who guide the next generation, and clinical analysts who make sense of complex comorbidities. Nurses are hope-givers and life-givers, standing at the intersection of compassion and clinical excellence. You, our College of Graduate Nursing graduates, are saving lives, solving problems, and inspiring everyone around you, and improving the care of patients and communities,” said CGN Dean Mary Lopez, PhD, MSN, RN.

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WesternU CGN Commencement 2026: Health care leaders and advocates | WesternU News Leadership, advocacy, and compassion took center stage Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as Western University of Health Sciences celebrated 110 graduates from the College of Graduate Nursing. The class included five Master in Science Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP), 92 Master of....

WesternU College of Dental Medicine celebrated 87 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) graduates at its Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026, providing graduates an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned during their time in dental school.

CDM’s ceremony kicked off three days of Commencement celebrations at Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center in Pomona, California. WesternU conferred degrees on 950 graduates May 18-20, 2026, in eight ceremonies presided over by President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA.

“As you stand here as new oral health professionals who will soon be taking the oath, reflect on the rigorous journey that you embarked on to reach this milestone," said CDM Dean Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS. "Throughout your journey, you’ve exhibited resilience, surmounting personal and professional hurdles with much spirit. In the face of clinical adversities, you’ve shown remarkable adaptability and organization. You’ve optimized every patient interaction while upholding our profession’s respected values."

WesternU CDM Commencement 2026: Changing lives through dentistry | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences celebrated 87 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) graduates at the College of Dental Medicine’s (CDM) Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026. The Commencement ceremony provided graduates an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned...

WesternU College of Pharmacy celebrated 142 graduates at its Commencement ceremony in Pomona, California May 18, 2026.

COP conferred degrees on Master of Science in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSBPS) graduates and two cohorts of PharmD graduates. The Class of 2026 is the final cohort of the four-year PharmD program, and the Class of 2026A is the inaugural cohort of COP's 3.5-year PharmD program.

MSBPS graduates are prepared to connect "discovery to the human being waiting on the other side of it," and PharmD graduates are part of a mighty team that brings integrity, compassion, excellence and innovation to every life they touch.

WesternU College of Pharmacy Commencement: Pioneers and beacons of care | WesternU News Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy (COP) celebrated 142 graduates, including two PharmD classes for the first and only time, at its Commencement ceremony at Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center in Pomona, California May 18, 2026.