The University of Dubuque to Hold Commencement Ceremonies

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque will hold a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony and a Winter Commencement Ceremony this month.

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. Twenty-five graduates are eligible to participate.

Samantha Redmond (C'17, MSPAS'23), MSPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant in radiation oncology and survivorship at MercyOne Cancer Center, will deliver the commencement address, titled "The Impact of YOU."

Redmond is a lifelong Dubuque native. She grew up in this community and further went on to attend UD for her bachelor's in biology. When Redmond was a teenager, she lost both of her parents to cancer. At age 11, watching her mom battle her third and final fight against breast cancer, followed by her dad passing from oropharyngeal cancer when she was 14, led her passion and motivation to work in healthcare. In 2021, Redmond was accepted into UD's master of science in physician assistant studies program. She served as the 2023 cohort class president and graduated in December 2023. Since graduating, Redmond has been working in radiation oncology at MercyOne Cancer Center. She provides follow-up care for patients who have had radiation therapy and is the primary provider for MercyOne Cancer Center's new survivorship clinic and program. Through survivorship, Redmond assists in overall improvement to her patients' quality of life, aiding them in their goals following cancer treatment, long-term side effect management, mental healthcare, and more.

Redmond has two children, Tucker (10) and Amelia (5). Redmond's children and her partner, Eric, have been extremely supportive not only through PA school but also as she navigates her new career.

The University of Dubuque Winter Commencement Ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. Fourteen graduate students and 78 undergraduate students are eligible to participate in the ceremony.

Anderson Sainci (C'10, MAC'12), director of the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support for the City of Dubuque, will deliver the commencement address, titled "Moving Towards My Purpose."

Sainci embodies the principles of servant leadership and has more than 12 years of experience in local government and service to the community. In his current role for the City of Dubuque, he collaborates across government, neighborhood, and community organizations to strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the community.

Anderson is a 2010 graduate of UD and earned a master of arts in communication from the University in 2012.

He currently serves on the board of directors for the Dubuque Black Men Coalition, Dubuque Community School Board, Steeple Square, Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, Dubuque Museum of Art, MercyOne Hospital, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dubuque. In 2017, Anderson achieved a significant milestone by becoming Dubuque's first African American male elected to office. Today, he remains the sole Black or Brown elected official in the region, representing a diverse voice in local governance.

Anderson and his wife, Kiesha (C'11), have four children.

For more information about the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony and the University of Dubuque Winter Commencement, visit www.dbq.edu/Commencement.