Gazing out at a sea of 46 Physician Assistant graduates dressed in black caps and gowns, Ashley Iacone, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, stood on the Commencement stage smiling.

“From the moment you walked in for your interviews, we could feel something special about this group,” said the program director of Bryant University’s Physician Assistant Studies program.

Reminiscing on the past 27 months, Iacone shared heartfelt anecdotes and advice during her address to the PA Class of 2025 on March 22. From one student whose contagious energy and spirit earned him the nickname ‘Mr. Bryant’ to a clinical rotation in American Samoa, Iacone said the past two and a half years were filled with learning curves, laughs, and irreplaceable experiences.

Iacone noted that, at one point during the Class of 2025’s journey, she found herself not only in the role of program director, but as a worried family member.

“One of you was on the other side of the hospital room caring for someone I loved. At that moment, I wasn't assessing your clinical skills, I was experiencing them,” Iacone said. “Your empathy, your compassion, and your grace — it reminded me why we do what we do. It was a moment of pride I will never forget.”

Highlighting the class’s hard work and dedication, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., reminded graduates to let patience, hope, humility, confidence, and kindness be their guiding principles as they embarked on this new chapter.

“True success and lasting fulfillment are built brick by brick, moment by moment; it requires patience, perseverance, and understanding that growth is a process, not a destination. So, embrace the slow, steady climb in this moment that we truly learn and evolve,” said Paliwal.

A position of continuous learning

Following the presentation of student awards, Class of 2025 PA Program Student Society President Allyson Desrosiers MSPAS, PA-S ’25, celebrated the cohort’s achievements both in and out of the classroom, from supporting causes bigger than themselves to practicing suturing, IV placements, G-tubes, and casting. Desrosiers urged the Class of 2025 to remember three things: Be good, try your best, and protect your optimism.

“We were part of new beginnings, ends, and all the moments in between. Through it all, we grew, not just in knowledge, but in compassion, resilience, and confidence. We learned that being a healthcare provider isn't just about knowing the right diagnosis or treatment. It's about listening, advocating, and showing up for patients when they need us most,” said Desrosiers.

Delivering the Commencement address, honorary degree recipient Jay Shackney, MD, FACP, a clinical instructor within Bryant’s PA program, noted that it’s normal for grads to feel overwhelmed and frightened.

“No matter how insecure you feel, you are ready for that next step, and we all need you,” said Shackney, whose daughter graduated from Bryant’s PA program in its early years.

He emphasized the importance of asking for help and to remember that medicine is a team sport. He added that, when grads see something clinically new, to read a little bit about that topic when they get home that night; doing this will increase their knowledge base and make that clinical experience more meaningful.  

He also stressed the importance of self-care.

“This is not an easy profession, taking care of sick people. You need to find balance in your life,” Shackney said. “As I like to think of it, life is a pizza — it doesn't get bigger, but the slices change. Make sure that you have a slice for your professional life, but also one for your family. Make sure you exercise. Have hobbies. And make sure you have love in your life.”

Urging the class to always strive to better themselves beyond knowledge and technique, he provided them with questions to ask themselves: How did my interaction go? Did I use the right words? Did I listen? Was I prepared? Did I jump to a conclusion? What could I have done better?  

“I still ask myself these questions,” said Shackney, who has more than 40 years of experience in the medical field.

Onto new adventures

Following the conferral of degrees by Paliwal, Iacone, Clinical Associate Professor Stephanie Potts, MS, AT, PA-C, and Board of Trustee member Nancy DeViney ’75, Stephen Wright MSPAS, PA-C ’19, congratulated grads on their achievement and welcomed them to the program’s alumni association.

“As you transition from student to PA, I want you to know that this community continues to be an incredible resource. No matter where you choose to practice, there are PA alumni, as well as graduates from other programs, who are ready to support you and help you navigate this next chapter of your career,” said Wright, who works at Boston Sports and Shoulder Center.

Gearing up for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, Gabriella Childers, MSPAS, PA-S '25, who was feeling grateful and appreciative for the past 27 months’ experiences, shared that the day felt like a long time coming. With a cohort of people who meshed so well, she noted that her favorite part of the program has been the community.

 Katie Giusti, MSPAS, PA-S '25, agreed.

“We had some great opportunities to practice medicine in a variety of areas,” said Giusti.

Moving outside to take photos with family and friends in the sunny March weather, grads had officially gone from their early white coat days to mastering complex diagnoses, procedures, and patient communication.  

“You've been humbled, challenged, inspired, and now you're ready. You've seen medicine not just as science, but as humanity. You've comforted families, listened to fears, celebrated recoveries, and shown up on hard days when it would have been so much easier not to. You've become not only capable providers, but extraordinary people,” Iacone said.