Pinning and hooding ceremony marks defining moments for KCU biosciences and clinical psychology students

The College of Biosciences (COB) at Kansas City University (KCU) celebrated important milestones during its pinning and hooding ceremonies, honoring more than 100 students pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical sciences and clinical psychology.

celebrated important milestones during its pinning and hooding ceremonies, honoring more than 100 students pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical sciences and clinical psychology.

Among these KCU students, 58 are enrolled in the one-year Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program, an intensive curriculum designed to accelerate paths to health care careers. Others are pursuing a two-year research-focused track to develop technical, analytical and scientific communication skills, building a strong foundation for careers in research or further doctoral and professional studies.

A 2025 COB alumna and Student Government Association senator, Killian Fane, now a student doctor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2029, reflected on the personal and academic growth that defines this path as she addressed students as keynote speaker. “What you’re about to do is defining. You are learning to push through discomfort, to wrestle with complexity and to rise to the occasion even when it’s hard,” Fane said. “That’s more than academic growth. That’s character. That’s resilience.”

KCU also honored the next generation of clinical psychologists pursuing their Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) degree, committed to addressing the growing behavioral health needs of communities. The pinning ceremony celebrated 26 first-year PsyD students as they officially began their doctoral journey, symbolizing their commitment to the profession. The hooding ceremony recognized 16 third-year PsyD students who have completed two years of coursework, passed their qualifying exams, completed their master’s degree and are now doctoral candidates eligible for clinical rotations.

Whether embarking on their first year of graduate studies in biomedical sciences or clinical psychology, or advancing into the next phase of PsyD training, students in the COB at KCU are united by a shared commitment to advancing health care and improving lives. Each brings resilience, dedication and a clear purpose as they prepare to make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities.

“You hold great promise for making important life-saving discoveries through research, improving the behavioral health of our community or furthering your studies in medicine, dentistry, the health professions or biomedical science,” said Marc B. Hahn, president and CEO of KCU. “In doing so, you all will further our University’s mission of improving the well-being of the communities we serve.”