The Kansas City University (KCU) College of Biosciences (COB) celebrated students pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical sciences and clinical psychology during pinning and hooding ceremonies held July 31, 2026.
Kim Tran, MD, PhD, KCU-COB dean and vice provost of research, welcomed students, families and friends to the COB Pinning Ceremony, which marked the beginning of graduate study for students entering the one- and two-year biomedical sciences programs.
Amanda Gardner-Kay, a COB alumna who is now a member of the KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2029, gave the keynote address and reflected on her own educational journey. Sharing her experience as a former biomedical sciences student, Gardner-Kay encouraged students to remain open to unexpected opportunities and not to view changes in plans or timelines as setbacks. She recalled her decision to move from the accelerated program to the research track, a choice that ultimately led to a master's thesis, published research and the opportunity to continue her work as a Summer Student Research Fellow.
“I had no idea I’d still be doing research today. I had no idea I’d be standing here as a second-year medical student speaking to all of you,” she said. “None of it happened the way I planned. It happened better.”
KCU also honored students pursuing their Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) degrees. The Pinning Ceremony recognized first-year PsyD students as they officially began their doctoral training, symbolizing their commitment to the profession. The Hooding Ceremony followed and honored third-year PsyD students who completed two years of coursework, passed their qualifying examinations and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree. This milestone marks their advancement to doctoral candidacy and eligibility for clinical rotations.
Sarah Getch, PhD, program director of Health Service Psychology and assistant provost for accreditation, highlighted the accomplishments of the PsyD Class of 2029. To date, the cohort has logged nearly 1,100 clinical hours and more than 2,800 hours of psychological testing. "These numbers not only reflect the accomplishments of our students; they also demonstrate the meaningful difference they are already making in the community," she said.
Marc B. Hahn, DO, president and chief executive officer of KCU, conferred Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degrees upon the third-year PsyD students.
“Whether your path leads to scientific research, behavioral health, medicine, dentistry or another health profession, you have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” he remarked. “Through that work, you will help advance KCU’s mission of improving the well-being of the communities we serve.”
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