Doisy College of Health Sciences Recognizes 2025 Alumni Merit Winner
Laura Purcell Verdun was selected as the 2025 Alumni Merit Award recipient for the Doisy College of Health Sciences and addressed the Class of 2025 during Spring 2025 pre-commencement celebrations.
Verdun, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders in 1989 and a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology in 1991, has helped individuals with speech and swallowing disorders for more than 30 years and empowered professionals to enhance their speaking skills. Through her private practice, Voicetrainer LLC, based in Washington D.C., Verdun provides comprehensive services that include voice and speech therapy as well as professional communication training services.
Verdun is an active volunteer leader and has contributed to the profession of speech language pathology through various committees and boards over the years. She completed two terms on the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health Professions Board of Health Professions, which advises the governor, state regulators and the legislature on matters relating to the regulation of health care providers. She is currently serving as a member of the board of trustees of the American Speech Language and Hearing Foundation and chair-elect of the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Verdun mentors graduate students and early carrier professionals and teaches in the
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at George Washington University
in Washington, D.C. She is a frequent contributor to national media and has received
several honors, including the Martha Mullins-Callender Award of the Communication
Disorders Foundation of Virginia.
Verdun addressed the Class of 2025 during the Doisy College of Health Sciences pre-commencement
celebrations and called on the graduates to cherish their patients, advocate fiercely
for the overlooked and underserved, and commit not only to their growth, but to leadership
in the profession.
“Laura’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence, advocacy and advancing
the field of communication sciences and disorders,” said Bernard Rousseau, Ph.D.,
dean of the Doisy College of Health Sciences. “She exemplifies the values, dedication
and achievements that the Alumni Merit Award celebrates. We are proud of Laura’s accomplishments
and grateful for her continued engagement with our college and the profession.”
About the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences
The Doisy College of Health Sciences has provided students with the tools and education to become well-prepared healthcare professionals since 1929. The Doisy College of Health Sciences offers healthcare education at the baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and professional levels in a variety of health-related fields.
About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.