Yamna Bukhari Delivers Inspiring Speech at DCHS 2025 Precommencement

Yamna Bukhari, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 2025, was selected to be the 2025 Saint Louis University's Doisy College of Health Sciences precommencement speaker and delivered a moving address to fellow graduates. 

“Yamna exemplifies the values and mission of Saint Louis University through her outstanding leadership, academic success and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” said Julie Howe, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Health Sciences who nominated Bukhari as student precommencement speaker. “Yamna has been transformed through her undergraduate experience at SLU. It has taught her confidence to embrace challenges and opportunities without fear while continuing her personal growth.” 

Bukhari maintained an outstanding academic record with a 4.0 GPA, making the dean’s list every semester she was enrolled in Saint Louis University’s undergraduate program in health sciences. In recognition of her academic excellence, Bukhari was inducted in Alpha Eta, the national honor society for the allied health professions. She also gained valuable research experiences during her undergraduate education as a member of the SLU Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab directed by Jason Longhurst, Ph.D. 

Longhurst, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training and director of the Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab, witnessed firsthand Bukhari’s intellectual curiosity, leadership and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

"Ms. Bukhari was an invaluable member of our research team,” Longhurst said. “She has a unique ability to translate research findings into meaningful discussions, always striving to connect scientific discovery with real-world patient outcomes.” 

Bukhari has led multiple student organizations during her time at Saint Louis University. She has served as president of the Pre-Health Ambassador Program and president of the local chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta.  

True to her commitment to personal growth and SLU's Catholic Jesuit values, Bukhari’s precommencement speech inspired peers to continue to live up to the ideals instilled in them during their education at Saint Louis University. Bukhari encouraged fellow graduates to share their knowledge with others and called on them to be healthcare leaders.  

Bernard Rousseau, Ph.D., dean of the Doisy College of Health Sciences, spoke of Bukhari’s recognition as this year’s student speaker and her moving address.

“We are proud of Ms. Bukhari’s accomplishments during her undergraduate studies at Saint Louis University as a student in the Doisy College of Health Sciences,” Rousseau said. “We wish her continued success in her studies as a medical student in the School of Medicine at Saint Louis University.” 

About SLU’s 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.