Commencement/Graduation

Student Speakers:

Connor Hammergren – College of Health & Wellness – Massage Therapy

Before attending NWHSU, Connor worked as a musician and performer, performing locally, nationally and traveling the world playing jazz, blues and soul music. During his time at NWHSU, he has been pursuing a certification in Relaxation Massage and has also achieved Reiki Practitioner L1 certification. During his second term he was proud to offer his time as a student tutor in the school of massage, specializing in Anatomy and Physiology and Energy Medicine. Tutoring has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of his time at NWHSU. After graduation, Connor plans on starting his own private massage, body and energy work practice as well as continuing to pursue a career in music, while spending as much time enjoying life with his amazing partner Sam and their beautiful daughter Sylvia.

Alecia Schade – College of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine 

Alecia is a 2024 graduate of the College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University, where she has earned her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture. She is an accomplished student, wife, mother, and entrepreneur.

Alecia completed her Associates of Applied Science in Marketing and Sales Management while in high school, followed by her Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources several years later. After climbing the corporate ladder in Human Resources, she knew in her heart that HR was not her forever career. She returned to school in 2021 for acupuncture, a recipient of the Merit Scholarship, Discovery Scholarship, Stewards of MCAOM Scholarship, and Alumni Scholarship.

Alecia grew up on a family cash crop farm near the outskirts of Glencoe, Minnesota. She now resides in Cologne, MN with her husband Mitch and two sons, Eli and Emmett. Being involved in their community has always been important to her, and she has spent many years serving the City of Cologne as a member of the planning commission.  She enjoys spending her summers on the pontoon with her family, traveling, attending concerts,  making spaces look beautiful, snowmobiling, and spoiling her cat. Of all her passions and interests, raising her boys has been her favorite, closely followed by helping people feel better and improving their lives through acupuncture.

Following completion of the national acupuncture boards, Alecia will be opening her own private practice in Norwood Young America, Elevate Acupuncture & Wellness, with a special focus in orthopedics and musculoskeletal treatment.

Mary Kerska – College of Chiropractic

Mary Elizabeth Kerska is a passionate, Christian woman who has always wanted to help others. She was born in Maplewood, Minnesota on June 25^th, 1996.  Before Mary started at Northwestern Health Sciences University in January 2021, she accomplished many goals she had set for herself.  Mary joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in August 2013.  She went to basic training in South Carolina, followed by her job training as a combat medic in Texas where she still holds a certificate as a Nationally Registered EMT-B.  Shortly after her return home, Mary made the closing remarks for an event at Beth El Synagogue where she was able to proudly represent the Army.  Mary started her undergraduate degree in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2020. Between that time, she spent a lot of time away with the army travelling to Norway, Indiana, back to Texas, and many other places.  Mary spent 11 months on a Deployment in 2018 to the country Jordan.  She received multiple military awards for fitness, leadership, and outstanding performance treating 900 soldiers as a combat medic.  Last year, Mary volunteered with the Saint Paul Saint Patrick’s Association raising money for the parade and local charities.

During Mary’s time at Northwestern, she was involved in the Student Senate and Student Ambassador’s Club.  Mary spent time tutoring students in classes such as Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Neuroscience, Boards Prep, and many more subjects.  Mary also spent time as a TA for over 10 different classes.  Northwestern laid an incredible foundation for what Mary will be doing after graduation.  She will be working part-time as an associate in New Jersey in a multidisciplinary practice that treats trauma patients who come from all over the state.  During her days off, Mary will dedicate her time to starting her practice to help the local community of the town she is living in.  Mary chooses to live a healthy and active life and loves to spend her time off working out, walking her two dogs with her fiancé, and enjoys doing all outdoor activities.