Graduates Turn Their Calling into Their Career

Kenmore, WA (June 2019) – Congratulations to the Class of 2019! This year, 303 extraordinary students will graduate, taking that pivotal next step at turning their calling into their career.  

Tomorrow’s leaders in natural health span diverse disciplines: 

• 148 graduates from the School of Natural Health Arts and Sciences  
• 141 graduates from the School of Naturopathic Medicine 
• 14 graduates from the School of Traditional World Medicines

By campus: 

• 64 students will graduate from Bastyr University California at its fourth annual Commencement Ceremony, to take place on Saturday, June 22, at Liberty Station in San Diego. 
• 239 students will graduate from Bastyr University Kenmore at its 38th annual Commencement Ceremony, to take place on Monday, June 24, at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.   

Commencement Keynote Speaker 

A beloved and renowned Bastyr University alumna, Mary Purdy, MS, RDN (’07), will deliver the Commencement address at both events. She aims to inspire Bastyr graduates to step outside their comfort zones and work with patients who might not know much about natural health. Through such outreach efforts, Bastyr University graduates will help to create a healthier world for all.  

"I couldn't be more thrilled (or surprised!) to have been asked to help celebrate and honor the 2019 graduating classes of an institution that I hold in such high esteem, and that has been so formative in making me the avocado-loving and food justice-seeking dietitian I am today.  Not only did Bastyr provide me with a well of knowledge and a foundational education anchored in science, it taught me to think critically and understand the many factors, both internal and external, that affect how individuals are able or unable to achieve better health," said Purdy. 

Mary Purdy, an integrative registered dietitian nutritionist, worked in private practice for eight years and spent the last four years at Arivale as a coach and clinical education lead, during which time she helped hundreds of patients with a variety of health conditions.  She holds a master's degree in nutrition from Bastyr University, where she later spent three years as an adjunct faculty member and five years as a clinical supervisor at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. She has given more than 100 nutrition workshops in her local community and has been quoted in dozens of magazines, including Prevention, Food and Nutrition and Today’s Dietitian, and has been featured on local TV networks KUOW and KIRO News. Purdy co-authored the Diet Appendix for The Anti-Inflammatory Diet chapter of the 14th edition of “Krause's Food & The Nutrition Care Process.” She is also the past chair of Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, host of the web series and podcast “Mary’s Nutrition Show,” and author of the book “Serving the Broccoli Gods.” 

Commencement Student Speaker 

Britta Nevitt graduates from Bastyr University California this month with her doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine. Future naturopathic doctor Nevitt shares: 

“Bastyr University is so much more than an educational institution. It is a collaborative community, dedicated not just to helping people, but to empowering others with the knowledge and tools to help themselves. I am continuously inspired by the selfless humility of my colleagues, peers and mentors, who have taken the road less traveled in pursuit of making a difference.”