The Distinguished Alumni award recognizes alumni who have graduated within 10 years, shown outstanding career achievement and significant contributions to the community and/or the University. The award was presented to Robert Agaverdian, JD Buchert and Andrew Tran.

Robert graduated from WCU in 2013 with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He is currently a Clinical Director at Pacifica Hospital of the Valley and hires many WCU grads. His passion for healthcare and the betterment of his community led him to co-found the non-profit organization Bridge of Health, dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer in Armenia, where he is also the Executive Director. This amazing organization has successfully aided in treating over 100 children, many of who are currently in remission.

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JD graduated from the Dallas campus in 2015 with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and currently works for Parkland Hospital. During his time as an undergraduate, he participated in the International Education program traveling to Panama and was a member of the honors society Sigma Theta Tau. JD is also a Captain in the US Army. He has been influential to our Future Alumni by participating in our Men In Nursing panel and being an active member of our Facebook group. In December 2017 he received recognition from The International Nurses Association as a Worldwide Leader in Healthcare and Top Operating Room Registered Nurse. In June of 2018, he was awarded a research fellowship at Texas Christian University where he will research how to prevent the peri-operative hypothermic crisis.

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Andrew is truly an influential part of the alumni network. Since his graduation in 2013 with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, he has spent his career focusing on emergency and trauma medicine which has led him to secure an elite position as a Flight Nurse with Air Methods. His passion for his job and WCU shaped a partnership between both organizations that resulted in a $30,000 gift to the Men In Nursing Initiative. Because of this gift, WCU produced a nationwide marketing campaign highlighting the University and our alumni fulfilling their dreams. Most recently, he received his Master of Science in Family Practice Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and was hired as an instructor at WCU Orange County.

Congratulations and thank you, gentlemen, for not only your service to the community but also for your commitment to WCU’s mission of transformational education!

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.