VUIM Commencement 2024 and 20th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrating Our Community

On July 27th, we had the distinct honor of celebrating our Acupuncture students’ graduation during a momentous occasion—our 20th Anniversary. For over two decades, VUIM has been a leader in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine education, making a lasting impact on communities through our campuses and clinics. This milestone was not just a recognition of past accomplishments but also an opportunity to reflect on our current successes and envision the future of VUIM.

Since 2020, the global pandemic prevented us from hosting graduations in our usual way. This year, however, Capital One Hall provided the perfect venue to bring together students, friends, families, and community members to celebrate with joy and togetherness.

Out of the over 450 students who graduated since 2020, more than 120 students, many of whom had completed multiple programs, gathered with their loved ones for this special moment. With over 700 people in attendance, the ceremony was filled with gratitude and a sense of harmony, and we couldn’t be prouder of our graduates.

We want to extend our deepest thanks and sincere admiration for those who couldn’t attend. Supporting our students’ journey and helping them achieve their goals remains at the core of our mission.

The presence of our President, Dr. Lixing Lao; President Emeritus, Dr. Tae Choo; Founder, Ms. Jane Kim; and CEO, John Yoo, added to the significance of the day. Their congratulatory remarks highlighted the students’ hard-earned graduate degrees and certificates. The event was captured in photos and videos, preserving the memories of this pivotal moment in our student’s professional journeys.

We were also honored by the presence of distinguished guests and speakers, including Senator Ghazala Hashmi, Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee; Dr. Jun Mao, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and one of our alumni, Dr. Renee Lee.

The ceremony exceeded all our expectations, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who attended. Celebrating our Commencement alongside our 20th Anniversary was a privilege, and we look forward to many more years of success and growth with our VUIM community.