DAYTON (April 23, 2003) — Kettering College of Medical Arts will celebrate a couple of prestigious "firsts" as it celebrates the graduation of 146 students at the Dayton Convention Center Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. The speaker for the ceremony will be United States Congressman Michael R. Turner, representative of Ohio's Third District.

Two graduates will receive Kettering College's first Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, and four other graduates will be the first to be awarded the Vaughan-Beaven Service Learning Honors Program certificate of completion. "This is part of our ongoing effort to make sure our graduates are not only competent, but trustworthy and compassionate in the workplace and in the community as a whole," Kettering College President Charles Scriven, PhD, said of the Vaughan-Beaven program.

The college president will grant the following degrees:
Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees—A.S. in Medical Sonography (16); A.S. in Nursing (33); A.S. in Radiologic Technology (15); A.S. in Nuclear Medicine (2); A.S. in Respiratory Care (4). Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Professions degrees#151;Advanced Imaging (2); Interdisciplinary (5); Medical Sonography (4); Nursing (2); Physician Assistant (35); Respiratory Care (2).

The following certificates will be awarded:

Computerized Tomography (3); Magnetic Resonance Imaging (5); Physician Assistant (18). Physician Assistant certificate holders also hold bachelor's degrees from Kettering College or other institutions of higher learning.

Congressman Turner served two terms as mayor of Dayton before his election last November. Under his leadership, the city's downtown renaissance took flight. Turner assisted in bringing Dayton new housing, a new arts center, a bright social setting in Riverscape and a new pro baseball team playing in one of the finest stadiums in the minor leagues. In addition to being involved in city and national politics, Turner has worked in private practice and corporate law in Dayton.

More than 80% of Kettering College's graduates remain to work in the allied health professions in Ohio, primarily in the Greater Dayton area, although the college has alumni all across the country. "The world needs great health care workers," Dr. Scriven said. "We're graduating some of the best this coming Saturday night."