USM Acknowledges the 2007 Graduates and our
2007 Students of the Year

After a beautiful degree-granting ceremony, USM's Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Mary R. Hulnick, shared that "Each student is extraordinary in their own right and has demonstrated the ability to call themselves forward academically and in service to their own learning and healing. They have certainly earned their degrees!" And as the University's President, Dr. Ron Hulnick, likes to say, "This is not an education for the faint of heart!"

Given the quality of students at USM, one of the most difficult tasks is choosing those who will receive the Student of the Year Awards each year. Mary shared, "USM's curriculum asks that each student step forward in their own personal exploration in service to healing and the evolution of their own consciousness. There is a rigor to this work that speaks highly of the individual that steps forward into the journey.

"The criteria for those who receive the Student of the Year awards include academic excellence throughout the two-year Program and consistently demonstrating the very highest levels of mastery in the practical application and integration of the many skills, tools, and principles that are taught in the Spiritual Psychology Program."

Spiritual Psychology Program Students of the Year

Two individuals graduating from the M.A. Program in Spiritual Psychology were lovingly selected to receive the 2007 Student of the Year awards.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2007 SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Holy Kaur Khalsa, Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology
 

You stand forward in majesty and grace sharing the radiance of your Being. Your wisdom, compassion, joy, and exampleship are hallmarks of your mastery as you live the principles and practices of Spiritual Psychology. You are demonstrating the ultimate competency, an unconditionally loving consciousness. We acknowledge and honor you.

Holy Kaur Khalsa was an outstanding student from the beginning, exhibiting a tremendous dedication to her learning and growth as a student. She stepped forth in all of her beauty and radiance to receive her award, and all were moved by her words as she stood in her majesty and loving.

She shared, "One of the deepest learnings that I received here at the University of Santa Monica has been through the example of service of all of those who have created this Program. This University certainly prepares us to be in a position to serve. It's my heartfelt prayer that we can fulfill that destiny. It is a joy and an honor to receive this award."

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2007 SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Prairie Pritchett, Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology
 

Through taking Spirit's hand and communing with the Divine Child within, you are awakening joyful creativity and revealing your Authentic Self-Expression. Your whole-hearted devotion to the upliftment of yourself and others as you share the wisdom of your heart is inspirational. We love and appreciate you.

Prairie was caught by surprise, amazed to receive the award, and we're not sure why! She's brilliant and beautiful and sparkles with spirit! Her intelligence and warmth shone throughout her two years as a student at USM. Prairie spoke for us all when she expressed her experience of connection with this USM family and the loving support available for all.

Prairie shared," I'm so grateful to receive this. And as Holy Kaur shared, it is my mission to be of service, and I intend to take this loving out into the world. I want to thank my family for their love and support, and I want to thank my new family, my fellow students and everyone at USM. I take each one of you with me."

The University's leading-edge Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology (CP) fulfills all the educational requirements for licensing as an MFT in the State of California. It is, in itself, a substantial educational and professional achievement. This curriculum is presented within the USM context of Spiritual Psychology and Soul-Centered education.

This year's award was presented by Johanna Jenkins and Marya Foley, two of the senior faculty for the University's Counseling Psychology Program.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2007 COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Holly Leary, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
 

Through your deep compassion, clear intention, and willingness to bring Light into the darkness, you have transformed your consciousness, preparing yourself for loving service. The children you see receive the blessings of your exquisite sensitivity and kindness. It is with joy that we honor your strength of heart and indomitable spirit.

To warm and enthusiastic applause, Holly graciously accepted her award and stated, "It was at USM that I discovered my love for working with children, teens, and families. And it was also at USM that I discovered this wealth of loving inside, to give to them as I learned to give this to my Self. I am very grateful for this acknowledgement, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to step forward in service."

Her journey has been a rich one and her courageous heart is a blessing to all those in her life. Her gratitude for this work is far-reaching.

The University is proud to add these students–and all those in the Class of 2007–to our remarkable community of graduates! The Class of 2007 is a beautiful example of the levels of positive transformation in consciousness that are available to USM students through their full participation in the University's Programs. Congratulations to our 2007 Students of the Year and to all the new graduates!!