“ATSU-SOMA is helping me prepare for this by providing a great education and connecting me with faculty who want us to succeed,” she said. “We are learning ultrasound, which is something I know will be helpful in my professional life.”
Huard is from Portland, Oregon, and graduated with a degree in biohealth sciences and minor in chemistry from Oregon State University. She said she quickly determined ATSU-SOMA was where she wanted to be for medical school.
“I chose ATSU because I immediately felt supported by the faculty I met on interview day,” she said. “Just from brief conversations I could tell the care faculty had for their students and I got a glimpse of the environment I would be learning in. Our curriculum allows us to get to know our peers very well and I am grateful for the friendships I have made that I know will last a lifetime!”
At ATSU-SOMA, Huard is a member of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, PALS program, Health Without Barriers, Ultrasound Interest Group, and serves as a student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted the opportunity to share with prospective students all of the things I love about ATSU,” she said. “I really appreciate our curriculum and want to share how beneficial it is to my learning. I really enjoy getting to meet prospective students and answer their questions about what a typical ‘day in the life’ looks like, as I feel ATSU is great at allowing students to have a life outside of school. Being able to highlight that you can still have fun in medical school is something I love to reassure students about.”
In her free time, Huard enjoys cooking, going on walks, and spending time with friends and family.
On campus, she said she enjoys the camaraderie she has with her cohort.
“I enjoy the support I feel from all of my classmates. Everyone is working together and I do not feel like we are competing amongst each other, which helps foster a safe learning environment,” she said. “One of my favorite student life activities was participating in flag football last fall. It was super fun to be able to see my classmates outside of school and have fun without worrying about the stressors of school.”
“I hope to build a career grounded in both knowledge and compassion. At ATSU, I’ve seen firsthand how faculty model compassion and care – not only in their teaching, but also in the way they support students,” she said. “Their example inspires me, and I hope to carry that same approach into my own career, providing thoughtful and empathetic care to my future patients.”
Gudde is from Warrensburg, Missouri, and has a degree in pre-medical biology with minors in chemistry, health, and nutrition from the University of Central Missouri. She was uncertain about her next steps toward her long-term goals after undergrad, but after discussions with other ATSU-KCOM students realized the University offered a path that would be both challenging and full of opportunities.
“The welcoming environment and the familiar, hometown feel – similar to Warrensburg – made ATSU feel like the right place for me to grow personally and professionally,” she said.
At ATSU-KCOM, Gudde is a member of the Biomed and Rotaract clubs.
“I joined Rotaract because it provides meaningful opportunities to serve and support the local community. With the strong spirit of service embodied in the ‘Kirksville way,’ it felt like a natural way to give back to my new home. I enjoy connecting with others who are equally passionate about service, and I value the projects and activities that directly benefit those around us,” she said. “Rotaract has helped me build relationships while reinforcing the importance of community engagement alongside my studies.”
In her free time, Gudde enjoys cooking and baking for friends and neighbors, going on walks with her dog, and doing crafts.
On campus, Gudde enjoys immersing herself in the ATSU community.
“The close-knit environment makes it easy to connect with classmates and faculty, and I feel like everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed,” she said. “I also appreciate the balance between rigorous academics and opportunities for personal growth, whether that’s through involvement in student organizations, community service, or simply enjoying the small-town charm of Kirksville. Being part of ATSU has allowed me to build meaningful relationships while preparing for my future career in a welcoming and collaborative setting.”
A.T. Still University hosted the annual Founder’s Day 5K run and 2K walk event on Saturday in Kirksville, Missouri. Spencer Kramer was the overall race winner, with a time of 17:44, while Laykin Bytnar was the women’s overall winner with a time of 20:32.
Thank you to all of the runners who came out to make the event a success.
Other winners included…
19 & under: Jesse Scott
20-29 men: Ben Engleman, Dawson Woehr, and Brendan Wong
20-29 women: Peyton Bytnar, Ashlyn Tait, and Caroline Gwaltney
30-39 men: Bill Elam, Cole Young, and Nick Noyce
30-39 women: Amanda Noyce and Adelia Eben
40-49 men: Andy Kottwitz
40-49 women: Kelly Kirkland and Lilan Oses
50-59 women: Stephanie Howerton
60-plus men: Dennis Hendren
60-plus women: Sherrie Selenke, Melanie Grgurich, and Deb Mowry
2K walk/run: Clair Kim, Alaska Basnet, and Deanne Hunsaker
A.T. Still University (ATSU) faculty and staff joined the Board of Trustees and University administration for a dedication of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) Gallery Hall on Thursday, Oct. 23, during Founder’s Day activities. The dedication ceremony honored MAOPS’ significant contributions to the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine and its continual advocacy on behalf of the osteopathic profession.
ATSU Chief Advancement Officer Bob Behnen, MBA, highlighted the centrality of charitable support to the continued operation of the museum and preservation of osteopathic history.
“Through their generosity, donors support exhibits that inspire, educational programs that enlighten, and the preservation of artifacts that tell the remarkable story of osteopathic medicine’s birth and evolution,” Behnen said. “Donor support not only sustains the museum’s daily work but expands its reach, inviting students, professionals, and the public to discover how osteopathy continues to shape healthcare today.”
ATSU Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, described osteopathic medicine’s growth and influence. Today, at least one in four medical students are studying to become osteopathic physicians.
“The museum is truly a treasure of the University but also for all of humankind to understand the philosophy of Dr. Still, to understand the history of osteopathic medicine and the role it’s playing not only nationally but internationally,” Dr. Phelps said.
Osteopathic medicine extends worldwide as a discipline at the current height of its influence. Dr. Phelps emphasized it is more important than ever to preserve its history and heritage, and the museum is key to this preservation, as it houses important artifacts relating to the origins of osteopathic medicine and the philosophy of A.T. Still, DO. Through its generous six-figure donation, MAOPS actively contributes to this preservation. However, this is not the only way MAOPS supports the osteopathic community.
“They’re the folks who are doing the work every single day so the physicians can do what they need to do and enjoy what they do,” Dr. Phelps said.
Established in 1897, MAOPS enables osteopathic physicians to focus on their work, rather than the bureaucratic framework surrounding it, including legal and advocacy matters. Its efforts ensure physicians always have a support system in place. Katie Davenport-Kabonic, DO, ’12, president of MAOPS’ Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for the association’s recognition and reiterated the importance of advocacy.
“MAOPS is an organization of osteopathic physician members from all stages of training and from all specialties,” Dr. Davenport-Kabonic said. “We are made of many members who have walked through this very hall and many members who originated from other colleges and states, with their own halls of osteopathic knowledge having found their pathway to Missouri to serve our communities. We are fortunate to be a family of so many backgrounds, so many pasts, and futures. Whether or not we study or practice osteopathic medicine on these very grounds, we all share our common roots here in Kirksville.”
Dr. Phelps unveiled a plaque symbolizing the University’s gratitude for MAOPS’ unwavering support and generosity, with a ribbon-cutting held at the hall’s entryway to Heritage Hall. The MAOPS Gallery Hall now serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and unity, and honors the commitment of an extraordinary group of individuals whose efforts will echo across the osteopathic profession for years to come.
“From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was the place I wanted to spend the next four years,” Mathur said. “The welcoming environment and supportive teachers make ATSU-ASDOH the excellent program that it is. I knew that if I attended this school, I would be exposed to an unmatched curriculum and develop clinical skills that could make me the dental provider I dream of being.”
Mathur is from Tucson, Arizona, and has a degree in biological sciences with a minor in psychology from University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
Now in her second year on ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona, campus, those initial feelings have proven to be spot on.
“I love every aspect of being an ATSU student. I love being a part of a diverse student body, and I love being a part of such a welcoming and supportive healthcare family who truly care about our education and our clinical competency,” she said. “One aspect of student life I like are all of the clubs that we have on campus, which give students the opportunity to meet new people, be a part of amazing initiatives, and learn how to be better practitioners.”
Mathur is involved in many of those clubs, serving as vice president of the Local Student Research Group, whose goal is to provide research opportunities to dental students to enrich their curriculum and allow students to provide meaningful work to the dental industry. She is also a member of the American Student Dental Association’s (ASDA) Advocacy Committee, where she has an opportunity to address policies and legislation within the dental industry that affects dental students’ day-to-day lives, as well as their futures. Through ASDA, Mathur has had the opportunity to visit the Arizona Senate and House to speak with lawmakers about topics like water fluoridation and student loans.
Mathur also serves as a student ambassador.
“Visiting dental schools and making the big decision to commit to a program for the next four years is an incredibly daunting and stressful task,” she said. “Being the first in my family to pursue a healthcare career, I did not know what to look for in a dental school and how to pick the program that was truly right for me. I know this sentiment is shared by so many prospective dental students. I became an ambassador to help provide transparency and mentorship to students when it came to answering all the questions they had, so that they could make the best decision for their future. I love having the opportunity to mentor prospective students with limited healthcare backgrounds like me, and provide them with clarity to make a stressful process a little easier.”
In her free time, Mathur enjoys painting, cooking, and trying out new restaurants and coffee shops.
On campus, she’s preparing to become a dental professional who will make a difference in her community.
“I hope to graduate as a dental professional who is confident in my clinical skills and who is culturally competent so that I am able to provide dental care to everyone who needs it, and break down barriers to dental accessibility through dental services and education,” she said. “ATSU makes this their top priority by getting its students in the clinic early on, so that we can become comfortable and confident treating all kinds of patients with all kinds of dental needs. Additionally, our fourth-year external rotations allow us to get exposed to many diverse communities and begin to work towards providing greater dental access and education to our patients.”
“Today, we will honor and remember your loved ones for their unselfish gift. Because of their generosity, the medical students, nursing students, faculty, physicians, and many others have had the opportunity to learn the structures and functions of the human body,” said Casandra Luscan, anatomy lab manager for ATSU-KCOM, addressing the families of donors. “I understand that for some of you sitting down in the chairs it may have been difficult to accept or to make the decision to donate your loved ones. But my goal is that after today you will see the gift your loved ones had such a positive impact on so many people here around us.”
Peter Kondrashov, PhD, professor and chair, anatomy, ATSU-KCOM, similarly expressed the University’s gratitude for all donors and extolled the profound value of their gift.
“Obviously the anatomy study is super important,” Dr. Kondrashov said, “but the body of each donor is so much more than that. Really, this is the silent teacher who became our student’s first patient and provided an absolutely unique experience to our students. There is nothing that could replace that.”
This message was further reinforced by four speakers who spoke on behalf of several ATSU student organizations. These students testified to the impact of donors on their own education and incorporated elements of faith and tradition into their speeches, which offered unique perspectives on both the gift of body and the experience of loss.
“As medical students, we spend countless hours studying anatomy, physiology, and different diseases,” said Josh Avina, OMS II, Student Government Association president for ATSU-KCOM, “but no textbook, no model, and no video could ever teach us what your loved ones have taught us. Through their generosity, we learn not only about the structure of the human body, but also about humility, compassion, and respect. Their gift has shown us what it truly means to serve others selflessly.”
Smriti Kumar, who spoke on behalf of the Indian Student Association, echoed this sentiment.
“In many Indian traditions, life and death are seen as parts of a continuous cycle – not an ending, but a transformation,” Kumar said. “Our donors, through their choice, have allowed themselves to live on in us: in the skills we build, in the compassion we cultivate, in the patients we will one day serve. It is a reminder that knowledge, healing, and kindness can outlive us – that even in death there is promise and impact.”
Other speakers emphasized the concept of renewal in particular and built on their own religious background to offer empathy and support to the families present. Michael Newman, OMS II, on behalf of the Latter-day Saints Student Association, offered the reassurance God’s plan does not end with death, and the gift of renewed body is promised to all.
“I do not mean to say that we should not grieve, or there not be sorrow for loved ones who are gone. Even Jesus wept,” Newman said. “What I do mean to say is that God has comfort for those who will come to him and great promises made to us out of his abundant mercy.”
Leighton Douglas, OMS II, who spoke on behalf of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, followed Newman with a similar expression of the solace accessible through faith.
“We give thanks to God for these donors, thanks to the families, and thanks to the donors themselves for allowing us to further our understanding and education,” Douglas said. “May their gifts allow us to traverse the cycle a little bit longer, and a little bit smoother.”
Allison Goldenstein, DO, MPH, ’22, former anatomy fellow, highlighted the individual lives of each donor and celebrated their legacy of generosity and love.
“Your loved ones have not been forgotten, nor will they be,” Dr. Goldenstein said. “In our labs, their presence is felt each and every day, not just in the knowledge that they provide but in the way that they remind us to care for one another, and to treat the body, each patient, and each life in a sacred way, with the utmost care and dignity.”
Two student musical groups performed to honor the donors. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute by a local veterans’ organization, followed by the playing of “Taps.”
As Luscan returned to the podium to conclude the ceremony, she brought with her a letter addressed to the students gathered in the cemetery. This letter was penned by the family of Richard William Baker, a donor. The Baker family described Richard as someone who chose to spark small moments of joy, whether that be by dressing up as Santa on the holidays or randomly distributing two-dollar bills. He was deeply invested in the lives of those around him, even perfect strangers, and it was this innate empathy that led him to choose to donate his body. The family expressed their hope the students would be inspired by Richard’s life and even provided an envelope of two-dollar bills to be distributed to students after the ceremony.
Luscan then returned her attention to the families, again expressing deep gratitude and sincere condolences.
“Our hope is that the next time you’re mourning the loss of your loved one, or having a rough day, you stop and take a moment for all the lives that they’ve impacted around the world,” said Luscan.
A.T. Still University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered for Still-a-Bration on Friday evening in Kirksville, Missouri, celebrating Founder’s Day.
The annual Still-a-Bration festival featured music, games and activities for kids, and more.
Check out our photos from the event!
A.T. Still University’s annual Founder’s Day Women’s Flag Football Championship between the first- and second-year students teams on the Kirksville, Missouri campus went to the second-year squad, 49-14, on Friday afternoon at the Thompson Campus Center.
Check out our photos from the game!
Different schools have different feelings that come with them, part of the environment created by the people there and the mission of respective institutions.
“As a student at ATSU, I have never felt more seen as a first-generation student than I do now,” she said. “Being surrounded by others with similar backgrounds gives me a deep sense of reassurance that if we can achieve this, then future generations after us can, too. From day one of PA school, the faculty have been unwavering in their support, and I am truly grateful for their guidance and commitment to my success.”
Fung is from Hercules, California, and has a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology. When deciding where to go to school to become a PA, Fung found ATSU’s mission of service to underserved communities something that resonated deeply with her personal experience.
“I chose ATSU because I deeply connect with the program’s mission statement,” she said. “Growing up, I was raised not only by my immigrant parents, but also by my non-English-speaking grandparents, who remain a constant reminder of how difficult access to healthcare can be. Serving as one of their main interpreters during visits to a community health center, I witnessed firsthand how easily their needs could have been overlooked without someone to bridge the language barrier. Their experiences instilled in me a commitment to ensure that no patient feels unseen or unheard because of cultural or linguistic differences. ATSU’s mission to serve the underserved reflects the very values that shaped me, and I am determined to carry those values forward as a PA.”
Fung serves as a student ambassador, hoping her experiences can be valuable to others pursuing their own higher education goals.
“Being the first in my family to pursue higher education – and the very first to enter healthcare – I experienced firsthand the struggles that come with navigating an unfamiliar path. I often felt that many of these challenges could have been eased if there had been a step-by-step guide for people from backgrounds like mine. Yet I also realized that the greater challenge lies in finding the right person to provide that kind of guidance,” she said. “Because I know how difficult it is to gain admission into PA school, I strongly believe applicants deserve support along the way. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been sharing my own experiences openly, whether in person or through social media, offering others a glimpse into what it truly takes to reach this point. To me, studying medicine is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I take pride in using my transparency to help others prepare to follow the same path.”
In her free time, Fung enjoys baking, traveling, attending music festivals, exploring new restaurants and cafes, and supporting local businesses. She is also a member of the CCPA Run Club.
“I joined the Run Club because studying medicine is not easy and breaks are needed in order to keep me going,” she said.
Fung’s future plans are varied, as she considers a path toward healthcare administration she believes could open more opportunities for aspiring students.
“Professionally, after completing my PA education, I have considered pursuing an MBA later in my career to transition into healthcare administration and help open doors for other PA-Cs interested in this field,” she said. “I believe ATSU’s extensive network and strong alumni community will provide the foundation and connections to help me achieve these long-term goals.”
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) alumnus Joseph E. Brooks, DO, MHA, FAOCPMR, FAAPMR, ’07, an experienced osteopathic physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients, delivered the 2025 Fred C. Tinning, PhD, DOEd (hon.) ’14 Founder’s Day Osteopathy Lecture, titled “Osteopathic Tenets: Philosophical Roots and Modern Applications.”
Dr. Brooks has over 14 years of experience with a wide range of patient conditions, including complex rehabilitation needs requiring a hospital based team, as well as outpatient clinical experience in neurodiagnostic medicine, spine and joint pain management, spasticity management, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and orthobiologics.
Dr. Brooks completed a dual-degree program at A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), earning his doctor of osteopathic medicine and master of health administration degrees in 2007. Following his graduation, he completed a traditional osteopathic rotating internship in Bettendorf, Iowa. Subsequently, he completed his residency in PM&R at the University of Missouri and served as chief resident of research in his fourth year.
Upon completion of his postgraduate education, Dr. Brooks moved to the Quad Cities, Iowa, with his wife and four children. He worked at the local health system for 12 years, holding a variety of leadership positions, including medical director of spine and medical director of inpatient rehabilitation. In 2023, Dr. Brooks started a private outpatient practice, Vitality Physical Medicine, and in 2024, expanded his outpatient practice with Vitality Wellness Center. He currently practices inpatient rehabilitation at the Quad Cities Rehabilitation Institute.
With a love of lifelong learning, Dr. Brooks has earned many achievements and certifications. He is board certified in PM&R by the American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has achieved subspecialty certification in pain medicine by American Osteopathic Conjoint Pain Medicine Examination Committee of the American Osteopathic Association. Furthermore, he has earned certificates of proficiency in musculoskeletal ultrasound of the hip, knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.
Dr. Brooks actively contributes to his field through mentorship and service to professional organizations at the local, state, and national level. In addition to having served as president of Scott County Medical Society, he currently serves as vice president of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association and is president-elect of the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AOCPMR). Furthermore, Dr. Brooks has chaired the AOCPMR national continuing medical education meetings and student meetings multiple times, organizing, lecturing, and educating hundreds of students, residents, and attending physicians interested in PM&R. He has served as a delegate in the House of Delegates for the American Osteopathic Association, participating in debates over the future of medicine. Dr. Brooks has also served on the board of the Quad City Osteopathic Foundation and as a past medical director of the Quad Cities Triathlon.
Dr. Brooks’ education, certifications, experience, and service to his profession have earned him the respected designations of fellow in the AOCPMR and fellow in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
About the lecture series
In 2009, the late Fred C. Tinning, PhD, DOEd (hon.), ’14, and his late wife, Janet, established an endowment at ATSU-KCOM to support an annual Founder’s Day lecture on osteopathy. The Fred C. Tinning, PhD, DOEd (hon.), ’14, President Emeritus, Founder’s Day Osteopathy Lecture Endowment reflects their strong commitment to perpetuating osteopathic principles and practices.
The Tinning endowment provides a lasting source of income to sponsor lectures by nationally recognized experts on neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Presented to students, faculty, staff, and alumni as part of Founder’s Day activities, the osteopathy lecture was formerly known as the Scott Memorial Lecture, which had been sponsored and funded by the American Academy of Osteopathy and delivered at ATSU-KCOM. Today, this important tradition continues through the generosity of the Tinning endowment.
Dr. Tinning served as ATSU-KCOM’s eighth president from 1984-96. In recognition of his exceptional service to the University, ATSU’s Board of Trustees named the Tinning Education Center building on the Kirksville, Missouri, campus in his honor and, in 2014, awarded him the doctor of osteopathic education honorary degree. Dr. and Mrs. Tinning, longtime residents of Lansing, Michigan, passed away in 2019.
