When DaNya Horne DPT ’26 graduated, she did so as the first official graduate of the Division’s Early Assurance Program, which offers Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) students early acceptance into USC’s DPT program. In exchange, XULA students must maintain a certain GPA and complete all the required coursework and clinical experiences for admission. “There is something powerful about stepping into a program where there is no ‘previous version of you’ to model the experience after,” the trailblazing alumna explains.

Facing a rare medical condition that impacts 1 or 2 of every million people ever year worldwide, Jordan Cass MS ’26 experienced a medical emergency that could’ve sidelined her. Nevertheless, the graduate persisted and, later this week, she will walk across the stage at Bovard Auditorium, earning her master’s degree in biokinesiology.

It was a gymnastics accident that first exposed Arik Abulon to the power of physical therapy. Now, with a DPT degree in hand, the graduate aims to help athletes like him heal from injury.