USU News

USU is excited to announce this year's commencement speaker, Dr. Marla Weston. Dr. Weston dedicated her career to improving the professional practice environment for nurses and the quality of care for patients. She currently focuses on assisting healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, and nonprofit associations with creating a positive practice environment; leadership and board development; strategic planning; employee well-being; and enhancing value for their customers, members, and constituents. She launched Nurse Capital, which provides venture capital for nurse entrepreneurs disrupting the healthcare industry with innovations in technology, devices and equipment, and clinical programs. She serves as a strategic advisor to several start-up healthcare companies, including Practicing Excellence, Mobella Health, MIDAS Healthcare Solutions, and Prolucent Health. She is a co-author of the blog, Calling the Leadership Circle.

The University congratulates Violeta Seitz, who will be the featured student speaker. Violeta Seitz is a nurse practitioner in Tracy, California, where she and her husband, an Internal Medicine physician, operate a primary care practice. She received her Master's degree in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with distinction in February 2024 and FNP board certification from the ANCC. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, and worked as an ambulatory care and labor and delivery nurse.

Gia Cabrera, United States University's featured student speaker, earned her M.A. in Teaching with Distinction. With 10+ years in childcare, she's ready to inspire as an elementary teacher in California.

– Logann Todd, United States University’s Career & Alumni Services Manager, has been honored with the 2025 Presidential Recognition Award by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) for her exemplary leadership and vision as Co-Chair of the inaugural NCDA Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force.

USU is excited to announce this year's commencement speaker, Judge Rohanee Zapanta. Judge Zapanta was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown in December 2018. She is trained and certified in mental health first aid and restorative justice cognitive behavioral therapy. Prior to her appointment, she was an attorney for the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, specializing her practice in representing clients with serious mental illness and developmental conditions. She was also an instructor-facilitator of restorative justice courses at the San Diego South Bay Detention Facility. Judge Zapanta presided over adult criminal cases in 2019 and juvenile court cases through the pandemic years of 2020 through 2023. She now presides over mental health cases.