The University of Dubuque to Hold Commencement Ceremonies

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque will recognize and celebrate the academic achievements of students with two commencement ceremonies this month.

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Seating is not ticketed. Twenty-nine students are eligible to participate.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/UDBQMedia.

Jenna Doyle (MSPAS'24), MSPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant in emergency medicine at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota, will deliver the commencement address, titled "From Courage to Confidence."

Doyle is a graduate of UD's physician assistant program, Class of 2024. Originally from Princeton, Minnesota, she earned her bachelor of science in biology from the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, where she was also a student-athlete on the women's basketball team.

Prior to entering the PA profession, Doyle gained a diverse range of experiences that strengthened her commitment to service, teamwork, and leadership. Her background includes working as a certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, and emergency room technician, as well as serving as a basketball coach and substitute teacher.

During her time at UD, Doyle served as co-chair of the UDPA Student Wellness Committee, where she promoted health and well-being by fostering a supportive environment and helped students develop healthy habits to maintain balance during PA school. Following graduation, she began her career in emergency medicine with the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. In addition to her current role, Jenna is training to provide care at several rural emergency departments across southern Minnesota, with the long-term goal of serving as a solo provider in the emergency department in these communities. She is deeply passionate about improving access to healthcare and delivering high-quality emergent care to underserved populations.

The University of Dubuque Winter Commencement Ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. Seating is not ticketed. Thirty-one graduate students and 81 undergraduate students are eligible to participate.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/UDBQMedia and www.facebook.com/UDubuque.

Antonio Mouzon (C'11), ABD, community impact and neighborhood support director with the City of Dubuque, will deliver the commencement address, titled "Faith in the Journey: Becoming Who You Were Created to Be."

Mouzon's journey to Dubuque, Iowa, from Baumholder, Germany, is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and faith. A first-generation college graduate, he became the first in his family to earn a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree, breaking through generational barriers with grit and determination. Guided by educators and mentors who saw potential in him long before he saw it in himself, Mouzon forged a path defined by purpose and courage. He continues this pursuit today through his doctor of philosophy studies in higher education, focusing on social justice, student success, positive psychology, and leadership development, fields that reflect his commitment to uplifting others.

Mouzon currently serves as the community impact and neighborhood support director for the City of Dubuque, where he leads citywide efforts to build a thriving, inclusive, and connected community. His department oversees the Multicultural Family Center, AmeriCorps programs, community engagement initiatives, diversion and prevention services, and neighborhood support, initiatives focused on removing barriers, strengthening civic participation, and ensuring every resident feels they belong. Previously, as executive director of the Multicultural Family Center, he helped transform the center into a vibrant hub for empowerment, leadership development, and cross-cultural connection.

In addition to his work in city government, Mouzon has made a lasting impact in higher education, including his role as an instructor of personal empowerment at UD. Here, he helped champion emotional intelligence as a foundational skill for academic success and personal growth, teaching faculty, staff, and students how to lead with confidence, self-awareness, and integrity. His global perspective, shaped by his upbringing as part of a military family in Germany, fuels his belief in the strength of diverse experiences and the importance of building bridges across differences.

Mouzon's leadership reflects the spirit of UD's mission, character, servant-leadership, and transformational education. His life's service centers on empowering others to live with purpose and compassion, and his message to graduates is simple: your story is powerful, your voice matters, and your journey has the potential to change the world. With resilience, faith, and a willingness to step beyond barriers, each graduate can lead lives that inspire hope and create lasting impact.

For more information about the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Commencement Ceremony and the University of Dubuque Winter Commencement, visit www.dbq.edu/commencement.