On December 16th, 2012 Five Branches University graduated 60 students from its Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine program, its largest graduating class to date. Accompanied by the lovely piano melodies by Joanna Zhao, Five Branches Academic Dean and accomplished concert pianist, the faculty and graduates from both campuses, English, Chinese and Korean programs entered the hall to take their seats.  The graduation ceremony took place at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s magnificent Coconut Grove Ballroom.  With Lion Dancing and heartfelt speeches by Ron Zaidman, Five Branches President & CEO, Dr. Angela Tu, Chair of FBU’s Board of Directors, and student elected class speakers; the graduates moved on to celebrate with their proud families and friends.

Please enjoy the video link of our celebration: Five Branches University’s Fall 2012 Graduation

As soon as the celebration bells silenced, graduates went back to hitting the books and continuing to study for the upcoming California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE) on February 21st, 2013.

Join us in wishing our Fall 2012 graduates and our test-takers the best of luck on the upcoming February CALE. Despite high tension from the pending lawsuit against the CAB, following the very low passing rate that many schools encountered, Five Branches continued to maintain a high passing rate of 78% on the August 2012 exam. Yesterday, Natasha Worrell-Merritt, L.Ac., Five Branches Director of Review and Assessment, told graduates to “remember, you’ve studied so hard.  Be confident in yourself and the knowledge you have. You will pass this exam!” Best wishes to all of you!