Celebrating Our Graduates: Honoring the Class of 2025 at the OHSU Commencement

At the heart of every academic journey lies a dedication to growth, a commitment to knowledge and practice, and an enduring purpose to create meaningful change in the world. This week, we are beaming with great pride and joy, as we prepare to honor the dedication, resilience, and aspiration that will shape the future of public health at commencement on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Commencement is more than a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the transformative role education plays in building healthier, more equitable communities. Each graduate has brought their unique talents to our shared mission of health equity, and now, they stand on the precipice of even greater opportunities to advance health, inspire change, and uplift lives around the globe.

We are eager to hear from our selected graduate speakers – Danielle Gerken (MPH), Vinceno Cornacchione (MPH) and Lisset Dumet (PhD) – all student leaders who embody the spirit, determination, and vision we foster as a school. Congratulations to our distinguished graduate speakers, whose voices will guide and inspire us all as they share their experiences, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. Their commitment to public health excellence will undoubtedly motivate us in profound and lasting ways, and we cannot wait to hear the stories and wisdom.

Equally exciting is the announcement of our Gonfalonier – school flag bearer, Corey Linver (MPH), an exceptional student chosen to lead our graduates into the ceremony hall. This honor speaks volumes about their dedication and service to both our school and the broader community, and we are proud to celebrate the integrity and passion they bring to our shared mission of improving quality of life for all.

This year’s commencement also offers a chance to spotlight the efforts of our incredible faculty, particularly the Faculty Marshal – Dr. Nicky Wakim (PhD, MS), who was recently voted Faculty of the Year by our students. This honor, bestowed by those who benefit first-hand from their guidance, affirms the transformative power of teaching rooted in inclusivity, mentorship, and vision.

As a school, we recognize that commencement is not an end but a beginning—the next chapter in a journey of service and discovery. To our graduates, student speakers, Gonfalonier, and Faculty Marshal, you represent the hope, commitment, and courage needed to shape the future of public health.

We invite our entire community—students, faculty, staff, families, and friends—to share in the celebration. To the graduating class of 2025, we look forward to celebrating your achievement, hearing your voices, and watching you continue to transform communities through knowledge, compassion, and action! Your futures are bright, and the work you do in service of public health will bring meaningful change to Oregon and beyond.