GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Commencement Celebrations
May 17-18, 2025
Natalia Anzaldúa, member of GW SMHS inaugural Doctorate in Occupational Therapy class, selected for 2025 Student Speaker for Commencement on the National Mall. Read full article
For the most up-to-date information about GW's university-wide Commencement celebration, visit commencement.gwu.edu.
Celebration Events
Health Sciences Departments: Celebration Information
Each department will hold their own recognition or award celebration, please for more information reach out to your department directly.
Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
Friday, May 16th
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST
University Student Center Room 405
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Clinical Research and Leadership
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Physician Assistant Studies
GW PA Program Long White Coat Ceremony will be held on
Saturday, May 17th at 10:00 AM EST at Lisner Auditorium
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences
GW Doctor of Physical Therapy Ceremony will be held on
Friday, May 16th at 12:00 Noon EST
University Student Center (Betts Theater)
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Celebration Programs
Message from Dean Barbara Bass
To the SMHS Graduates,
As we celebrate your graduation this year, I want you to know how proud we all are of you for your achievements and for the commitments you have made to the future of medicine and health sciences. These past few years have certainly been memorable, and I commend you for your resilience, your ability to be nimble, and your motivation to be a part of the solution to the largest global health crisis of our time. While the circumstances have been extraordinary, they have also prepared you to be ready for the unexpected – which is important for a career in the health care field.
I invite you to savor this moment as you celebrate this day with those who have supported you, including your family, your friends, your classmates, and your professors, as you were on your journey to reaching this important milestone in your career.
On behalf of the entire GW faculty and staff, I congratulate you on your graduation and I encourage you to continue to learn, grow, and contribute to the professions that you have chosen, in the years ahead. I personally wish you the very best and welcome you to the GW SMHS Alumni Community.
Raise High!
Barbara Lee Bass, MD
Vice President for Health Affairs
Dean, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Walter A. Bloedorn Chair of Administrative Medicine
Professor of Surgery
GW ALMA MATER
Hail Alma Mater
To thy spirit guiding,
Knowledge thy closest friend
In its strength abiding,
Pledge we fidelity
Ne'er its place resigning,
Hail thee George Washington!