GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Celebration 2021: May 14-16
When it is safe to do so, the university will host in-person celebrations on the National Mall to honor the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020, with each class enjoying its own, curated celebration.
This May, we look forward to honoring our 2021 graduates virtually, with some in-person elements. Please see the FAQs for more information about our May 2021 celebrations.
Please email commencement@gwu.edu with questions.
Virtual Celebration Events
Health Sciences Departments: Celebration Information
Each department will hold their own recognition or award celebration, please use the link below to go to your department.
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. This has certainly been a unique and memorable year, 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. It has been a remarkable year, but also one that will prepare you to be ready for the unexpected – which is important for a career in the health care field.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has created a multitude of disruptions in all of our lives, including the disruption of our traditions of Commencement on the National Mall and our programmatic graduation celebrations in Lisner Auditorium, it also has created new opportunities for creativity and has invited us to find new ways to accomplish our goals. While, once again, we are not gathered together with our full classes, I do hope that you are celebrating this day with those who have supported you as you’ve accomplished your goals.
On behalf of the entire GW faculty and staff, I congratulate you on your graduation and I encourage you to continue to learn and grow in the days 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
Professor of Surgery
The George Washington University
CEO, The GW Medical Faculty Associates
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!