Congratulations Milken Institute School of Public Health Class of 2024

On Thursday, May 17, 2024, GWSPH Graduates of the 2024 Class gathered with more than 4,000 family, friends and alumni at the Charles E. Smith Center. At this pivotal time in their lives and in the field of public health, about 1,200 (550 in person) graduates welcomed the moment with optimism, determination and a deep desire to prioritize health equity and justice.

One of the nation’s top health leaders, Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, delivered the keynote address. Cohen holds the dual roles of Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Cohen shared advice with the graduates saying, “Change happens at the pace of trust – and you need to think intentionally about trust; how to build it and how to nurture it. Trust is a critical foundation for a healthy society.”

Student speaker, Imani Featherson, told her fellow graduates, “We have a responsibility to harness our skills and expertise, to be catalysts for change and to be architects of a healthier, more equitable world.”

Dean Lynn Goldman celebrated the students' choice of becoming public health experts by saying, “The work you will go on to do will change the world and create healthier, more sustainable lives for everyone, everywhere.”

The next day GWSPH hosted the annual Student Academic Award Ceremony recognizing Excellence in Undergraduate Education Achievement, the Distinguished Scholar for the Milken Institute School of Public Health, the Dean’s Award, Departmental Awards as well as awards for the MPH/MHA@GW Programs, DrPH program and the first cohort of Public Health Scholars. The list of award winners is here. In addition, research award winners from April’s Research Day and new members of the Delta Omega Society were also recognized. 

Watch the graduation ceremony here.