CLOSE MENU
CUNY SPH held its 2026 commencement at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, celebrating the school’s 10th anniversary as an independent institution and one of its largest graduating classes to date. The ceremony honored 17 doctoral and 277 master’s degree recipients, alongside distinguished guests, faculty, families, and friends.
Dean Ayman El-Mohandes delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the scale of the milestone commencement. He highlighted the class’s diversity across age, language, discipline, and underrepresented groups.
The dean added that the class of 2026 has their work cut out for them, citing major setbacks in global public health stemming from weak public investment, harmful industry influence, and persistent crises.
“I am confident the answers are in your able hands,” he said. “We will not give up in the face of wars, hunger, corruption, injustice, or despair. In the face of adversity, we stand united and strong.”
American Public Health Association (APHA) Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin delivered the keynote speech and was presented with an honorary doctoral degree for his longstanding leadership in public health, especially his work advancing health equity, strengthening public health systems, and shaping evidence-based policy.
He urged the graduates to remain committed to the CUNY SPH mission to improve health and social justice in New York City and across the globe, and to keep equity at the center.
“…The purpose of life is to live as long as we can, as well as we can, and have a short but glorious ending,” Dr. Benjamin said. “The work you do when you leave here enables our population to meet that goal… I implore you to dedicate your careers to live up to that mission by making optimal health for all the top national priority.”
The Dean’s Public Health Champion Award was presented to Dr. Susan Klitzman, CUNY SPH senior associate dean for administration, for her more than four decades of work advancing public health practice, policy, and education, and for helping establish and build CUNY SPH from its earliest stages.
“To the graduating class of 2026: This moment is about you,” Dr. Klitzman said. “Now is the time for you to take the education CUNY has afforded to you and to wrap your truth, your purpose, and your career around it. I celebrate you.”
Valedictorian Xavier Gonzalez shared the compelling story of his late mother, Maria, whose tireless work and sacrifice paved the way for him to become the first person in his family with a master’s degree.
“I hope that mom’s story, and my story, along with each of your own, demonstrate to you that you’re all fully capable of achieving everything that you desire and sets your heart ablaze to care for others and truly make a difference in society,” Gonzalez said.
To close the ceremony, MPH graduate Neferkara Aaron treated the audience to a rendition of Bill Withers’ “A Lovely Day,” with Clinical Professor Chris Palmedo on guitar, Lead Technician and Helpdesk Supervisor Zsoreign De Oliveira Sanchez on bass, and Associate Professor Emma Tsui and Associate Dean Lynn Roberts on backup vocals.
Watch Commencement 2026 here!
