A historic O’Donnell School of Public Health commencement

Published on: June 16, 2025 By: Staff Reports

OSPH Commencement 2025 banner — Congratulations to the 2025 inaugural class!

The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health (OSPH) celebrated a significant milestone on May 14 with its first-ever commencement ceremony, honoring graduates from its Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Clinical Investigation, and Ph.D. programs. The exemplary cohort completed more than 8,600 hours of community-focused internships. Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison delivered the keynote address, the ceremony was led by OSPH founding Dean Saad Omer, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., and degrees were conferred by UT Southwestern President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D. Several students and faculty received awards recognizing excellence in impact, teaching, scholarship, and community engagement. The event took place in UT Southwestern’s NB2.EEF Auditorium.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Qudsia Ali, M.P.H., beams with excitement as she prepares for commencement.

OSPH faculty gathering for a celebratory photo include: Michelle Ward, Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives; Carolyn Smith-Morris, Ph.D., interim Chair and Professor, Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences; George Jackson, M.H.A., Ph.D., Professor; and Yang Xie, Ph.D., Professor.

The academic procession enters the NB2.EEF Auditorium, led by Mace bearer Miguel Ángel Cano, M.P.H., Ph.D., Associate Professor.

The commencement ceremony opens with the playing of the national anthem.

A graduation cap that reflects the spirit of the day’s achievement.

Sarah Allison Mayberry, M.P.H., left, receives the Hoffman Endowment Scholarship and the Alumni Memorial Scholar Award from Ambassador Hutchison and Dean Omer in recognition of her accomplishments.

Zahria Lea Griggs, M.P.H., left, is honored with the Community Engagement Award, presented by Ambassador Hutchison and Dean Omer.

Jay Vijay Pandya, M.D., M.P.H., left, accepts the Excellence for Impact Award from Ambassador Hutchison and Dean Omer in honor of his outstanding contributions.

From left in caps and gowns: Graduates Kolambi Kharbanda, M.P.H., Maya Khemsara, M.P.H., Mahder Tracy, M.P.H., and Rick Press, M.P.H., celebrate in a photo with faculty and staff.

From left: Graduates Maya Khemsara, M.P.H., Kolambi Kharbanda, M.P.H., Eunice Huan, M.P.H., Janet Hoang, M.P.H., and Courtney Pinto, M.P.H., show off their diplomas in a festive group photo.

Eunice Huan, M.P.H., beams with excitement before the start of the ceremony.

From left: OSPH faculty members Fauzia Malik, Ph.D., Associate Professor; Megan Mullins, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; and Amy Hughes, Ph.D., Associate Professor; grab a selfie before the processional honoring the Class of 2025.

From left: Liliana Robles, M.P.H., Fabian Robles, M.P.H., and Noah Puente, M.P.H., share a proud moment after crossing the stage.

Dr. Cano and graduate Oluwaseun Bankole, M.P.H., pause for a quick photo amid the celebration.

Graduates proudly recite the School of Public Health Oath, affirming their commitment to public health excellence.

OSPH faculty, staff, and students stand together in reflection and pride as the commencement ceremony concludes.

Dean Omer delivers closing remarks, marking the end of the historic inaugural commencement.

Ambassador Hutchison presents Dr. Cano, left, with the Excellence in Teaching Award, honoring his impact on future public health leaders.

Dean Omer hoods Mai Badran, M.P.H., in a proud academic tradition.

Dean Omer hoods M.P.H. graduate Rick Press, marking his official transition to a public health professional.