School of Nursing Commencement - May 28, 2025
Enthusiastic applause echoed through Louise M. Davis Symphony Hall in San Francisco as members of the School of Nursing Class of 2025 crossed the stage and received their diplomas during the school’s commencement celebration on May 28.
UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS, conferred degrees on 192 master’s and doctoral graduates. Additionally, seven nurses received post-master's certificates in advanced specialties.
Carol Dawson-Rose, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, began the event by welcoming graduates, university leadership, faculty and guests. Tracy Lin, PhD, associate professor and chair of the Nursing Faculty Council, addressed the graduates, lauding their enthusiasm and dedication to nursing, sociology, research, teaching and clinical practice.
Keynote speaker Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, executive director of the Institute for Policy Solutions and Leona B. Carpenter Chair in Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and founding director of the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health, shared how nurses are uniquely equipped to eliminate health inequities.
“Your nursing practice and leadership must always improve the health and well-being of the population and overall nation,” said Guilamo-Ramos. “There is no profession better suited to lead the redesign of our broken health care system.”
Nurse-led transformation of health care systems was a theme among student speakers Chad Batchelor (Master of Science), Daniel Ramberger (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Celestine Yayra Ofori-Parku (PhD in Nursing).
“We’re called not just to participate in health care, but to transform it. That means leading with evidence, pushing for innovation and building real relationships – because at the heart of health care is human connection,” said Ramberger.
This year’s Commencement was particularly significant in that it honored the final class of graduates from the school’s Master of Science program for APRN students, which will sunset this month. “This program has shaped countless careers and lives,” said Dawson-Rose. “To this last cohort, you are carrying forward a proud legacy."
The following students were recognized at Commencement for their achievements:
- Christina Keny and Zoe Samson received the Distinguished Dissertation Award in Nursing
- Daniel Ramberger received the Outstanding Doctor of Nursing Practice Award
- Audrey Fisher and Earl Johns received the Outstanding Master of Science Award
- Matthew McGowen and Oluchi Okwu received the Community Impact Master’s Student Award
- Leticia Mendoza Wilke and Celestine Yayra Ofori-Parku received the Community Impact Doctoral Student Award
- Jaliza Johnson received the Nursing Alumni Student Award for Meritorious Service
Additionally, the Class of 2025 honored three faculty members for their mentoring and teaching excellence:
- Cynthia Belew, MS, RN, CNM, was honored as teacher of the year
- Lisa Lommel, PhD, MPH, FNP, was selected as DNP mentor of the year
- Linda Park, PhD, RN, FAAN, was honored as the PhD mentor of the year