Zuckerman College of Public Health celebrates Class of 2025

Friday
Photos by Kris Hanning, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications
A young woman dressed in a graduation cap and gown and wearing a turquoise necklace and traditional Native American dress holds back tears as a professor places a graduation hood over her shoulders while another professor looks on.

Jeri Garfield is overcome with emotion as she is hooded for earning her Master of Public Health degree during the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health spring 2025 convocation. Dean Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, (right) looks on.

Photo by Kris Hanning, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications

The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health honored its spring 2025 graduating class at Centennial Hall on May 17. About 200 public health graduates celebrated the successful conclusion of their programs in front of family, friends and faculty.

“As you cross this stage today, remember that your achievements are not just academic — they represent your commitment to something larger than yourself,” said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the college, in her opening remarks. “You have chosen public health because you understand its power to change lives. You are stepping into a world facing critical challenges, and your work will be essential in shaping the future of health and wellness.”

The event honored 13 Doctor of Philosophy graduates, two Master of Science graduates, 65 Master of Public Health graduates and 112 Bachelor of Science graduates. Among the graduates, 91 were the first in their families to earn a university degree.

“Public health is not just about addressing the diseases of today but ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the resources, care and opportunities needed to live a healthy life,” Hakim said. “The world needs your vision, your compassion and your courage more than ever.”

Additional stories about graduating students and the college are available on the Zuckerman College of Public Health website.

A young woman in a graduation cap and gown raises her arms in celebration as she leads a line of other graduates outside.
Two young women in graduation regalia smile and give the Arizona Wildcats hand sign.
Four young women in graduation caps and gowns raise their hands and cheer in celebration.
Two professors in graduation regalia smile and wave.
About a dozen doctoral students wearing graduation regalia smile as they stand in line in front of dark stage curtains.
A woman wearing graduation regalia smiles and waves as she walks down an aisle of an auditorium filled with people.
A young woman holding a certificate stands next to a professor onstage during a graduation ceremony. Both are wearing graduation regalia.
A young man gives two thumbs up as he stands between two professors. All are wearing graduation regalia on a stage and there is a projection of the man on a screen behind them.
A young woman dressed in a graduation cap and gown closes her eyes and smiles as a professor places a graduation hood over her shoulders while another professor looks on.
A young man wearing a graduation cap and gown smiles as a professor places a traditional graduation hood over his shoulders. Another professor looks on from the side.
A young woman wearing a graduation cap and gown holds both of her arms up in the air in celebration during her graduation ceremony.
A young woman wearing a graduation gown and with beads hanging from her mortar board walks across a stage, smiling.
A young woman holds up a certificate and smiles while standing on a stage with several professors. All are wearing graduation regalia.
A young woman smiles as a professor places a ceremonial hood over her shoulders during a graduation ceremony while another professor looks on. All are wearing graduation caps and gowns.
A young woman dressed in a graduation cap and gown blows a kiss as she walks across a stage during a graduation ceremony.
A young man wearing a graduation cap and gown smiles as he holds up his diploma while his friend looks on.
A young woman wearing a graduation cap smiles as she looks over a bouquet of flowers.
Two young women wearing graduation regalia smile outside after their graduation ceremony. One is wearing sunglasses that read “Class 2025” on the lenses.
Five young women stand together, smiling and cheering, under a cement arch that reads “Inspirational Women of Arizona” outside. One of the women is wearing a graduation cap and gown.