Zuckerman College of Public Health honors fall graduates

Today
A professor places a sash on the shoulders of a graduate. Both are wearing caps and gowns.

Xiaoxiao Sun, PhD, an associate professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, hoods Drew Baldwin, PhD, for earning his doctorate during the college’s 2024 fall convocation at Centennial Hall.

Photo by Noelle Haro-Gomez, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications

The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health honored its fall 2024 graduating class at Centennial Hall on Dec. 21. A total of 51 public health graduates celebrated the successful conclusion of their programs in front of family, friends and faculty.

“It is important that we stay true to our core mission of advancing health equity, health promotion and wellness,” said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the college. “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. Whether you're working in environmental health, advocating for maternal and child health, or leading health initiatives in underserved communities, always remember that equity is the foundation of all public health work.”

The event honored one Doctor of Public Health graduate, three Doctor of Philosophy graduates, one Master of Science graduate, 20 Master of Public Health graduates, one Bachelor of Arts graduate and 25 Bachelor of Science graduates. Among the graduates, 29 were the first in their families to earn a university degree. 

“As you cross this stage today, remember that your achievements are not just academic — they represent your commitment to something larger than yourself,” Hakim said. “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.”

Additional content from the ceremony, student awards winners and a video and digital program of the event are available on the Zuckerman College of Public Health website.

Four University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health students stand together wearing graduation caps and gowns.
A student and a professor wearing graduation regalia stand next to each other, smiling and holding a certificate.
A professor places a sash on the shoulders of a graduate. Both are wearing caps and gowns.
A professor places a sash on the shoulders of a graduate. Both are wearing caps and gowns.
A student and a professor wearing graduation regalia stand next to each other, smiling and holding a certificate.
A professor places a sash on the shoulders of a graduate. Both are wearing caps and gowns.
Professors stand on each side of a graduate, who is holding a certificate. All are wearing graduation caps and gowns.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown and holding flowers stands with eight members of her family outside after her graduation ceremony.
A smiling graduate stands outside with her arms full of flowers.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown smiles as she holds flowers while standing next to her mom and her sister, who is wearing a large mascot head adorned with a graduation cap.
A graduate wearing a cap and gown holds a child while standing with family and friends outside after her graduation ceremony.