Commencement | Commencement | School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Commencement
SAVE THE DATE
GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Commencement Celebrations
May 16-17, 2026
For the most up-to-date information about GW's university-wide Commencement celebration, visit
commencement.gwu.edu
Important Commencement Weekend Information
Bags larger than 5”x7”x0.75” are prohibited at all school celebrations and Commencement on the National Mall. Diaper and ADA/medical bags up to 16”x16”x8” will be allowed. Permitted bags are subject to search. If you bring a permitted bag, expect a longer wait time and delayed entry.
WMATA Metro
trains will not operate between the Pentagon City and Braddock Road stations
(Yellow and Blue lines) May 16-17. WMATA will provide free shuttle buses. Add more travel time if you will be impacted by the suspension in service.
Freedom250
will host an event near GW’s Commencement on May 17. There may be an increased use of rideshare services and street closures surrounding that event that could impact graduate and guest arrivals. Updates will be posted as they become available.
Celebration Events
Health Sciences Celebration
Lisner Auditorium
Saturday, May 16 at 4:00pm
HS Celebration
MD Celebration
Lisner Auditorium
Sunday, May 17 at 3:00pm
MD Celebration
GW Commencement
The National Mall
Sunday, May 17 at 10:30am
GW Commencement
Health Sciences Departments: Celebration Information
Each department will hold their own recognition or award celebration, please for more information reach out to your department directly.
Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Clinical Research and Leadership
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences
GW Doctor of Physical Therapy Ceremony will be held on
Friday, May 15th at 12:00 Noon EST
University Student Center (Betts Theater)
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Physician Assistant Studies
GW PA Program Long White Coat Ceremony will be held on
Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 AM EST at Lisner Auditorium
For more information, please reach out to your department directly.
Celebration Programs
MD Celebration Program
Coming Soon
Health Sciences Celebration Program
Coming Soon
Message from Interim Dean Andrew W. Artenstein
To the SMHS Graduates,
It is a sincere privilege to congratulate the Class of 2026.
In my first months at GW, I have been deeply impressed by the passion and purpose that define this community. I am honored to celebrate your transition from students to professionals — a milestone reached through years of rigorous study and an unshakable commitment to the health of others.
As you enter your respective fields, remember that at the heart of your work lies a solemn compact — a profound responsibility to those you serve. Whether you are beginning your journey as a physician, a researcher, or a health sciences leader, you are answering a calling to provide empathetic, reliable, and expert care. You are the living legacy of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and your dedication to the greater good is the truest measure of our success.
I invite you to savor this moment with the family, friends, and mentors who have supported you on this journey. On behalf of our faculty and staff, I welcome you into the GW SMHS Alumni Community.
Raise High!
Andrew W. Artenstein, MD, MBA
Interim Vice President for Health Affairs and
Dean, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Professor of Medicine
GW ALMA MATER
Hail Alma Mater
To thy spirit guiding,
Knowledge thy closest friend
In its strength abiding,
Pledge we fidelity
Ne'er its place resigning,
Hail thee George Washington!
#CelebrateGWSMHS