May 16, 2026

WashU’s newest school makes first appearance at 165th Commencement

Bursky School of Public Health's inaugural class celebrates with peers across the university

Graduation day photo showing happy students in graduation gowns, taking a photo, holding a "Public Health" flag

The first class of graduates from the Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky School of Public Health celebrate their achievements at Washington University's 165th Commencement on Friday, May 15. (Photo: Zachary Linhares/Bursky Public Health)

Master’s and doctoral students of the Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky School of Public Health joined nearly 5,000 of their fellow Washington University students at the university’s165th Commencement, held Friday, May 15, at Francis Olympic Field. The public health delegation was led by Professor Rodrigo Reis, MS, PhD, the school’s Commencement marshal, and student marshals Kwabena Boateng, an MPH student, and Jasdeep Dulay, a dual-degree MPH/MBA student. PhD student Olivia Weng carried the school’s banner.

St. Louis native Andy Cohen, an Emmy Award-winning host, producer and author, gave the Commencement address. He encouraged the graduating class of 2026 to say yes to opportunities, but no to unwanted obligations. “Saying ‘no’ gives you power over your destiny,” he said.

This year, 100 students earned MPH degrees and five earned PhDs in public health sciences at the Bursky School of Public Health. In addition, 11 undergraduates received bachelor’s degrees with a major or a minor in Public Health & Society through the university’s Arts & Sciences.

See below for a slideshow of images from the day. Photos were taken by Washington University photographers including Zachary Linhares of Bursky School of Public Health.

— Tamara Schneider