Why is graduation on Friday, June 5? That is the last day of spring quarter.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Unfortunately, Friday, June 5 was the only date available to us at the venue.

Will this be a ticketed event? How many guests can I bring?
No, this is not a ticketed event. We will be returning to Alaska Airlines Arena, so tickets will not be required. There is no limit to how many guests you can invite.

Will there be a virtual component to graduation this year?
No. This is an in-person event only. A virtual option was offered last year due to space limitations and ticketing at a smaller venue. This year, as we return to Alaska Airlines Arena and the event will not be ticketed, there will be no virtual component.

Do graduates need to RSVP?
Yes. All graduating students must RSVP in order to participate in the ceremony.

Who is eligible to participate in the SPH Graduation?
SPH major students who have applied to graduate and will have their degree conferred between Autumn 2025 and Summer 2026 are eligible to participate.

What is the dress code if I choose not to wear regalia?
Graduates are encouraged to dress in a way that feels appropriate for the SPH Graduation Celebration. If not wearing a cap and gown, this may include clothing with personal or cultural significance or other formal or semi-formal attire.

If I need mobility or access accommodations, who should I contact?
Please indicate any mobility or access needs when completing the RSVP. For additional support, contact sphaccess@uw.edu.

Is there a bag policy for this event?
Yes. Please visit the UW Clear Bag Policy for more information on approved and prohibited items.

Is there a bag fee?
Yes. Guests who bring a bag that is not on the approved list may be subject to an additional screening fee during security check-in.

How much is the bag fee?
The bag screening fee is approximately $15. To avoid the fee, we encourage guests to bring their belongings in a clear, event-approved bag.

Are there restrictions on items I can bring?
Yes. Please review the Approved Items list for items that are permitted inside the venue. Guests with prohibited items may be required to return those items to their vehicle or may not be permitted entry. 

While not specifically listed, flowers are permitted inside the arena. However, balloons are not allowed and must be checked at the coat check area before entering the venue.

Will food be available? Can I purchase food or drinks?
Yes. There will be a concession stand open on the southside of the venue across from the Team Store. There will also be a pre-celebration once doors are open which is free for our guests.

Can guests bring flowers, large gifts, balloons, or similar items?
Please check the Approved Items to see what is approved and prohibited.

Parking: Where should I park, and how much does it cost?
Please review UW Transportation Services for the most up-to-date parking information and rates.

When will we receive more information?
Additional day-of ceremony details will be sent to participating graduates during the last week of May or early June. If you believe you may have missed important communication, please email sphsas@uw.edu.

Myra Parker

Alumni of Impact Award

Myra Parker, JD, MPH, PhD is an associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and director of Seven Directions: A Center for Indigenous Public Health, based within the Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors at the University of Washington. She received her doctorate in Health Services at the UW School of Public Health in 2010 and has been a member of the faculty since 2011.

Dr. Parker’s research and clinical interests include: (1) cultural adaptation of alcohol and drug interventions among American Indians and Alaska Natives (with a particular focus on reducing alcohol use among tribal college students), (2) development and testing of parenting interventions to support early childhood development in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, (3) co-morbidity of substance use with depression, suicide, trauma, and PTSD, (4) research capacity development, including ethical aspects of research, for tribal and urban Indian communities; and, (5) dissemination and translation of evidence-based prevention and intervention approaches at the individual, institutional, and community level, including policy development. She has worked with tribal and urban Indian communities across the United States on these topics.

Daphne Suen

SPH Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Daphne Suen is graduating Magna Cum Laude with degrees in Public Health–Global Health and Biochemistry. A dedicated scholar and leader, Daphne has made a lasting impact through her roles as a Student Resource Coordinator and board member for Students of Color for Public Health. Her epidemiological research, including publications focused on trans health, reflects her strong commitment to health equity and social justice. The PH-GH team proudly recognizes Daphne’s academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to initiatives such as the ARCH Conference and DISCERN Collaborative, and looks forward to her future as a physician grounded in public health values.

Yifan Lin

Gilbert S. Omenn Award for Academic Excellence (Master’s)

Yifan Lin is a Biostatistics MS thesis student whose innovative research has advanced high-dimensional genomics data. She developed an artificial intelligence (AI) framework to address the impact of unmeasured confounding—one of the toughest problems in observational public health research. By combining generative AI with traditional methods, she developed sensGAN, a framework that improves interpretation of complex genomic data. She has presented her work at multiple conferences, has a published preprint, and is preparing for publication before beginning her PhD program. Beyond research, Yifan was an active leader, co-leading DEI initiatives and contributing to many community-building efforts within the department.

Betty Cohn

Gilbert S. Omenn Award for Academic Excellence (Doctoral)

Betty Cohn is a PhD candidate in Public Health Genetics at the University of Washington and a trained bioethicist, holding a B.A. from Binghamton University and a Master of Bioethics from the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. Her research focuses on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging biotechnologies, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing and polygenic risk scores. Using qualitative research methods, her dissertation explores how individuals who discover misattributed parentage through genetic testing navigate these experiences, with a particular focus on online communities as sources of support. Betty hopes to pursue a career as an independent principal investigator within academia.

• Currently, verification of vaccination status or proof of a recent negative test for COVID-19, are not required for entry into this event. Wearing a mask is optional but highly encouraged. Requirements may change as we approach Commencement, so please check back frequently.


• For more information on UW public health guidance, please visit: https://www.washington.edu/graduation/public-health-guidance/