Why is graduation on a Monday and not a Sunday this year?
We have moved graduation to Monday June 16th because Sunday June 15th is Father’s Day. From past experience, it was advised to change the date to avoid conflict.

Why are we not at the Alaska Airlines Arena this year?
Alaska Airlines Arena was not available for any of our dates that were requested (6/15 and 6/16) which is why we changed our venue.

Would this be a ticketed event?
Yes, due to a venue change and limited space capacity. This event will be ticketed. Please note that tickets are one-time use. Every ticket has a unique QR code or barcode that becomes invalid after it’s scanned.

Can I re-enter after my ticket has been scanned?
No re-entry is allowed. Once tickets are scanned, you will not be able to leave and re-enter the venue.

How would my guests get my tickets?
Please share your tickets with your guests in advance. Guests will enter through a different entrance than graduates, and it’s essential that they have their tickets ready for scanning upon arrival. (Tickets are for guests ONLY. Graduates do not need a ticket to enter.)

How many tickets are we provided?
Each graduating student will be provided 2 tickets. If there are extra tickets, we will release them on a limited basis to students. However, there is no guarantee of additional tickets.

When should I expect my tickets? When would I know how many tickets I am receiving?
All tickets (including any additional tickets we were able to allocate) are being sent to student emails that they provided on the RSVP form the first week of June.

I was not able to receive the number of tickets I requested. Can my guests still attend without a ticket?
No, guests are only able to enter with a ticket. If they do not have a ticket, they will be turned away. To avoid such situation, we encourage your guests without a ticket to view the ceremony through the livestream.

Will there be a virtual component to the graduation this year?
Yes. We will be live-streaming the event for guests unable to attend or without a ticket. The link is posted above.

Do graduates have to RSVP?
Yes. There will be no day of reservation. We are unable to accommodate walk-in students that did not RSVP. Due to the limited space, it is essential that students RSVP before the May 30th deadline. The RSVP form is now closed.

Who is eligible to participate in SPH Graduation?
SPH major students who have applied to graduate and have their degree conferred in Autumn ’24 – Summer ’25 are eligible to participate.

What is the dress code should I not decide to wear regalia?
We suggest that graduates dress in a manner they feel fits the occasion of the SPH Graduation Celebration; if not a cap and gown, then clothing with personal or cultural significance, or simply a nice outfit.

If I have a mobility or access accommodation, who can I talk to about this?
Please indicate any mobility or access needs in the RSVP. For further support, please contact sphaccess@uw.edu

Would there be food? Can I purchase any food or drink?
There will be a pre-graduation celebration for guests at 9:30 – 11:00 am with pastries, coffee and tea. There will be no concession stand open during the ceremony.

Can my guests bring flowers, large gifts, balloons, etc.?
They can bring flowers but large gifts, balloons and anything that will disrupt the ceremony or block the view of others is not allowed in the auditorium.

Can I bring food or a drink into the auditorium?
Food is not allowed in the auditorium. Drinks in approved lidded containers are allowed in the auditorium.

Parking. Where do I park? How much is parking?
Please review McCaw Hall’s webpages for transportation and parking. There will be two other graduations happening around the Seattle Center area; one at Memorial Stadium and another at Climate Pledge Arena. Please plan your trip accordingly.

When will we hear more information?
Details about the ceremony day of will be sent as early as the second week of June. If you feel you have missed important communication, please email sphsas@uw.edu.
 

Celebration Speaker

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo

2025 SPH Alumni Impact Award Recipient 

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, a renowned national public health leader, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Alumni of Impact Award.

Given annually by the University of Washington School of Public Health (UW SPH), this prestigious award recognizes an SPH alum who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of public health and has made significant contributions to their communities.

Dr. Marrazzo has most recently served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) where she oversees research to advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.

SPH Outstanding Undergraduate Awardee

Alex Ball — Food Systems, Nutrition and Health

Alex has worked with the UW Farm to help distribute produce to both community households and UW students, while also providing education about the food system to student volunteers. He plans to build on this experience and his undergraduate coursework to further explore the nuances of how our food system affects the health of communities by pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). His ultimate goal is to research and implement programs that improve public health outcomes through food, while applying a systems view to also improve the sustainability of our food system.

Gilbert S. Omenn Awardee (Master’s)

Cecilia Martindale — Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

Cecilia Martindale is an outstanding Master of Environmental Health Sciences student dedicated to advancing environmental and occupational health. Her thesis examines the relationship between heat and toxic exposures, earning her the prestigious 2025 Castner scholarship. As a research assistant, she has improved the calibration of low-cost air quality sensors, addressing key limitations in the EPA’s correction equation. Beyond research, Cecilia has championed environmental policies and mentored students, creating resources that help bridge science and policymaking. Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, she continues to drive meaningful progress in public health.

Gilbert S. Omenn Awardee (Doctoral)

Taylor Rapson — Health Systems and Population Health

Taylor Rapson, MPH (she/her), will graduate from the Health Services Doctoral program. Her research during her tenure at UW centers on quality improvement in HIV services and digital equity in non-profit practices and safety-net health systems. Her dissertation examines barriers to digital health technology use, evaluates the impact of digital training on reducing disparities, and assesses associations between digital health technology use and health outcomes. Committed to advancing equity in health service delivery, particularly in safety-net and nonprofit settings serving marginalized populations, Taylor will pursue a practice-based research fellowship embedded in an integrated safety-net health system after graduating.

• 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/