The School of Medicine and Dentistry (MD program) will host a Graduation Ceremony to honor our medical students at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. This special ceremony will feature a procession of MD graduates in regalia, faculty representatives, a platform party, a faculty speaker selected by the students, and a student representative. Graduates will individually cross the stage to receive their diplomas.

This year’s keynote address will be given by John (Jack) Rowe, MD. Dr. Rowe is the Julius B. Richmond Professor of Health Policy and Aging at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. He is the former executive chairman and CEO of Aetna, one of the nation’s leading healthcare and health-related benefits organizations.

Graduates must register themselves and their guests to participate. There is no limit to the number of guests you may bring. Online registration is available on the Commencement Weekend website: 

https://www.rochester.edu/commencement/registration/.

Commencement and Graduation Ceremonies will be livestreamed, and the link and ceremony updates will be posted to the Commencement Weekend Website.