University of Illinois College of Medicine Celebrates 144th Commencement
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The University of Illinois College of Medicine held its 144th commencement on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Credit Union 1 Arena. The ceremony honored 396 students graduating from its degree programs, with 275 students receiving their doctor of medicine. The class of 2026 includes 44 students who graduated from the Rockford campus, and 60 from the Peoria campus.
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Our newly minted physicians will continue their professional training in one of 30 medical specialties, relocating across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Of these physicians, 97 are entering residency programs in Illinois, continuing to train, serve, and provide community care in our uniquely urban and rural state.
Additionally, the College of Medicine presented 42 Doctor of Philosophy degrees and 59 master’s degrees to students who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding scholarship and original research. Four of these degree recipients represent the College of Medicine’s integrated MD/MPH joint degree, a unique and rigorous program which combines training for both specialties in a four-year curriculum.
Vice Dean for Education and Professor of Surgery Roy Phitayakorn, MD, MHPE, MAMSE, FACS served as Grand Marshal of the ceremony. Additional remarks were delivered by University of Illinois Board of Trustees member and UIC alum Ramón Cepeda, UIC Chancellor Dr. Marie Lynn Miranda, UIC Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. Robert A. Barish, and Dr. Enrico Benedetti, Interim Vice Dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Dean Benedetti extended words of wisdom in his address to the graduates, proffering, “On this tremendous occasion, I would like to offer you four pieces of advice. The first is to follow your heart. Do not choose your career based on the money, or the name of the institution, or anything other than what you know in your heart to be your path. The second is to listen to your patients. They know their diagnosis, but it is your job to translate their experience into treatment and care. The third is to know your needs. You must be humble. You must ask for help. You must be able to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. And my final piece of advice is to never stop learning.”
Moreover, the College of Medicine awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters to Bruno A. Pasquinelli, co-founder of Chicago-based home building company Pasquinelli Homes. Mr. Pasquinelli’s commitment to philanthropic giving has made a tremendous impact on both the College of Medicine and the University of Chicago campus-wide. This spirit of generosity is elemental to the social responsibility arm of our College’s mission.
Varmus and Conclusion
The College of Medicine had the distinct honor of welcoming Dr. Harold Varmus as this year’s guest speaker. Dr. Varmus is the co-recipient of the 1989 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking studies of the genetic basis of cancer, which have led to today’s targeted cancer treatments. Dr. Varmus served as Director of the National Institutes of Health form 1993-1999, President of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 2000-2010, and Director of the National Cancer Institute from 2010-2015. The author of over 400 scientific papers and five books, Dr. Varmus was a co-chair of President Barack Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Associate Dean of Medical Education Amanda Osta, MD recognized the 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients Dr. Amy Lin, Dr. Leah Finkel, and Dr. Fred Zar, who were selected by the class of 2026 for their outstanding teaching. She also presented the 2026 William J. Grove Outstanding Student Award to Dr. David Wu for his academic accomplishments and humanistic patient care.
Dr. DeAnthoni Wilkins, president of the Class of 2026, provided remarks on behalf of the class. The Physicians Pledge was led by esteemed alumna Dr. Javette Orgain before Dr. Phitayakorn concluded the ceremony.