Celebrating Excellence: UC Berkeley School of Public Health Honors the Class of 2025 at Its 80th Commencement Ceremony

On May 19, 2025, UC Berkeley celebrated its public health graduates at the Greek Theatre. Dean Michael C. Lu addressed the crowd, highlighting the vital role of public health today.

“What we learned from COVID is that the world needs public health,” Dean Lu stated. This message resonates even deeper as the graduates prepare to enter a field filled with challenges.

There are 406 graduates ready to step out and make a difference. Yet, not everyone will support their ambition. Dean Lu cautioned them about the road ahead. “You may face bosses urging you to stay in your lane. There will be tough days, and you might feel like giving up.”

But he encouraged resilience: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t change the world. Because you can, and you will.” He stressed the importance of surrounding themselves with diverse viewpoints, especially as public health becomes more politicized. “We need you to engage with all communities, both red and blue,” he added.

Keynote speaker Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, echoed these sentiments. “It’s game time,” he told the graduates, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of public health. He pointed out the pressing issues the graduates will face, like the re-emergence of diseases and environmental threats.

Becerra also noted that many Americans still lack adequate healthcare. Despite progress, he fears that new challenges could undermine gains made in public health. He reminded the audience that health is a human right tied to social and economic factors. “We don’t choose the challenges we face, but we can choose how to respond to them,” he said.

Amidst these serious themes, the ceremony featured student speakers. Prekshaa Sunill Rungta praised her peers for their dedication to equitable healthcare. Priya Bhattacharjee, a physician, remarked, “Berkeley taught me a lot, and it prepared me to learn from the world.”

The event also recognized faculty and student achievements. The Zak Sabry Faculty Mentorship Award was given to Joseph Lewnard and Kim Harley. Dr. Charlotte D. Smith was named Alum of the Year for her work in GIS and spatial analysis related to health equity.

Shukri Suhir, a master’s student, received the Henrik L. Blum Award for social action. Amber Peake earned the Sheldon Margen Award for her curiosity across disciplines, while Mayela Padilla-Salas was honored with the new Meredith A. Minkler Award for her commitment to advocacy.

After the ceremony, graduates gathered for a reception at the Campanile Esplanade, celebrating their achievements and looking forward to the road ahead.

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