On May 13^th, the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville was filled with heartwarming celebrations as 142 medical students crossed the stage and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. The ceremony recognized the invaluable contributions the students have made to the school and to the Louisville community.

The students participated in the time-honored tradition of the hooding ceremony. It officially marks their transition from graduates into the medical profession as physicians. Each student had the opportunity to select a medical physician who had a profound impact on their medical school journey to administer the hooding. 

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to study amongst my amazing peers at the School of Medicine,” said Ryan Anderson, class president. “I feel privileged to have learned from our dedicated faculty members, and I look forward to serving my community as a physician. 

The evening’s celebrations included awards such as the Thomas B. Calhoon Teaching award, which was presented to Steven Ellis, PhD., professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, for his contributions to the field. Additionally, 32 honors and awards were presented to the medical graduates, including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine award which was given to Karen Tachi Udoh.

“I am incredibly proud of our graduates and the work they have accomplished during their time at the School of Medicine,” said Toni Ganzel, dean of the School of Medicine. “I am excited to see where their careers take them and know they will continue to make a positive impact in the medical field.”

View the photo gallery here.