Class of 2025 Celebrated at Commencement

By Kelly Jordan

Rollins’ graduating class celebrated their accomplishments during commencement ceremonies this past Saturday, May 10, at the Woodruff Physical Education Center. Five hundred and eighteen people graduated with their Master of Public Health or Master of Science in Public Health degrees—432 of which were in person. Forty-one people received their PhD and 16 received dual degrees.

Fallin’s introduction recognized an engaged class, with members active in 22 student organizations and hosting more than 125 events. The cohort was 77% women, with students representing 36 states and 24 countries. The youngest of the group was 22 and the most mature was 59. Rollins alumni now number more than 13,000 and can be found in all 50 states and nearly 100 countries.

Onward, Forward

All the day’s speakers alluded to the current challenges facing public health, including federal cuts, misinformation, and uncertainty, and all provided inspiring words of wisdom. Dean Dani Fallin, PhD, encouraged graduates to foster their sense of curiosity, perseverance, and creativity as they enter the workforce, and to rely on their network of public health professionals in the room—and beyond.

“There is turbulence in public health right now in the United States, but there is still hope,” said Fallin. “With creativity, curiosity, and perseverance, good science can continue to break through and help others. Accurate messaging will reach communities and persuade families and leaders... Your career is needed now more than ever, and you will help reshape and rebuild parts of public health in the years and decades to come.”

Joneigh S. Khaldun, MD, CEO of the Public Health Accreditation Board, infused this year’s commencement address with practical advice and earned wisdom from her own prolific public health career. She challenged students to “meet the moment” and shared that “the shortest path to making an impact isn’t always a straight line.”

Khaldun encouraged graduates to ask themselves where they can do the most good to help guide their path. She also recommended the class to become “professionally multilingual” (speak to people using words they understand) and to remember to listen to the communities they serve.

Every year, the graduating class selects its own student speaker. This year, Akshay Deverakonda rose to the challenge, imparting his speech with eloquence and heart. Quoting the lead character from Ted Lasso, Deverakonda implored students not to be sad alone, but to be sad together.

“Our education is hope for what tomorrow can look like,” he said. “It’s a gift no one can ever take from us.” He ended with an encouraging, “onward, forward!”

Award Winners Recognized

Carmen Marsit, PhD, executive associate dean for faculty affairs and research strategy, recognized award recipients for both school and university awards. Two Rollins faculty from the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics received university-level attention for their teaching through provost-level awards. Rameshbabu Manyam, PhD, received the 2025 Provost's Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Education. Amita Manatunga, PhD, received the Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award.

Jennifer Ende received the Charles C. Shepard Award. This annual award is presented to a graduating master’s student who is deemed by faculty to have prepared the most scholarly research paper.