Northwestern Public Health 2026 Graduates Celebrate Embarking on the ‘Noble Path’

June 17, 2026
By Andrew Nellis

As the newest class of Northwestern University’s public health graduates gathered to celebrate the culmination of their years-long efforts, they were reminded that public health is an inherently optimistic pursuit.

“I wish I could tell you that we are in unprecedented times, but in many ways, the challenges facing public health today are a continuation of a long history,” said E.A. Quinn, ‘11 PhD, ‘11 MPH, associate professor of Biological Anthropology at Washington University, who delivered the keynote address. “There have always been outbreaks. There has always been hunger, heart disease, and poverty. But we are here today because you believe the future can be different. You can and you will be that difference.”

That message served as the central theme of the Program in Public Health’s 2026 graduation ceremony, which was held in Chicago on June 13.

Ronald T. Ackermann, MD, MPH, senior associate dean for Public Health and director of the Institute for Public Health and Medicine, welcomed the class and their families by reiterating that the field, at its core, reflects a collective need.

“Public health is a goal that we share as a society, that all members of the population can reach and retain their highest possible level of health,” Ackermann said. “The field is highly complex and dynamic. It is impartial and deeply collaborative. Each of you has chosen to pursue this noble path, and from today onward, you will serve as envoys of that precious mission.”

A total of 58 public health students graduated this year with 47 receiving a Master of Public Health, nine receiving a Master of Science in Biostatistics, and two receiving a Master of Science in Epidemiology.

Among the graduates was Lacy Simons, ‘26 MPH, who reflected on her time in the program.

“As a non-traditional student completing an MPH in Epidemiology part-time while working full-time in infectious diseases research, the experience was both challenging and fulfilling,” said Simons, who plans to continue her work in global infectious disease and pursue her PhD though the Health Sciences Integrated (HSIP) program. “This year was particularly special for my family, as my son also graduated from the Loyola University Chicago School of Business. Being able to celebrate both of our graduations in the same season is something I will always cherish. It feels like a wonderful reminder that learning and personal growth can happen at any stage of life.”

Zoey Hall, ‘26 MPH, who will be entering the PhD in epidemiology program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall, spoke about the unique opportunities she discovered during her time at Northwestern.

“I am very thankful for our amazing professors, especially within the global health sphere at Northwestern — notably Dr. Bill Leonard,” said Hall. “Our program offers strong classes that I wouldn’t have been able to take anywhere else, and in fact, it was one of those classes that inspired me to pursue my PhD in epidemiology.”

In addition to receiving their degrees, students also presented four awards to teachers and mentors. These included:

• Applied Practice Experience Mentor of the Year: Awarded to Diane M. Potts, MA, MSEd, of the Illinois Lyme Association
• CE Mentor of the Year: Awarded to Joseph Feinglass, PhD
• MS in Biostatistics Mentor of the Year: Awarded to Lili Zhao, PhD, MS
• Teacher of the Year: Awarded to Arthur Elster, MD, MJ

Following the ceremony, Dr. Ackermann left the graduates with advice to preserve their impulse to learn.

“All of you will leave here with a set of skills that will enable you to have an impact in public health,” said Ackermann. “But your training does not end today. Over the coming years you will continue to learn and you will scale new challenges. Do not fear the heights. Trust your instincts. Trust your training and keep climbing. Do incredible things and continue to make us all proud. Congratulations.”