The Class of 2026 M.S., Ph.D. and Pharm.D. graduates celebrated their big day at Bass Concert Hall on May 9, 2026. The College of Pharmacy held its fifth combined convocation ceremony for all graduating students.
The college honored the two Masters, 16 Ph.D. and 95 Pharm.D. candidates who graduated. From the podium, Dean Samuel M. Poloyac welcomed the crowd and opened the ceremony.
"When you entered our program, could you have imagined the enormous challenges, adaptations and opportunities that lie ahead? Each and every one of you not only rose to those challenges but conquered them. To say that we are proud of our graduates and all that you have accomplished would be a vast understatement. You've done it with swagger, you've done it with grace and you have emerged as leaders for the future."
–Dean Samuel M. Poloyac
This year's commencement speaker was Daniel D. Vela, R.Ph., owner of Lee’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment in McAllen, Texas. Mr. Vela is a passionate entrepreneur with interests in real estate, ranching and banking. He approaches his ventures with a bold attitude, often saying, “What do I got to lose?” This mindset has driven his success across multiple industries, reflecting his willingness to take calculated risks and his commitment to growth and exploration.
"The future of pharmacy isn't something you are stepping into. It's something you are going to create."
–Daniel D. Vela, R.Ph.
Graduate student and recipient of the Walter Fast Doctoral Excellence Award Dr. Corbyn Gilmore gave a speech on behalf of all the masters and doctoral graduates.
"Non-linear paths are not failures. They're often the reason we end up exactly where we're supposed to be. Every detour, every rejection, every moment where things don't go according to plan. Those weren't obstacles to our success, they were part of it."
–Dr. Corbyn Gilmore
Masters and doctoral graduates were awarded their degrees by Associate Dean John Richburg and all of the graduates' respective degree supervisors.
After all graduating students and their academic honors were announced, Doctor of Pharmacy graduates received their degrees from Senior Associate Dean W. Renee' Acosta, Associate Dean Diane Ginsburg, Assistant Dean Rucha Bond, Assistant Dean Justin Samuel and Assistant Dean Ashley Castleberry.
Pharm.D. graduate Amber Johnson was surprised during the degree ceremony when Commander Quỳnh-Anh Tranh presented her with the U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award on stage.
The awarding of degrees was followed by a speech from Class of 2026 President Adam Campos.
"Your education is something no one can ever take away from you. You earned this Doctor of Pharmacy degree—let it open doors you once thought were out of reach."
–Dr. Adam Campos
Dr. Emmanuel N. Enwere, president of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, welcomed all graduates as newly-minted alumni and gave the recitation of the Oath of a Pharmacist.
Congratulations again to all M.S., Ph.D. and Pharm.D. 2026 graduates of The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy!
College of Pharmacy 2026 Class Officers
President
Adam Campos
Vice President
Alana Gonzales
Secretary
Jaxon Carter
Access the College of Pharmacy Class of 2026 commencement program.
Watch the full video of the ceremony.
Photos by John Anderson.