School of Medicine Graduates 195 During LSU Health New Orleans’ 153rd Commencement Ceremony
LSU Health New Orleans celebrated 879 graduates and distributed 890 health sciences
degrees during its 153rd commencement ceremony at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans
on May 14, 2026. The ceremony recognized students from six professional health schools
including the Schools of Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Graduate Studies, Medicine,
Nursing and Public Health. Dr. David Guzick, LSU Health New Orleans Senior Vice Chancellor,
presided over the ceremony, joined by LSU Board of Supervisors members Rico Alvendia,
Rémy Starns and James Williams who conferred degrees.
“LSU Health New Orleans continues to shape the future of the medical field,” said Dr. David Guzick, senior vice chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans. “Our graduates are entering the workforce ready to lead in complex care environments and to improve health outcomes for patients and communities across Louisiana.”
The LSU School of Allied Health Professions awarded 180 degrees, the School of Dentistry 140, the School of Graduate Studies 14, the School of Medicine 195, the School of Nursing 313, and the School of Public Health 48. For the third year in a row, the School of Nursing represents the highest percentage of degrees awarded, accounting for approximately 35% of the graduating class.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno delivered the commencement address. The invocation
was given by Nicholas Harris, PhD and the Benediction by Landon Boeneke, DDS.
“You are graduating at a time when the world needs more than credentials, it needs leadership. It needs people who believe in science and truth. It needs people who can innovate without losing their humanity. It needs people who understand that data can tell us what is happening, but compassion tells us why we must act. It needs people who will serve in hospitals, labs, clinics, classrooms, communities, and public agencies with integrity and courage,” said Mayor Helena Moreno in her address to the graduates. “Because health care is not only a profession, but also a public service.”
The graduating class represents 42 parishes, 33 states and 7 countries. Women comprise 74 percent of the class and men 26 percent. The youngest graduate is 21 while the oldest is 63. Among the graduates, 53 have previously been awarded a degree by LSU Health New Orleans.