TTUHSC Celebrates Class of 2026 with Commencement Ceremonies

• By Haely Shirley
• May 21, 2026
• Education

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) hosted commencement ceremonies for all six schools to honor graduates of the Class of 2026.

TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., said TTUHSC has trained an estimated 45,000 healthcare professionals who are serving patients and driving medical discovery in tangible, life-changing ways for the 10 million people in the university’s 121-county service area and around the world.

“We celebrate our graduates and the purpose that guides their work,” Rice-Spearman said. “They trained in programs ranked among the nation’s best and are ready to make a difference in healthcare. They will help ensure that where someone lives does not decide the quality of care they receive. As the institution that graduates the most health professionals in Texas, we are proud to prepare leaders who are skilled, confident and caring.”

An estimated 1,249 graduates received degrees in various health disciplines. Individual school awards presented include:

The Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health (May 7) honored the following graduates from the Master of Public Health program: Alaa Diab, Outstanding Applied Practice Experience Award; Faith Badejo, Outstanding Community Service Award; Dannielle Pope, Outstanding Public Health Student Award; and Colby Gordon, the United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award.

The Dean’s Recognition Award presented at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences commencement (May 8) was awarded to Monica Aguilera and Mia Post. Warren Baker was honored with the Harry M. Weitlauf Memorial Distinguished Service Award for exhibiting exemplary commitment to service, contributing significantly to the betterment of the university community.

Patricia Ines Back, Ph.D., received the K. Wyatt McMahon Outstanding Graduate Student Award, which is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, exemplary research contributions and a profound commitment to intellectual growth.

The Excellence in Nursing Awards were presented (May 8) to Joe Don Cavender, Post-Master’s DNP Program; Humberto Garza Pequeno, BSN to DNP Program; Mark Rogers, MSN Program (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track); Brooklyn Sanderson, RN to DNP Program; and Zoey Castillo, Traditional BSN Program in Amarillo.

The School of Health Professions (May 9) presented the Dean’s Award for Excellence, Graduate to Francine Alejandra Hernandez. Alexandra Kathleen Mercer was honored with the Dean’s Award for Excellence, Undergraduate. The awards recognize excellence in academic achievement and overall performance by individuals chosen as the top graduate and undergraduate students.

The Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy celebrated its 30th anniversary and welcomed its graduating class of 2026 (May 16) in joining more than 2,850 alumni. Nusaiba Hamsho received the Banner Bearer Award for having the highest GPA in the class. Jennifer Mejil earned the Bowl of Hygeia Award, an honor that is awarded to the student who best exemplifies the qualities most desirable in a pharmacist.

The School of Medicine celebrated commencement (May 18) and honored Jad Zeitouni with the Gold Headed Cane Award. The award is presented to the individual selected jointly by faculty and students who best exemplifies those qualities that are most desirable in the competent and caring physician. Colby Gordon received the John Aure Buesseler, M.D., Founding Dean Memorial Award for Student Excellence.

The Dean’s Recognition Awardees for the School of Medicine included:

• Kyle Magnum, Amarillo campus
• Colton Shepherd, Odessa campus
• William Derrick, Lubbock campus