UTHealth Houston celebrates graduates at spring 2026 commencement

McGovern Medical School students celebrate commencement with confetti and a sign reading UTHealth Houston

With diplomas in hand and bright futures ahead, UTHealth Houston graduates marked a major milestone during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.

Held May 12 and 13 at NRG Arena, the ceremonies marked a defining moment as graduates step forward into professions and communities ready to welcome them.

“Earning a degree from UTHealth Houston reflects not only years of rigorous study, but also a clear commitment to improving lives through science and service. You now join a community of more than 57,000 alumni from our seven schools, alumni who are advancing discovery and care across Texas and beyond,” said Melina R. Kibbe, UTHealth Houston president and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair. “Congratulations, Class of 2026. We are so proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to the impact you will make in the years ahead. No matter where your careers may lead, you will forever be part of the UTHealth Houston family.”

This semester, UTHealth Houston awarded degrees to 1,048 graduates, including:

  • 238 from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
  • 226 from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
  • 295 from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston
  • 54 from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
  • 165 from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry
  • 70 from McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston

McGovern Medical School celebrated 238 students who will continue their careers in 22 different specialties across 28 states. Fifty-six percent of the students, 137, will remain in Texas. A fifth of the class, 49 students, will hold residencies at McGovern Medical School.

Rex Marco, MD, professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School, presented the keynote address at the McGovern Medical School commencement. A prominent spine surgeon at UTHealth Houston, Marco found a new purpose in his profession after a serious bicycle accident turned him into a patient. His life-changing injury granted him a new perspective on the importance of hope.

A full replay of the event can be seen on the McGovern Medical School YouTube Channel.

For many, the moment represented more than earning a degree. It marked the culmination of sacrifice, growth, and a deep sense of purpose. Among the graduates were first-generation students, professionals embarking on long-planned career changes, and those completing years of education.

Each story contributed to the collective significance of commencement: a time to pause, celebrate accomplishments, and look ahead with confidence.

Following each ceremony, celebrations continued just steps away from the stage. A confetti photo station welcomed graduates, their families, guests, and faculty, offering a joyful way to capture the moment. As brightly colored confetti rained down, the arena filled with smiles, laughter, shouts of joy, and even a few happy tears.

It was a fitting snapshot of the occasion, one final moment of celebration before graduates go on to make their mark.

As the ceremonies concluded, what remained was a shared sense of pride and possibility. UTHealth Houston’s newest alumni now move forward, prepared to lead, serve, and shape the future of healthcare and science in Texas and beyond.

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