Uniformed Services University Recognizes Future Military Health Leaders of the Class of 2026

USU celebrates the deep compassion, clinical excellence, and leadership of the Class of 2026 medical graduates.

May 14, 2026 by USU News

Students, faculty, staff, family members, and military leaders gathered May 7, 2026, for the Uniformed Services University (USU) F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine Graduation Awards Ceremony, honoring members of the Class of 2026 and the contributions they have made to the University and military medical communities over the past four years.

"It is with great pride that we recognize these graduates today, celebrating their academic and clinical achievements, military leadership, and community service," said Army Col. Ashley Maranich, associate dean for student affairs, setting a tone of deep appreciation for the morning's events.

Recognizing the Highest Honors in Medical Education

The Board of Regents Award represents the highest honor a graduating senior can receive, requiring a record of superior academic performance alongside a steadfast, quiet commitment to lifting up fellow students and future patients. USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson presented the School of Medicine Award to U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Paige Mitchell. Recognizing an uncommon but celebrated occurrence, the university also honored two M.D./Ph.D. candidates whose rigorous medical training was paired with advanced scientific research, presenting the Board of Regents Award for the School of Medicine Graduate Program to U.S. Navy Ensign Brianna Daley and Army 2nd Lt. Savannah Kounelis-Wuillaume, who tied for the honor.

The Vice Adm. James A. Zimble Valedictorian Award, presented by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, recognizes the highest level of clinical and academic performance sustained over four challenging, transformative years of medical school. This year's valedictorian honors were awarded to a trio of exceptional new physicians: Navy Ensign Sydney Eierle, and U.S. Air Force 2nd Lts. Grace Roe and Sabrina Wagner.

Developing Compassionate Physician Leaders

The university pipeline is more than an educational pathway; it is a crucible that turns dedicated service members into the military's most trusted healers. Reflecting this standard of comprehensive excellence, the AMSUS Society of Federal Health Professionals Award was presented to Army 2nd Lt. Austin Parker. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership that actively benefits the well-being of their peers, possessing vital qualities of sensitivity, reflectiveness, and trust.

The Surgeons General Awards highlight graduates whose burgeoning careers are already characterized by an exemplary commitment to patient care. The 2026 recipients included Air Force 2nd Lt. Andrew Brown, U.S. Public Health Service Ensign Taj Keshav, Navy Ensign Heather MacEwen , and Army 2nd Lt. Shawn Tang.

Innovations in Patient Care and Clinical Research

At the core of the university's mission is the drive to translate clinical research directly into lifesaving medical care. Army 2nd Lt. Sophia McKenzie received the Emma L. Bockman Memorial Award for her research project analyzing first-line antibiotic treatments for acute cholecystitis at tertiary care military treatment facilities. While this study focuses on specific pharmacological adherence in a hospital setting, the macro-level impact directly improves patient outcomes and ensures service members heal faster and more safely.

Demonstrating the diverse medical capabilities required to provide comprehensive care, Army 2nd Lt. Ethan Naylor earned the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award, highlighting a specialty essential for the acute management of combat trauma and critical injuries.

Community, Humanism, and Lasting Gratitude

The ceremony heavily underscored that technical proficiency must always be anchored by humanism. The Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to recognize clinical empathy and deep respect for patients, was awarded to Air Force 2nd Lt. Sophia Anderson and faculty member Dr. Jill Brown. Army 2nd Lt. Racheal Lee received the Thomas Miller Community Engagement Award for her exceptional philanthropic service during her medical education.

During the presentation of the class gift, Class President Navy Ensign Ian McMenamin and Vice President Army 2nd Lt. Shawn Tang presented a custom engraved brick to the university, turning the spotlight away from themselves to credit the faculty and staff for their tireless support. The brick will be placed in the campus courtyard.

"As we stand at this threshold, looking back at our time here at USU, it's easy to focus on the long nights in the library, the rotations, or the stress of finals," McMenamin shared with the audience. "But today, we want to focus on the foundation that made our success possible: the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff".

Tang echoed this deep appreciation, noting the gift was a symbol of the bonds forged over the last four years.

"It is our hope that this gift serves as a lasting reminder of our gratitude and provides future students with the same spirit of community and support that we were so fortunate to receive," Tang said.

Maranich concluded the morning by praising the resilience of the entire graduating class.

"We wish you well and have no doubt you will represent America's Medical School in exemplary fashion across the Military Health System," Maranich said.