A Message from President Riley

By Office of the President | May 19, 2026

Celebrating the Class of 2026 and the Future of Downstate

Dear Downstate Community,

As the Class of 2026 closed one important chapter and began another at Commencement last week, I found myself reflecting on how much has changed at Downstate, yet our mission remains timeless.

For the first time in the university’s history, graduates from all five schools and colleges came together for one university-wide commencement ceremony. Watching more than 500 graduates stand side by side at the Amphitheater at Coney Island was both deeply moving and symbolic of where healthcare and science are headed: toward greater collaboration, shared purpose, and service to humanity. We were also honored to welcome SUNY Trustee and alumnus Edward M. Spiro, who joined us to bring greetings on behalf of Chairman Merryl H. Tisch, Ed.D. and the SUNY Board of Trustees.

There was also something profoundly personal about the moment. Behind every cap and gown was a story of perseverance. Many of our graduates balanced demanding academic programs with work, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, personal hardships, and the emotional realities of healthcare training during extraordinarily challenging times. Yet they arrived at this milestone with compassion, resilience, and an understanding that their professions are ultimately about caring for people and communities.

We celebrate researchers uncovering promising new pathways in breast cancer treatment, faculty and students advancing important conversations in bioethics and mental health, and national mentorship initiatives helping shape careers in biomedical research and academic medicine. We also recognize Downstate’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence and mental health through collaboration with the United Nations, alongside the work of physicians, educators, mentors, artists, and civic leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen Brooklyn and improve lives far beyond our campus.

These stories reflect the kind of institution Downstate strives to be every day—grounded in academic excellence, scientific discovery, compassionate care, and a deep connection to community. They also reflect the environment that helped shape this graduating class: one in which students learn not only technical expertise but also leadership, collaboration, ethical responsibility, and humanity.

As I shared with the Class of 2026, the challenges facing healthcare, science, and society can feel overwhelming at times. But challenges also create opportunities for leadership, innovation, compassion, and service.

As the applause faded and our graduates left the stage to begin an exciting next chapter, I was reminded that the Downstate story continues through each of them. I hope they carry forward not only the knowledge and skills they gained here, but also the values, perspective, and sense of purpose that define this institution.

And wherever life and career may lead them next, they will always remain part of the Downstate family.