SOHP Honors the Class of 2026 While Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in Healthcare Education
By Deans Office | May 29, 2026
24 Hours. 3 Celebrations. 1 Historic Milestone.
The School of Health Professions (SOHP) at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
celebrated a historic milestone as students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and
community partners gathered for a series of events recognizing the Class of 2026 and
the School’s 60th Anniversary.
In less than 24 hours, the SOHP community came together for Convocation, the 60th Anniversary Reception, and SUNY Downstate’s Commencement Ceremony—honoring both the accomplishments of graduating students and six decades of excellence in healthcare education.
The celebration began on the evening of Tuesday, May 12, with the SOHP Convocation Ceremony held in the Alumni Auditorium. Graduates from programs across the School of Health Professions were individually recognized for their academic achievements, clinical training, leadership, and service. More than 400 attendees, including faculty, administrators, family members and alumni, gathered to celebrate the resilience and dedication demonstrated by the Class of 2026 throughout their educational journeys.
The ceremony also highlighted the significance of SOHP’s 60th Anniversary, recognizing the School’s longstanding impact on healthcare workforce development, interdisciplinary education, and community-centered care. Remarks throughout the evening emphasized the vital role SOHP graduates play in shaping the future of healthcare across New York and beyond. Graduates were also presented with commemorative 60th Anniversary stoles, symbolizing SOHP’s Diamond Anniversary and six decades of excellence in healthcare education.
Immediately following Convocation, attendees transitioned to PHAB Hall for the School’s 60th Anniversary Reception. The reception brought together generations of the SOHP community—including alumni, faculty, students, and institutional partners—for an evening of celebration and connection.
The celebration continued the following day as graduates joined the larger SUNY Downstate community for Commencement at the Amphitheater in Coney Island. Together, these events reflected the School’s enduring commitment to excellence, equity, scholarship, innovation, and service.
For 60 years, the School of Health Professions has prepared healthcare leaders across disciplines including diagnostic medical sonography, health informatics, medical billing and coding, midwifery, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, and more. As the School looks toward the future, the Class of 2026 now joins a distinguished alumni network committed to advancing healthcare and strengthening communities.
Congratulations to the SOHP Class of 2026 and to the entire School of Health Professions community on this milestone anniversary year.
To relive these memorable events, follow us on Instagram at @SOHP_Downstate and explore photo albums from Convocation, the 60th Anniversary Reception, and other SOHP events on our Flickr page.
Tags: School of Health Professions, SOHP 60, Commencement, 60th anniversary, convocation