Celebrating the UCLA School of Nursing Class of 2025

The UCLA School of Nursing honored its Class of 2025 on Saturday, June 14, at its annual commencement ceremony inside UCLA’s historic Royce Hall. Graduates from five degree programs –undergraduate to doctoral – were recognized in front of an audience of faculty, family, and friends.

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More than 200 graduating students walked across the stage and, as nurses, will be joining the largest group of healthcare providers in the world. Along with the 17 million nurses worldwide, graduates are also now part of the Bruin Nurse network, with more than 9,000 School of Nursing alumni spanning ten countries. 

Led by Dr. Liz Yzquierdo, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the ceremony began with the national anthem, sung by MSN-APRN graduate Eugenia Sharon, followed by remarks from UCLA School of Nursing Dean Lin Zhan.

“This is truly a remarkable achievement and a milestone in your life,” said Dean Zhan. “You made it not only because of your dedication, determination, and resilience, but also because of the many people who have cared, supported, mentored, and educated you.”

UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk gave this year’s keynote address and reflected on the vital and often unseen role nurses play in people’s lives –from welcoming newborns into the world to comforting the dying. He called on graduates to always remain grounded in three values: kindness, public service, and leadership.

“You are starting on a new journey during one of the most complex moments in history, when the ground appears to be shifting under our feet,” he said. “So, carry with you the things that endure – kindness, service, and passionate, values-driven leadership. Let them be your North Star, guiding you through every blow of the wind and shift of the ground.”

The audience also heard from several student speakers, each representing their academic program and cohort. The 2025 student speakers were Megan Ann Guardiano (PhD), Akemi Jamila Martin (DNP), Kathryn Gieschen Aller (MSN-APRN), Ivy Pham (MSN-MECN), and Chaleah Jay Duran (BS). They shared stories of their unique journeys, the future of nursing, and the impact they and their peers will have on the patients and communities they serve.

“We may not change the whole world,” said Chaleah Duran, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing speaker. “But we will absolutely change someone’s world—and that is more than enough.”