Midwestern University Honors Graduates Launching Healthcare Careers

Midwestern University celebrated the graduation of 707 master’s and doctoral degree recipients during six commencement ceremonies held May 28 and 29 on the Downers Grove Campus. The ceremonies recognized graduates preparing to enter healthcare and biomedical science professions across multiple disciplines.

Over the course of the two days of celebration, graduates heard remarks from college leaders, faculty members, and student speakers reflecting on resilience, growth, and the impact of healthcare education. The University also recognized 17 graduates entering military service for their commitment to caring for others through both healthcare and military leadership.

Reflecting on the milestone, student speakers shared messages of resilience, growth, compassion, and service as they prepared to begin their healthcare careers. “Medicine is not simply the pursuit of knowledge. It is the responsibility of what we do with that knowledge,” said Kajal Patel, D.O., co-valedictorian for the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Natalie Ferrufino, Pharm.D., speaking on behalf of the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Class of 2026, reminded graduates, “If there is one thing this journey has shown us, it is that we are capable of more than we ever gave ourselves credit for. And now we get to carry that forward into every patient we care for, every decision we make, and every space we step into.”

Midwestern University Downers Grove Campus Class of 2026 Graduates (by college, degree, and number of graduates)

College of Dental Medicine–Illinois:
Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.): 140 graduates:

College of Graduate Studies, Downers Grove
Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.): 15 graduates
Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.): 68 graduates
Master of Science in Precision Medicine (M.S.): 1 graduate
Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine: 3 graduates
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.): 8 graduates

College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove
Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.): 44 graduates
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.): 24 graduates
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.): 39 graduates

Chicago College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry (O.D.): 62 graduates

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.): 196 graduates

College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.): 107 graduates