Uniformed Services University Celebrates Commencement on Armed Forces Day

Graduates Strengthen the Military Health Workforce and Contribute to Readiness Across the Joint Force

A military color guard presents flags on a stage during a formal ceremony, possibly a commencement or induction. A man in a US Army service uniform, likely a Non-Commissioned Officer based on the "nco induction ceremony" hint, stands at attention holding a flag. Behind him, other service members in various uniforms also stand at attention. To the left, individuals in academic regalia, including doctoral gowns and tams, are seated and standing near a wooden podium adorned with a seal. A large American flag and other banners are visible in the background. The stage is decorated with plants and flowers.
The Uniformed Services University held its 46th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
(Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

May 22, 2025 by Sharon Holland

Nearly 300 uniformed and civilian health professionals crossed the stage at the Uniformed Services University’s (USU) 46th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The ceremony—held fittingly on Armed Forces Day—recognized graduates from USU’s F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, the Postgraduate Dental College, and—for only the second time—the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS).

Established in 2017, CAHS provides enlisted medics and corpsmen with the opportunity to earn college degrees in health sciences while continuing to serve at military medical facilities nationwide. This year, six CAHS graduates participated in commencement, receiving either an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree.

In a historic milestone, USU graduated its first U.S. Coast Guard-sponsored medical student. Ensign Elise Bobczynski was commissioned as a physician into the Coast Guard by Rear Adm. Paul Jung, the Coast Guard’s Chief Medical Officer. Her graduation marked a significant step in the Service’s effort to expand its organic medical capabilities and address the growing need for uniformed physicians.

A man in a black doctoral gown with green velvet trim and a black tam stands at a wooden podium, speaking and gesturing with his right hand. He appears to be addressing an audience. Seated on the stage behind and to his right are several other individuals, some in academic regalia and some in military uniforms, listening to the speaker. The stage is decorated with potted plants, and a gold curtain serves as the backdrop. Several flags, including what appears to be an American flag, are visible in the background. A white banner with a seal and text, partially reading "POSTGRADUATE DENTAL COLLEGE," is also visible behind the seated individuals. The overall scene suggests a formal academic event, such as a commencement ceremony.
This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Frank K. Butler, Jr., a retired Navy SEAL and the pioneering founder of
Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

The graduating class also included students who completed degrees in medicine, advanced nursing practice, biomedical sciences, public health, clinical psychology, health professions education, and military dentistry—each equipped to advance the health and readiness of the force across clinical, research, and operational environments.

In one of the most unique commencement traditions in the nation, graduating medical students were also promoted and commissioned as officers—lieutenants or captains—into the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Public Health Service, and Coast Guard. Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates returned in dress uniform, marking the transition from rigorous academic education to military service as commissioned medical officers.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Frank K. Butler, Jr., a retired Navy SEAL and the pioneering founder of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). His leadership and innovation have revolutionized battlefield medicine and dramatically improved trauma care across the globe.

“You are all graduating from an institution with an unsurpassed record of excellence that has served the United States military incredibly well. Anybody who thinks this country does not need the Uniformed Services University has just not been paying attention,” Butler said in his address.

A woman, in a U.S. Coast Guard officer's service dress blue uniform stands with her right hand raised, as if taking an oath or speaking. Her dark blonde hair is pulled back tightly. She has a serious expression and is looking off to her left. The uniform features gold stripes on the sleeves and various ribbons on the chest. A name tag reading "BOBCZYNSKI" is visible. Behind her, a dark blue wall is adorned with two circular seals, possibly Coast Guard emblems. An out-of-focus audience can be seen in the background.
USU graduated its first U.S. Coast Guard-sponsored medical student, Ensign Elise Bobczynski. (Photo credit:
Tom Balfour, USU)