A USU Family Tradition: Legacy, Sibling, and Spouse Connections Highlight 2025 Commencement

Uniformed Services University graduates continue a tradition of service, with many hooded by alumni relatives, underscoring the deep-rooted commitment to military healthcare.

Retired Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Ronald White (left), USU class of 2000, hoods his son, Anthony

White, with the assistance of Dr. Ryan Landoll, USU, during the USU Class of 2025

Commencement ceremony, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Thomas Balfour)

June 3, 2025 by Sharon Holland

When the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) held its 46th Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2025, the moment carried special meaning for several graduates and their families. Among the 176 medical students who received degrees from USU’s F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine were a number of individuals who were not only beginning their careers in military medicine—but continuing a family legacy.

This year’s graduating class included sons, daughters, siblings, and spouses of USU alumni, further affirming the University’s mission to develop outstanding, service-driven health professionals. For these families, military medicine is not just a profession—it is a shared calling.

In a deeply meaningful gesture, each of the alumni family members had the honor of participating in the ceremony by placing the academic hood on their loved one—a visual symbol of legacy, mentorship, and continuity within military medicine.

On Armed Forces Day, Army 2nd Lt. William Bowers crossed the stage at DAR Constitution Hall as his
wife, Army Capt. (Dr.) Elizabeth Bowers—herself a 2024 graduate of USU—stood proudly by his side to take part in the milestone. Her role in the ceremony served as a powerful symbol of their shared journey through medical education and training and military service, making the moment even more meaningful for both.  

“I met my wife at USU during my first year, and now having her come to my graduation to hood me feels like a full circle moment,” William said. “Watching her journey through medical school was inspiring and humbling. I credit her for my success, because I was simply following in her path every step of the way.”

Elizabeth Dullea (center) is joined by her parents, Stephanie (left) and Michael Dullea, a

proud member of the USU Class of 1994. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Dullea)

For Navy Ensign Elizabeth Dullea, graduating from USU as her father, retired Army Col. (Dr.) Michael Dullea, did in 1994, was both a tribute to her roots and a step toward giving back to the Military Health System that shaped her life.

“It meant a lot to me to follow in my dad’s footsteps by graduating from USU,” she said. “One of the big reasons I applied was because I grew up in the Military Health System. My family faced our share of medical challenges, and it was a relief not to worry about the financial burden of care. It was also reassuring to know our doctors were making the best decisions for our health. I knew I wanted that for my own patients. Additionally, I wanted to give back to the military and the Military Health System for all it gave me growing up. Now, I try to emulate my dad and his example in the way I care for my patients.”

Army 2nd Lt. Grant Kelly also followed a family path into military medicine. His brother, Army Capt. (Dr.) Connor Kelly, a 2020 graduate of USU, paved the way with his example of dedication, leadership, and compassion. Inspired by their shared commitment to service and a deep-rooted passion for caring for others, Grant chose to walk a similar path—one shaped by his brother’s influence and the values instilled through military life.

Dr. Lillian DeLeon Ostergaard, a retired Navy lieutenant commander and member of the Class of 1991, watched with pride as her son, Ensign Adam Ostergaard, carried on the legacy of Navy medicine.

According to Adam, “I chose to pursue medicine and attend USU because of the example set by both of my parents, who served as military physicians. Watching them care for service members and their families showed me the deep impact a dedicated military doctor can have. At USU, I’ve been proud to carry forward my mother’s example and give back to the military community that shaped my life.”

Retired Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Patrick Sinopole, USU Class of 1997, celebrated alongside his daughter, Navy Ensign Kayleigh Sinopole, as she joined the ranks of military physicians.

“I think it’s awesome to see all my classmates whose children are now here at USU,” Kayleigh shared. “My dad’s insights helped shape the career path I chose and, more importantly, the kind of physician and person I hope to become. His compassion and love of humanity—his patients, colleagues, and the servicemembers he served—left a lasting impression on me.”

Army Col. (Dr.) Ryan Knight, USU class of 2008, hoods his sister, Kaitlyn Strickland, as she

earns her medical degree as part of the USU class of 2025 and prepares to follow in his

footsteps more than 15 years later. (Photo by Thomas Balfour)

For Army Col. (Dr.) Ryan Knight, USU Class of 2008, the event was doubly meaningful. His sister, Army 2nd Lt. Kaitlyn Strickland, earned her medical degree and prepared to begin her own service—following in his footsteps more than 15 years later. Sharing the moment as both a proud sibling and a fellow military physician added a special layer of significance to the ceremony, highlighting the lasting impact of USU across generations of one family.

Army 2nd Lt. Jackson Watkins was hooded by his wife, Capt. (Dr.) Danyelle Watkins, who completed her medical training at USU last year. 

“It was an incredible experience supporting my wife through USU and now graduating myself,” Jackson said. “She’s been there every step of the way—from application to graduation—and I’m so honored that she was the one to hood me.”

For Army 2nd Lt. Anthony White, graduation was more than a personal milestone—it was the continuation of his family legacy and the culmination of a lifetime of exposure to military medicine. His father, retired Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Ronald White, graduated from USU in 2000. 

“Following in my father’s footsteps has been a great honor,” said Anthony. “When I was a baby, he’d teach me his medical curriculum as a way to study. Later, when he deployed to Iraq while I was in fourth grade, the sacrifices he made for our country became real for me. Working at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center as a teen gave me a firsthand look at military medicine, and I saw how deeply I wanted to be a part of that mission. It all led me back to USU.”