June 13, 2025

Amanda Bryan (PharmD Candidate)

Amanda’s journey at the University of Washington began during her undergraduate years, where she earned a Bachelor of Science before continuing on to pharmacy school, making her a proud “Double Dawg”. Originally from Vancouver, WA, Amanda has been a dedicated student leader, serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council of Students and holding several leadership roles in pharmacy organizations. She also earned the Plein Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy, preparing her to provide age-friendly care to older adults across all practice settings.

After graduation, she looks forward to pursuing a PGY1 Community Pharmacy Residency with Cascadia Pharmacy Group and Dr. Matt Binder in the Seattle area. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels and spending time with friends and family. Amanda is very honored to have been selected by her peers as this year’s student commencement speaker and looks forward to celebrating with everyone at the ceremony.

Aprajita Yadav (Pharmaceutics PhD Candidate)

Born in India and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Aprajita completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA before working for several years in the biopharmaceutical industry. There she gained firsthand experience in drug development and translational research, leading her to pursue a PhD in Pharmaceutics at the University of Washington in 2019. During her time at UW, Aprajita took on leadership roles in the UW AAPS chapter and served on committees through national professional societies like ASPET, helping to shape programming and advocate for graduate trainees. She has been fortunate to receive several competitive training fellowships that supported cross-disciplinary collaborations across departments at UW.

After graduation, she will return to the Bay Area to join Revolution Medicines. Outside of research, she enjoys exploring parks with her husband and toddler, ideally with a good cup of coffee in hand. Aprajita is grateful for the opportunity to deliver the Graduate Student Class Address and looks forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone.

When will we hear more information?

Please check your @uw email for more information! If you think you may have missed an important communication, please email oppe@uw.edu.

Are tickets required to enter?

Yes. Meany Hall has limited seating, and they require tickets for entry at the doors. We allocate 8 tickets per student. They are welcome to request more if needed and may be granted extra tickets if they are available. We recommend arriving at Meany Hall early to ensure group seating.

How will I receive my tickets?

The Student Affairs office will provide tickets to the graduates in early May.

How long is the ceremony?

1.5 hours, with a one-hour reception immediately following.

What is the dress code for graduates?

Graduates are required to wear official graduation regalia for the School of Pharmacy Graduate Recognition Ceremony. Please wear your gown and cap to the rehearsal, but do not wear your hood; bring this with you, and then put it on when you receive instructions during rehearsal.

Where can I order the graduation regalia?

You may order graduation attire and make other graduation arrangements including parking in early May at https://www.washington.edu/graduation/registrationorder-form/.

Can I purchase parking in advance?

We recommend parking in the Central Plaza Garage. Campus parking for all graduation events will require a parking permit. Graduates can pre-purchase parking permits when they order their caps and gowns via the Registration/Order Form. More details can be found here https://www.washington.edu/graduation/parking-2/.

If I or my guests have mobility or access accommodations, who can I talk to about this?

Please indicate any mobility or access needs in the Graduation Survey sent in Winter/Spring Quarter. For further support, please contact oppe@uw.edu.

Can I leave the ceremony after my name is called with my program?

Graduates should remain in their seats during the entire ceremony, unless utilizing the restrooms. Once your name has been called, you are to return to your seat to respect and honor the other SOP graduates and to cheer them on!

Where can I leave my belongings during the ceremony?

Graduates should limit the number of belongings brought to the ceremony as there is no coat check or space to keep items. Please take your personal belongings with you to your seats during the rehearsal. Don’t forget to take them with you when you leave the ceremony!

Does Meany Hall have any other policies?

• We ask that guests refrain from leaving their seats during the ceremony to take photographs. There will be professional photographs at the event, and it is a distraction.
• Balloons are not allowed in the seating area since they are difficult to retrieve from the Meany ceiling.
• Tripods and monopods are not allowed due to fire code restrictions.
• Airhorns or other noise-making devices are not permitted.
• Strollers and car seats are not allowed in the seating area; however, there will be a place to store these items during the ceremony, near the entrance to Meany Hall.

• We strongly recommend and encourage COVID-19 vaccinations before attending.
• We strongly recommend and encourage the use of face coverings.
• Masks will be available upon request.
• We recommend and encourage use of the WA Notify smartphone app.
• We ask that anyone who exhibits symptoms please stay home unless they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 48 hours.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at several stations throughout.

The 2025 University of Washington Commencement Ceremony will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, June 14, at Husky Stadium. For more information, please visit the Commencement website