June 12, 2026

GUEST SPEAKER

Ryan Oftebro , PharmD, Clinical Associate Professor, CEO Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group
Bio: Ryan Oftebro is a pharmacist and Principal/CEO of Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, which consists of five divisions located in Seattle, WA, including compounding pharmacy, community pharmacy, long term care, specialty pharmacy, and a clinical division dedicated to developing and implementing innovative pharmacy services. Ryan received his Pharm.D. from the University of Washington in 2003, and completed a Community Practice Residency in 2004.  Ryan has previously held board positions with the Washington State Pharmacy Association, the Polyclinic Community Health Foundation Board and is the former President of the American College of Apothecaries. Currently Ryan serves as member of the Virginia Mason Board of Governors, UW School of Pharmacy Executive Advisory Council and co-chair of the UW School of Pharmacy’s Capital Campaign.  Ryan is also a member of the Seattle/King County Overdose Prevention Taskforce and Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.

CLASS OF 2026 STUDENT ADDRESS

Graduate student speaker:

Ronald Dickerson, MA, MPH, PhD, Class of 2026, PhD Health Economics and Outcomes Research (Data Science)
Bio: Ronald Dickerson is a health economist and data scientist graduating from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy’s CHOICE Institute with a PhD in Health Economics and Outcomes Research, with a Data Science specialization. His research applies causal inference, Bayesian spatial econometrics, and decision-analytic modeling to study health care financing, payment policy, and geographic variation in costs and outcomes. His dissertation examines violence-related health care costs, illicit drug markets, and spatial dependence in the United States. During his time at UW, Ronald contributed to research in health technology assessment, oncology outcomes, medical device evaluation, and policy-relevant economic modeling, and was recognized as an ARCS Fellow, Washington Research Foundation HEOR Fellow, and recipient of the 2026 Louis Sr. and Marilyn Garrison Endowed Prize in Health Policy and Economics. Following graduation, he will join the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Economics and Decision Science, where he will focus on cardiovascular outcomes research and policy modeling. He is grateful for the mentors, collaborators, family, friends, and colleagues who supported him throughout his graduate training.

PharmD student speaker:

Ezinna Onukwufor, PharmD, Class of 2026
Bio: Ezinna Onukwufor is a proud graduate of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and an advocate for patient-centered care, leadership, and service. During his time at UW, he served as Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council of Students (DACS), contributed to research focused on improving care for older adults in partnership with the Plein Center for Aging, participated in an international medical service trip with Global Brigade, and dedicated himself to mentoring fellow students. Following graduation, he will begin a community pharmacy residency with Cascadia Pharmacy Group. Known among his peers for his energy, optimism, and ability to bring people together, Ezinna believes pharmacy is at its best when it combines clinical excellence with genuine human connection.

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 sopsas@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 registration order 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 sopsas@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.

The 2026 University of Washington Commencement Ceremony will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, June 13, at Husky Stadium. For more information, please visit the Commencement website