Rowan University celebrates doctoral scholars, specialists at 2026 recognition ceremony

As a biomedical engineering Ph.D. who successfully defended his dissertation on the development of a potential therapy for cancer months ago, Evan Hutt could already use the title “Dr.” During Rowan University’s Doctoral Recognition Ceremony on May 8, however, Hutt could finally don the formal regalia and academic hood that come with the honor, too. 

Held at Esbjornson Gymnasium, the event recognized more than 90 doctoral and educational specialist candidates, celebrating scholars whose work has helped propel the institution’s rapid growth as a public research institution.

The ceremony included hooding by advisors, institutional remarks and a keynote address from a former director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Provost Vojislava “Voki” Pophristic, Ph.D., welcomed graduates and their guests.

“Graduates, today we gather to celebrate a milestone that marks the culmination of years—often many years—of dedication, intellectual courage, creative thought, and disciplined practice,” Pophristic said. “You have asked difficult questions, challenged assumptions, contributed new knowledge, and expanded the boundaries of your fields.”

Rowan University President Ali Houshmand, Ph.D., congratulated the candidates on their hard work and reminded them of their roles in advancing discovery.

“You are now changing from knowledge consumers into knowledge producers,” Houshmand said. “From now on, you’re going to lead this country and train the next generation of learners and educators.”  

The keynote address was delivered by computer scientist Sethuraman Panchanathan, Ph.D., university professor of technology and innovation and foundation chair in computing and augmented intelligence at Arizona State University and former director of the NSF. He was introduced by Tabbetha Dobbins, Ph.D., dean of the School of Graduate Studies and a former member of an NSF advisory board and committee.

Panchanathan told the graduates he doesn’t remember the speakers or their remarks from his own commencement ceremonies, but hoped they would remember his points, each tied to the letters in their institution’s name. 

At the end of his remarks, he quizzed graduates, who called them back to him: Remain curious. Open doors for others. Work with a purpose. Act with integrity. Never stop learning all your life.

“You are the Profs and what Profs do is transform the future,” Panchanathan said. “Go about doing that.”    

Following the keynote, Dobbins delivered the charge to the graduates, highlighting their place in Rowan’s history and the responsibility symbolized by the doctoral hood.

“You didn’t just earn your doctorate—you did it here, at Rowan, during a truly transformative moment in the University’s history,” Dobbins said. “As you step forward to receive your academic hood, know that this is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a symbol of the responsibility you now carry.”

During the post-ceremony celebration, after his parents, brother and girlfriend took photos near the stage, Hutt said he appreciated the opportunity to be hooded by his advisor, Peter Galie, professor of biomedical engineering.

“It’s great to be part of an old tradition,” said the Philadelphia resident, who is working with Galie to potentially commercialize their research. “I couldn’t speak highly enough about Pete and all the support he’s given me. He was a great advisor and helped me get to where I am now.”

Rowan’s Commencement Week continues through May 15.