Advice for the Class of 2026

Graduates in academic regalia process through an indoor arena during a commencement ceremony. In the center, a smiling graduate in a black doctoral gown with gold trim raises a gold pom-pom while carrying a diploma cover. Other graduates in doctoral robes walk alongside and behind her, some holding programs and water bottles, with stadium seating visible in the background.

MUSC held its 196th commencement ceremony, celebrating graduates from all six MUSC colleges on May 16, 2026.

No matter what degree you’ve earned, every MUSC graduate who walks across the stage at commencement has put in years of hard work and dedication.

MUSC alumni know what it’s like to stay up late studying, eyelids heavy. You've probably felt the panic of realizing there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete a project. And you know that excellence can sometimes mean sacrificing the present for the promise of a bright future, for yourself, and for the communities you serve.

There’s still so much to learn. And sometimes the most profound lessons come from those with shared experiences who have walked the path before you.

So, we compiled some of the best advice from MUSC alumni for the newest members of the alumni community, the Class of 2026.

Alumni Advice for the Class of 2026

Man with glasses and a neatly trimmed beard smiling at the camera, dressed in a black tuxedo with a patterned bow tie and matching pocket square against a neutral background.

Dr. William Wynn III

Your education journey has just begun. You could save the entire world with a new discovery, but that will never happen if you don't invest in true continued education.
William Wynn, Pharm.D., ’97

Personal growth is necessary. Seek out every opportunity to enhance your knowledge base. Never limit yourself. Remember that you have the capabilities to break down barriers and be the first to do something. You are the captain of your ship.
Cameo Green Coleman, DNP, ’12 and ’15

Woman with long dark hair smiling at the camera in an office setting, wearing a patterned jacket and a stethoscope around her neck, with bookshelves visible behind her.

Dr. Cameo Green Coleman

Portrait of a smiling woman wearing blue dental scrubs, standing in front of a rustic wood-paneled wall.

Dr. Mary Alice Hughes

It's not about having the shiniest career or making the most money. It's all about how many people you impact, and what you do with those opportunities.
Mary Alice Hughes, D.M.D., ’12

Build relationships before you need them. You are leaving MUSC with a network of people. Check in without an agenda. Celebrate each other's wins. The colleague you grab coffee with today might be your collaborator, your reference, your hiring manager, or your best friend a decade from now.

Cortney Gensemer, Ph.D., ’22

Young woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiling at the camera while wearing a white research lab coat outdoors, with trees and greenery in the background.

Cortney Gensemer, Ph.D.

Dr. Eric Singhi

Take photos [of the celebrations], and lots of them. One day during residency when things feel really hard – and they will – you’ll want to look back at this exact moment: the joy, the relief, the pride.

Eric Singhi, M.D., ’16

When a new project comes your way, raise your hand. Get involved. Say you'll do it. Even if you don't know exactly how you're going to do it, you're going to learn a lot. Keep your head up and look for opportunities to do more, to serve, and to meet people. It will only do you good.

John Tejeda, DHA, ’18

Dr. John Tejeda

Have advice, lessons learned, or words of wisdom to share with fellow alumni? Email alumni@musc.edu for a chance to be featured in an upcoming article or social media post.