Our Grad Ball was truly a night to remember! Following the Convocation ceremony, graduates, faculty, staff and guests gathered at FED Hall for the annual Grad Ball to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.
The evening, organized by the staff of the school of Optometry & Vision Science, provided the perfect setting to recognize years of hard work and dedication. The celebration began with a special donor reception, where award recipients had the opportunity to meet donors, learn more about the awards they recieved and hear about the organizations supporting student success. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with leaders in the vision science community and celebrate the generosity that helps shape the next generation of optometrists.
As the evening continued, graduates joined their classmates in the main hall for the official celebration. The awards ceremony recognized 30 students for their outstanding achievements throughout their time at the school. Guests then enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by UW Catering, followed by dessert towers shared at each table. One of the evening's most memorable moments came as a heartfelt video played while the unofficial graduating song, Hannah Montana’s “I’ll Always Remember You” filled the room, bringing smiles and laughter.
After dinner, the FED Hall staff transformed the space into a lively dance floor where graduates could celebrate together one last time as classmates. A professional photo booth captured countless memories, allowing friends to alternate between dancing and snapping fun photos throughout the evening. The dance floor remained full all night as there was even some line dancing that took place.
Overall, the 2026 Grad Ball was a wonderful celebration of the dedication, perseverance and accomplishments of the graduating class. More than just a celebration, it marked the transition from students to alumni and future colleagues. The School of Optometry & Vision Science is known for its close-knit community and evenings like this serve as a reminder that those connections continue long after graduation.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished and look forward to watching the impact you will make in your communities and across the profession. As you begin this exciting new chapter, remember the friendships, experiences and memories you have made along the way.
Once a Warrior, always a Warrior