You’ve worked so hard for so long to reach this point. Countless hours of study, bad food hastily eaten, long stretches of absence from family and friends. But today, it’s all worth it. Today, you don your cap and gown and walk proudly across the stage to be honored. The esteemed University of Florida faculty members who yesterday were your teachers and mentors are, today, your peers. SSo soak up the applause and revel in the relief of a job well-done, for tomorrow the real work — your future as a health care professional — begins. The Class of 2017, we salute you!

1 A UF College of Nursing graduate made sure she thanked her parents for helping her achieve her goal.

2 Lauren Brown and Christine Mayer are all smiles as they celebrate their graduation from the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.

3 A UF College of Medicine graduate shares his joy with a possible future UF student.

4 Doctor of physical therapy graduates Mary McIntyre and Karen Kacenjar capture a selfie before the doctoral degree ceremony on April 28.
5 A newly minted physician signs her name to the Hippocratic Oath.

6 Graduates of the UF College of Pharmacy saw their names and images flashed on the main screen at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for all to see.

7 UF College of Dentistry graduates gather one last time for a group chomp.