Meet the 2026 Gonfalonians
Each year, the Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy select their top students from the graduating class to bear the gonfalon (the college flag) at Commencement and lead in the procession of their peers. The College of Graduate Studies selects a faculty member for the honor.
Congratulations to the gonfalonians in the NEOMED Class of 2026, who will graduate Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at E.J. Thomas Hall.
College of Medicine
- Samuel Accordino
- Thomas Cahill
- Nicholas Gehrke
- Matthew Lowery
- Amanda Milo
- Cole Thompson
College of Pharmacy
- Kaylee Ray
College of Graduate Studies
- Bernhard Fassl, M.D., professor, College of Graduate Studies; program director of Global Health and Innovation
Reflections
The students shared their plans for the future and thoughts on their selection:
Samuel Accordino
“This really is a huge honor. I’m proud of myself, but also really grateful to all the people who supported me – my family, my classmates, my partner, my friends and my mentors. I couldn’t be where I am without them. When I started medical school, I didn’t expect to be in this position at the top of the class. Hard work really does pay off.
“I am looking forward to starting residency in child neurology at Lurie Children’s Hospital at Northwestern University. I did an away rotation there and gained a good understanding of the field. I am very excited to match there.”
Thomas Cahill
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named a gonfalonian for the College of Medicine Class of 2026. To be recognized among a particularly bright and talented class of future physicians is a true privilege. I am deeply grateful for the support of my mentors, peers at NEOMED, and my family and friends who have supported me throughout these four years.
“I look forward to carrying these experiences with me as I begin my residency in anesthesiology at The Ohio State University!”
Nicholas Gehrke
“I am extremely grateful to be chosen for this position, especially considering that our class is full of incredibly talented and hard-working physicians.
“After graduation I look forward to beginning my internal medicine residency at UH Geauga. I hope to continue to serve Northeast Ohio via a career in hospital medicine and possibly direct primary care.”
Matthew Lowery
“Being selected as a gonfalonian is a meaningful honor and a reflection of the support I’ve received throughout medical school.
“As I begin my anesthesiology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, I’m excited to build on the foundation NEOMED has provided. I’m grateful for the mentors, peers and experiences that made this journey and achievement possible.”
Amanda Milo
“I am truly humbled and honored to be named a gonfalonian for NEOMED Class of 2026. As a former early assurance medical school applicant, I have been driven by a genuine commitment to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the highest quality of care for the children and families who will one day rely on me as a resident. This effort has ultimately led me to this distinction.
“With the continual support of my incredible family, I am excited to further my education at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and grow into a well-rounded, empathetic pediatrician and child advocate.”
Cole Thompson
“Being selected as gonfalonian is an incredible honor and one of the accomplishments I'm most proud of. It’s something I set my sights on from the very first day of medical school, and it represents the hard work and dedication of the past four years. At the same time, this recognition isn’t just mine; it reflects the support I’ve been blessed to have throughout this journey. I am so grateful to my parents, grandparents, sister, girlfriend and her family, and my friends for their constant encouragement and sacrifices. I share this honor with them, and I truly couldn’t have done it without them.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to have matched into surgery at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. It means a lot to me to stay in Northeast Ohio and care for the community I grew up in. I’m really looking forward to starting this next chapter and continuing to learn while making a meaningful impact in my patients’ lives.”
Kaylee Ray
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized as this year’s gonfalonian for the College of Pharmacy. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent my peers during Commencement and being part of such a strong and accomplished class makes this recognition especially meaningful.
“Following graduation, I will complete a PGY1 pharmacy residency at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, where I look forward to continuing to advance my clinical skills and work toward my long-term goal of pursuing a career in emergency medicine.”