Donna E. Shalala, president of the University of Miami, and Shelton G. Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music shook hands with over 125 undergraduate music students as they crossed the stage at the UM BankUnited Center to receive their baccalaureate diplomas on Friday, May 8 for degrees in performance, music therapy, music engineering, music education, and more. Over 700 other grads from the UM School of Architecture, School of Communication, School of Education and Human Development, School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and School of Nursing and Health Studies were awarded diplomas during the same ceremony.
Professor Gary Green, retiring after 22 years as director of bands, received a special citation for his dedicated service and leadership in commissioning and premiering new works for wind ensemble.
During the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony, President Shalala and Dean Berg also awarded an honorary doctorate of music degree to famed singer, songwriter and author Jimmy Buffett. Decked out in sandals given to him by his daughter and wearing commencement regalia he described as “kind of a like a Mardi Gras costume with a purpose,” he delivered a commencement address with a checklist for success in the storytelling style for which he is famous.
Also during the undergraduate ceremony, graduating Frost senior Ana Collado sang the national anthem and the University of Miami's alma mater with the Frost commencement band. Vocal students also sang "In the Steps of Champions" with the band.
Students graduating with master's and doctoral degrees in music received their diplomas at a special Graduate Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 7. Mia Rojas sang the national anthem and Mayuri Vasan sang the alma mater; both graduated with Master's of Music degrees in Vocal Performance.
Honors students received special commendation at the Honors Convocation.
Frost students graduating with juris doctor/master's of music business degrees received their diplomas at the School of Law ceremony. Graduating J.D./M.M. student Julienne Gede opened the ceremony singing the national anthem with Dean Berg accompanying at the piano. The duo also closed the ceremony with a performance of the alma mater with the audience singing along.
Congratulations to all 2015 Frost graduates.
Lyrics to the University of Miami Alma Mater
Southern suns and sky blue water,
Smile upon you Alma mater;
Mistress of this fruitful land,
With all knowledge at your hand,
Always just to honor true,
All our love we pledge to you.
Alma Mater, stand forever
On Biscayne's wondrous shore.
