While the end of the spring 2020 academic year looks different in many ways, the University of Miami is celebrating the success of our students who are graduating this semester. The Miller School of Medicine will hold a virtual ceremony on May 9, and commencement exercises for graduates of other schools and colleges have been postponed until the December 2020 formal celebration at the Watsco Center.
Join us in congratulating our students as they take the next step in their education and careers, as they remember their experiences at the U and the friendships they have forged, and as they move forward at a time when the world has been challenged in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. These graduates will carry forward the tradition of resilience and renewal that is the foundation of the University of Miami.
President Julio Frenk’s 2020 end-of-year address
President Julio Frenk congratulates the Class of 2020—whose commencement ceremonies will take place in December—and calls on the entire University of Miami community to look at the bigger picture.
Commencement and Graduation Information
- Degree, diploma information, and more
- Undergraduate and Graduate Spring 2020 program
- Miller School of Medicine Spring 2020 program
- School of Law Spring 2020 program
Student Profiles
Resilient student turns uncertainty into academic strength
Renee Sobaram, a media management major in the School of Communication with a double minor in theater arts and religious studies, vividly remembers the day the course of her life shifted. “It was a journey to get where I am today,” she said.
Flutist honors mentor who showed ‘women what was possible’
Emily Dierickx, who is graduating with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Frost School of Music, wrote her doctoral essay on her mentor, Trudy Kane, who has had an illustrious career with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and at the Frost School.
Graduate expresses gratitude for her Hurricane family
Jenny Hudak, a media management major in the School of Communication, sought a true student body community and found it at the U. “Being a student here showed me why this community is so special,” she said.
Student goes from being a selective freshman to a selfless leader
Senior Anil Dalling made his mark as a member for a host of campus organizations and evolved as a leader during his time at the University.
Architecture graduate wants to design and build inviting structures
Sydney Maubert, a first-generation college student, is credited with having a strong work ethic and passion for design.
Graduating senior makes a lasting impression on UMTV amid pandemic
Ben Ezzy, a broadcast journalism major, has led UMTV’s special programs as both station manager and director for NewsVision—and recently he was the executive director for “COVID-19: A UMTV Special.”
Health science graduate is driven to eradicate health disparities
Cachay Byrd, Iron Arrow Honor Society’s next chief, combines her passion for service and science to expand her career path.
Student who conquered the coronavirus donates blood plasma
Justin Grauer, a senior majoring in legal studies and real estate in the Miami Herbert Business School, tested positive for COVID-19 in March. When he recovered, he donated convalescent plasma to help critically ill coronavirus patients fight the virus.
Veteran completed his degree on the coronavirus front line
Jeffrey Eberhardt, a mechanical engineering major, is a veteran special forces medical sergeant in the military who finished his degree while serving COVID-19 patients in a New York hospital.
Future law student hopes to become ‘effective agent for change’
After completing her undergraduate degree this spring, Daria Pietropaolo will continue her studies at the University of Miami School of Law as part of the 3+3 Dual-Degree Program.
Blackhawk helicopter pilot targets success in nursing
Taylor Skelton graduated from the School of Nursing and Health Studies following a career in the U.S. Army.
Student goes from the football field to finance
For graduating senior Dewayne Washington, the immediate past chief of the Iron Arrow Honor Society, life was always about more than just football.
Couple cherish their memories at the U
University of Miami graduates Remi Petit and Alexander Cohorsky reflect on their favorite undergraduate moments at the U.
Senior discovers ‘what matters’ during undergraduate studies
Keegan Gibson, the organizer of the University of Miami Student Government’s flagship interactive What Matters to U lecture series, discusses his academic journey.
Graduate believes in the power of education to create meaningful lives
During her undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, Bonnie Stright devoted many hours to working with children.
Architecture graduate will soon begin to build his dream career
Kyle Ferry became an ambassador for the School of Architecture, and he would give tours, sit on panels, and act as a mentor to visiting students. Now, his hard work and aspirations are paying off as a job awaits.
Would you like to recognize a graduating student from the University of Miami? Congratulate, encourage, and honor this year's class. Submit your shout-out.
Highlights
Miller School’s virtual commencement celebrates shared achievement
Congratulating the Miller School of Medicine’s 65th graduating class, Dean Henri Ford emphasized the importance of being prepared for the future. “Never before has a class of physicians entered the next phase of their medical career at a time of such great need,” he said. “We are confident that your Miller School education has prepared you for this great challenge.”
Shout-outs: Graduating from the U in 2020
Congratulate, encourage, and honor this year's class. Read shout-outs from members of the University of Miami community to spring 2020 graduates.
49 student-athletes earn degrees from the University of Miami
With thirteen athletic programs represented in the spring graduating class, football leads the way with 12 graduates. "While they may not have the opportunity to walk across the stage at Watsco Center, that doesn't take away from their tremendous accomplishments,” Director of Athletics Blake James said. “I can't wait to see where their life's journey takes them from here."
Two celebrations end the semester on a high note
Senior Mwambo and Lavender Celebration ceremonies will recognize students for their academic and civic accomplishments with virtual observances.
Career expert offers advice to 2020 graduates
Christian Garcia, executive director of the Toppel Career Center, offers advice to students getting ready to enter the job market during this time. “We have to remember it is also temporary, so resiliency is essential in getting through this,” said Garcia.
Celebrate graduation by providing a tassel to a senior
A new ’Canes challenge is asking the University of Miami community to make a small donation to provide a tassel to a graduate—and support emergency student funds and scholarships.
Alumna Gloria Estefan sends her congratulations
The Grammy Award-winning legendary singer, actor, and songwriter shares a congratulatory message with 2020 graduates from the University of Miami.
