Academics People and Community

Special Report: 2021 Commencement

Commencement will take place in person this week from May 12 through May 14, with seven ceremonies planned to celebrate new graduates. Get more details about the events and read about the special guest speakers.
Sebastian the Ibis poses in front of the U statue wearing Commencement regalia.

Commencement Information


Commencement Highlights 

May 17, 2021: Watch the highlights of the 2021 commencement ceremonies - Nearly 3,800 students were awarded degrees during the University’s first in-person commencement ceremonies since 2019, with many participating in the events at Hard Rock Stadium. Relive the sights and sounds of the momentous occasion.

May 14, 2021: Commencement speakers applaud persistence in the face of hardship - Three honorary degree recipients who know adversity told hundreds of undergraduates at Friday’s commencement ceremonies that their proven ability to overcome obstacles will serve them well.

May 13, 2021: Student-athletes earn degrees from Miami - Thirteen of the University of Miami's athletic programs were represented during Spring 2021 commencement, led by the football team with 13 graduates.

May 13, 2021: Speakers advise graduate students to embrace the uncertainty - Thursday’s graduate commencement ceremonies featured speakers who recognized the pandemic’s grip on the world and urged graduates to thrive during this period of volatility and encouraged them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

May 13, 2021: Resilience, persistence, and achievement highlighted at Miller School of Medicine commencement - A number of speakers applauded the new graduates, urging them to embrace the challenges ahead and provide exceptional care to future patients.

May 13, 2021: Congratulate and celebrate our employee grads - Among the thousands of students finishing another chapter of their academic careers this spring, a number of University employees will also graduate. In recognition of their accomplishments, we’re highlighting several and sharing their advice to colleagues who are considering going back to school.

May 12, 2021: School of Law honors its newest legal eagles - At the first in-person commencement exercise at the University of Miami since 2019, hundreds of University of Miami School of Law graduates accepted newly minted degrees and celebrated the close of an academic year that included lessons in resiliency and adaptability.

May 11, 2021: Annual African rite of passage celebrates Black graduates - Tierini Hodges-Murad, a life coach and double alumna of the University of Miami, offered words of wisdom to graduating students at this year’s Senior Mwambo Ceremony.

May 7, 2021: Lavender Celebration honors 2021 graduatesThe seventh annual event recognized LGBTQIA+ students virtually with performances, awards, and a keynote speech from award-winning Broadway and film producer Jayne Baron Sherman.

May 2, 2021: Changemakers steer graduates into the future - Seven luminaries who have bettered our world with their ideas, passions, expertise, talent, and humanity will share their advice with the Class of 2021 during commencement ceremonies at Hard Rock Stadium next week. Learn about the speakers.


Student Stories

Jordan Rhodes
School of Law commencement student speaker has sea change year

Jordan Rhodes—who served as president of the Student Bar Association and as the student trustee for the University of Miami Board of Trustees—is graduating from the School of Law and is headed to California to join Pillsbury Winthrop, an international and full-service law firm focusing on the technology and media, energy, financial, and real estate and construction sectors.

Descendant of Miami Law's First Two Deans to Become Coast Guard Attorney
Descendant of School of Law's first two deans to become Coast Guard attorney

Tanner Stiehl, the great-great-grandson and great-grandson of the University of Miami School of Law’s first two deans, is set to accept his J.D. and LL.M. in maritime law during the May 12 commencement ceremony.

Kay-Ann Henry
Student focuses research on Obeah, a religion used by Jamaican slaves

As part of the Library Research Scholars Program, Kay-Ann Henry, a University senior, presented her project on the system of belief used by certain Caribbean people.

Student makes an impact in the fight against COVID-19
Student makes an impact in the fight against COVID-19

James Lai, a senior biomedical engineering major, used his skills to create 3D-printed nasal swabs and respiratory adaptors for front-line health care workers battling the coronavirus.

The 8-Step Job Search Toolkit is an interactive digital workbook that guides University of Miami students through every step of the process. Photo: TJ Lievonen/University of Miami
Need a job? Toppel offers help to graduating students

A new 8-Step Job Search Toolkit launched by the career center may help soon-to-be graduates start the hunt with a host of links to web tools.



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