Academics People and Community

Special Report: Commencement 2024

Commencement will take place from May 9 through May 11, with seven ceremonies planned to celebrate more than 4,300 new graduates from the University of Miami. Get more details about the events, read about the special guest speakers, and follow for updated coverage.
A photograph of the December 2023 Commencement ceremony held at the Watsco Center on the Coral Gables Campus
Ceremonies will be held at the Watsco Center on the Coral Gables Campus. Photo: Mike Montero/University of Miami

Commencement Information


Commencement Ceremonies

May 11, 2024: Celebrating the achievements of the newest legal minds —Graduates from the School of Law were treated to an inspiring commencement ceremony, as the speakers delivered powerful life lessons designed to motivate and uplift law school graduates.

May 11, 2024: Medical degrees presented to Miller School graduates — More than 200 students received their degrees during ceremonites at the Watsco Center.

May 10, 2024: Undergraduates bask in the spotlight of commencement An eclectic mix of featured speakers evoked poetry, cultural understanding, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm in sending off newly minted graduates into a world that has many challenges they must face.

May 9, 2024: Graduates celebrate a new beginning — In two commencement exercises for graduate students Thursday, featured speakers urged students to persist in their pursuits, be compassionate, and exercise “your best, most thoughtful effort” to thrive in society.


Commencement Highlights 

May 10, 2024: Student-athletes earn degrees at spring commencement — Graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded to 80 Miami Hurricanes.

May 9, 2024: Visit the sights of the commencement ceremonies — View engaging photos from commencement ceremonies held at the Watsco Center on the Coral Gables Campus.

May 6, 2024: Notable speakers to address University of Miami graduates Seven distinguished individuals will take the stage during spring 2024 commencement exercises honoring baccalaureates, doctoral and master’s degree recipients, and law and medical graduates.

April 5, 2024: Jumping into the job huntToppel Career Center experts offer students some pointers about searching for their first post-college position.

March 15, 2024: The envelopes, please: Match Day 2024The Miller School of Medicine Class of 2024 earned a 100 percent placement rate at Match Day 2024, with 196 students matched in 24 specialties across the country’s top-tier institutions.


Student Stories

Juan Fernando Flechas Beltran

One graduate’s journey

After suffering a life-altering accident that paralyzed him, Juan Beltran found success in recovery and academic and community pursuits.

Terri Rauschenbach

Frost School provided ‘endless musical laboratories to experiment in’

Terri Rauschenbach, a member of the Stamps Brass Quintet, has also performed with the Florida Grand Opera and Palm Beach Symphony.

Jaelen Phillips

Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips tackled many hurdles to earn his degree

The California native returned to the University of Miami to complete his degree after being drafted in 2021.

Casey Medina
Finding her life’s calling

Casey Medina decided to enroll in the School of Nursing and Health Studies Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program after working for the school since 2019.

Dallas Bennett

“UM has provided me with an unparalleled academic experience that intertwines classwork with real world experiences … This university has helped me mature and to realize my full potential before going into the real world and building a life for myself.” — Dallas J. Bennett, Student Government Supreme Court Chief Justice 

Jordan Brooks

Accomplished graduate student earns dual JD, MD degrees

Jordan Brooks will start his career working at Boston Consulting Group, where he will focus on health care and life science and social impact management consulting.

Mary Simonne Dodge

From Virginia Key to the Philippines

After earning her degree from the Rosenstiel School, Mary Simonne Dodge will begin a two-year deployment with the Peace Corps as a coastal resource manager in the Philippines.

Munir Hafeel

Collaboration ‘truly distinguished my educational experience’

Munir Hafeel found a tight-knit community within the College of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.Emily Goldstein

An advocate for everyone’s mental health

Emily Goldstein, a graduate of the School of Education and Human Development, plans to continue to help others in taking care of their mental health. 

Carolina Camus“The sheer talent and prestige of the professors at UM has allowed me to receive an education that has thoroughly prepared me for all future endeavors.” — Carolina Camus, three-time editor-in-chief of Ibis Yearbook

Nicholas Amadori

Drawn to the School of Architecture’s interdisciplinary mission

Nicholas Amadori feels all that he has learned at the school has made him well-rounded and prepared in his chosen field.Hannah Ship

Caring for the Deaf and hard of hearing

Hannah Ship witnessed the health care struggles the Deaf and hard-of-hearing people experience long before she enrolled at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Caroline Val

Fascinated by journalism

During her years at the University of Miami, Caroline Val has amassed an extensive body of work in her chosen field.

Rebecca Elia“I knew I wanted to attend UM from the moment I toured the campus. The opportunities that the university has to offer is unparalleled, and I knew that it would give me the best foundation to begin my journey.”

Rebecca Elia, chair of Category5 spirit programming board

Logan Beatty

Engineering student Logan Beatty headed to Boston

The Stamps Scholar also earned the distinguished Goldwater Scholarship during his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami.

Sarah Mohammed

I found a true passion for what I was learning’

Sarah Mohammed excelled as a pre-med student in the College of Arts and Sciences and served as the college’s Student Government liaison, helping to foster connections between students and faculty.

Kyle Pearson

Building relationships through business education

Kyle Pearson's journey through the Miami Herbert Business School exemplifies how a vibrant educational environment can shape a student's aspirations and career trajectory.

Morgan Ogden“UM has helped me grow as a person and as a professional. From the industry connections to the professional experiences I’ve gained, I can continue on my professional journey with confidence in my abilities.” — Morgan Ogden, president of USPORT

 

Sarah Petit

Karma a driving force for senior

Sarah Petit won the Toppel Career Center’s #BreakThru Award for her commitment to overcoming obstacles.

Derryl Barnes Jr.

Sparkling debut during NBA All-Star Weekend

Derryl Barnes, the recipient of the Oscar Pope Lift Every Voice Fellowship, embraces ‘the opportunity of a lifetime.’