The Kirby Student Center is hosting Kirby Commencement the week of April 18, 2022, offering students a chance to dig a little deeper into their graduation experience in advance of UMD’s official commencement. At the Kirby Commencement, grads can don their regalia, snap a picture with their dean, favorite professor, and friends, and have a moment with those who encouraged them throughout their college career.
The schedule is as follows:
April 18
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jeremy Youde, dean of the College of Arts Humanities and Social Science
April 19
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Jill Pinkney-Pastrana, dean of the College of Education and Human Service Professions
April 20
10 –11 a.m. Corbin Smyth, associate vice chancellor of Student Life
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Praveen Aggarwal, dean of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics
April 21
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wendy Reed, dean of the Swenson College of Science and Engineering
April 22
10 – 11 a.m. Lisa Erwin, Vice Chancellor of Student Life
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chancellor Lendley Black
Why Commence in Kirby?
The first Kirby Commencement was held in 2021during the COVID pandemic. UMD wasn’t able to host an in-person commencement, so Kirby Student Center leadership found a way for graduates to mark their major accomplishment.
“We didn't expect to get the great turnout that we got, and I certainly didn't expect to get multiple requests from deans, staff, and faculty to do it again,” says Erin Olson, Kirby’s student org coordinator. “But since Kirby Student Center is such an integral part of so many students' time here, do it again we must!”
Olson says the 2022 Kirby Commencement photo-friendly enhancements include:
- Selfie and Instagram areas
- Banners from all collegiate units
- UMD Bulldog background
- Flags of origin for the graduating international students
Watch the 2021 Kirby Commencement at the beginning of this video
UMD has two ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2022 at AMSOIL Arena.
The College of Education and Human Service Professions and Labovitz School of Business and Economics ceremony is at 10 a.m.
The College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences and Swensson College of Science and Engineering ceremony is at 3 p.m.