The University of Texas at Dallas will hold a new All-University Commencement ceremony this spring — an event that will bring new graduating students and recent alumni together to celebrate their achievements.
The outdoor ceremony, led by UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson on Sunday, May 15, will feature a procession of graduates, a keynote address by John Olajide BS’04, entertainment and fireworks.
“An all-university commencement ceremony is something that I have participated in and enjoyed every place that I have worked or studied. The same is true for all of the universities where my children went to school,” said Benson, the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership. “For the graduating students, there is a particular joy in having all of one’s friends gathered together for a grand celebration of shared achievement. That joy spills over to the family and friends, and also sends the message to the faculty and staff that what we do here matters — a lot.”
The ceremony, whose theme is “Bright Futures Ahead,” will be held on the south side of campus, at the University Roundabout, near the Naveen Jindal School of Management. The venue, which will provide a scenic backdrop of the UT Dallas campus, will have about 5,000 seats available for graduates and their guests.
Many Comets who earned their degrees in summer and fall of 2021 will join this spring’s graduates in the festivities.
Rena Piper BA’16, director of university events, said input from previous graduates helped drive the establishment of the all-campus event, which is expected to be held annually.
All-University Commencement
Schedule
6:15 p.m.: Assembly of graduates
6:30 p.m.: Music by UT Dallas Brass Ensemble
7 p.m.: Start of procession
8:30 p.m.: Fireworks
8:45 p.m.: Farewell party
Social media: Comets can email their graduation photos to socialmedia@utdallas.edu for possible inclusion in UT Dallas’ commencement coverage. Also, tag the images with #utdgrad on Twitter and Instagram.
“Our surveys showed that there were two main requests regarding graduation: Students wanted to graduate together, and they wanted to bring more people,” she said. “This is a way to do just that. Everyone can celebrate at one place at one time, and they can bring whomever they want, while still having those intimate, customized school ceremonies.”
Olajide, founder and CEO of Axxess, a Dallas-based technology company that streamlines operations for health care agencies, will deliver the keynote address. A distinguished alumnus of the University, he also is co-chair of New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas, a $750 million fundraising campaign that promises to have a transformative effect on students and programs across the University.
Large LED video screens will be set up so every audience member can see and participate. Graduating students will be given brightly lit wristbands that will be seen as they wave their caps near the end of the ceremony, in what will be called the “Comet Wave.” The ceremony will conclude with fireworks.
Participants also are invited to join an after-party event, featuring the funk band Scary Pockets.
“I am very excited,” Benson said. “With inspiring speeches, music, fireworks, a beautiful outdoor setting, and what we hope will be beautiful Texas spring weather, this should become a cherished tradition for all future graduating classes from UT Dallas.”
Individual recognition of graduates will continue throughout the week at school commencement ceremonies, which begin Monday, May 16.
