UVM Commencement carries on without speaker

Burlington, VT – The University of Vermont’s Class of 2024 received their diplomas Sunday, but the graduates did not hear a commencement address.

United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was scheduled to speak at UVM’s 223rd commencement, but her appearance was canceled after student protests against conflict in Gaza.

Despite lacking an official commencement speaker, the Class of 2024 heard words of encouragement from their fellow students, as undergraduate and graduate student leaders took to the stage to offer congratulations.

Olivia Eisenberg, President of UVM’s Student Government Association, and a graduating senior addressed her fellow graduates, and was joined by Ijaz Ul Haq, President of the Graduate Student Senate.

“We have our robust circles of friends and mentors to guide us as we seek to make the world a better place.”

“Let’s cheer for the monumental achievements we celebrate today and for the incredible adventure that awaits us,” added Ul Haq.

University President Suresh Garimella offered his own words of inspiration to the graduates. He noted the difficulty the Class of 2024 has experienced in their academic journey, and the upheaval that has shaped their collegiate experience. He commended their perseverance to continue their studies through the COVID-19 pandemic, despite everything they couldn’t experience.

“You’ve all endured a worldwide pandemic, which was at its height around the time most of you arrived on campus four years ago,” said Garimella. “This class, which lost so many experiences to the pandemic, made a commitment to look out for one another. You understand what it means to act for people.”

The commencement ceremony honored the 3,412 graduates from every undergraduate college and graduate school at UVM. In total, 2,638 students received bachelor’s degrees, 493 received master’s, 133 received doctorates, and 122 received medical degrees.

Several faculty members were presented with awards and emeriti status for their work at UVM, and awards were also conferred to students who displayed outstanding leadership among their peers. President Garimella awarded a posthumous bachelor’s degree to Madie Saltsburg, a 20 year old UVM student who died in a backcountry skiing accident in March.

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