The Countdown to Commencement Is On

Photo collage showcasing photos of two seniors getting hands-on experience before they graduate in 2018 against a backdrop of spotlights with #UML2018

05/11/2018
By University Relations Staff

As Commencement draws near, we checked in with our soon-to-be graduates. They've made the most of their time here, in the classrooms and research labs, at internships and co-op jobs, on sports teams and in student clubs. They’ve prepared themselves for their next steps, through hands-on learning opportunities like running therapy sessions, teaching schoolchildren about the environment or working with people recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

Now, our seniors are ready to make their mark on the world, whether they pursue graduate education or launch their careers. Below, they share some of their stories and the lessons they learned along the way.

  • The class of 2018 share their legacy and lessons learned after four years. Watch more grads in action

Student Speakers


Two students are selected from a crowd of applicants to deliver speeches before thousands of proud grads and their families, university administrators and faculty.

Larry Siegel, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and University Events, and Chancellor Jacquie Moloney with three honored student award winners at the 2017 Commencement Eve Celebration

The 11th Annual Commencement Eve Celebration

Friday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Join us for Commencement Eve, a time when the entire university community comes together to celebrate the important achievements of the year. Honorary degree recipients, speakers, distinguished alumni and talented students are honored during this elegant event. Learn more and get tickets

Meet Some of Our Graduating Students

See more
  • Arielle Joasil
    Arielle Joasil
    Electrical Engineering

    Electrical engineering major Arielle Joasil discovered a gold mine of opportunities at UML, including a co-op at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a fellowship at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and a research assistant role at UML’s Center for Advanced Computation and Telecommunications.

  • Coral Gonzalez
    Coral Gonzalez
    Nursing

    Coral Gonzalez set her sights on becoming a nurse after she was hospitalized in middle school. The Honors College student won one of the first Oprah Winfrey Scholarships to help her succeed.

  • Rachel Sullivan
    Rachel Sullivan
    Music Education

    Music studies major Rachel Sullivan discovered more than a way to earn money through her campus job with Transportation Services. She also found a genuine camaraderie that has enriched her college experience.

  • Biar Kon
    Biar Kon
    Business Administration

    Biar Kon grew up in refugee camps in Kenya. Now he gives back to the city’s refugee community through his work with the International Institute of New England.

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