We are so proud of our graduates! Below you’ll find our coverage of the various Spring 2022 ceremonies as well as an outline of what ceremonies to expect! This page will be updated with photos and features over the next few days.
Be sure to look at UT Dallas’ official graduation website for full and complete details on every event.
Submit your graduation photos to socialmedia@utdallas.edu for possible inclusion in UTD’s commencement coverage.
Live streaming of the events will be available on the UT Dallas YouTube page.
View the digital commencement program.
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony – ATEC Lecture Hall
Hooding Ceremony Speaker: Dr. Rafael Martín
In the hooding, doctoral candidates are celebrated and hooded by their Supervising Professor and Dean on stage.
View the coverage by A&H staff.
The hooding ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube.
All-University Commencement – University Roundabout
Keynote Speaker: John Olajide, BS’04, founder and CEO of Axxess
The All-University Commencement honored the spring class as well as graduates from the preceding fall and summer. The outdoor ceremony, led by the President Richard C. Benson, featured a grand processional, a keynote speaker, entertainment and fireworks.
The commencement was livestreamed on YouTube.
School of Arts and Humanities Graduation – ATEC Lecture Hall
Student Speaker: Ben Wise
Alumni Speaker: Daniella Mestyanek Young
The School of Arts and Humanities Graduation Ceremony recognized graduates and their school classmates individually as they each walked across the stage in the Arts and Technology Lecture Hall.
After the ceremony, all graduates and guests were recessed out to the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center for “Memories on the Mall”, which included photo opportunities and special gifts.
The A&H graduation ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube.
Student Speaker at Commencement
Ben Wise is graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in visual and performing arts and summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in public affairs. He came to UT Dallas from Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been involved in several student organizations including the men’s volleyball club and Comet Opera. He has mentored students as a Gemini Ambassador and as a leader in the Liberal Arts Honors Cohort. He also served as the co-director of Novis, UTD’s premier a cappella group. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies and has made the dean’s list multiple times. He has been a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, and studied art history while abroad in Florence, Italy. He also volunteers his time as a member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus. After graduation, he plans to attend law school.
How has UTD prepared you for the future?
The school’s administration, faculty and staff have shown that they genuinely care about my success, and they have all helped me. Three women in particular have profoundly impacted me and prepared me for my future: [assistant dean of undergraduate studies] Megan Hering, Laura Goldstein [of the Student Success Center] and Dr. Carie King [clinical professor of communication and rhetoric]. I am forever grateful for their leadership and service to UTD.
Have you always had an interest in literature?
My most distinctive memories of childhood consist of completely immersing in the worlds of Nancy Drew, Eragon and his dragon, the “Warrior” cats, “Little Women.” I’ve always cherished reading for pleasure and escapism.
What are some opportunities you’ve had at UTD?
Working at the Writing Center [in the Student Success Center], interning as a Gemini Ambassador and serving as an officer for Sigma Tau Delta. I’ve also served as an officer for a music organization and a swordfighting guild — two clubs that have allowed me to grow as a leader in unconventional outlets.
What are your plans? I am applying and interviewing for a few positions. I envision going back to school for a master’s degree in a year or two, concurrently with my full-time work.