UM to Honor Graduates at Dec. 17 Fall Commencement

MISSOULA – A new cohort of Griz graduates will gather at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the Adams Center for the University of Montana’s Fall Commencement Ceremony.

More than 1,190 students across all UM departments are eligible as fall and summer 2022-degree candidates, up 100 from last year. Those students persevered through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing academic environments to arrive at the graduation stage.

“Commencement celebrates students’ achievements and their transition to becoming proud members of the Griz alumni family,” UM Registrar Maria Mangold said. “UM’s graduating class overcame numerous and historically unique challenges. Their resilience and fortitude will serve them well in their future endeavors.”

Office for Disability Equity Director Amy Capolupo, who herself received a Master of Social Work degree from UM, will address degree candidates and their loved ones as Fall Commencement’s featured speaker.

“The opportunity to celebrate our student successes and speak on behalf of all of the staff and faculty who have educated, supported and nurtured our students is truly an honor,” Capolupo said. “Students, please know that even if you don’t realize it, your presence here made a positive impact, you are appreciated and we are optimistic about all you will achieve.”

The ceremony also will include a special posthumous Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters presentation to iconic alumna Emma Lommasson, who served 58 years as a UM student, teacher, staff member and the University’s first female interim registrar. After retiring in 1977, Lommasson continued volunteering with the University and maintained lifelong friendships until her death in 2019 at age 107.

Commencement guests do not need tickets to attend the ceremony. Parking will be free, and all stalls marked reserved are open to attendees.

This year’s Fall Commencement is the first to employ audio descriptions. Guests in need of other accessibility accommodations can email Brandon Kress in the Adams Center at brandon.kress@mso.umt.edu or call 406-243-5357. Visit the Accessibility and Special Accommodations page for more information.

Loved ones who are unable to attend commencement in person can livestream the event on the Fall 2022 Commencement website.

For more information about Fall Commencement, visit: https://bit.ly/UMfallGrad22 or email questions to commencement@umontana.edu.

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Contact: Maria Mangold, UM registrar, 406-243-2412, maria.mangold@mso.umt.edu; Sarah Corbin, UM budget and events coordinator, 406-243-2939, sarah.corbin@umontana.edu.