The 222nd Commencement at the University of Vermont (UVM) took place over the weekend. There were an estimated 3,383 graduates, including 2,645 bachelors, 223 of which were from the Grossman School of Business (GSB). As well there were 493 masters graduates, 20 from GSB’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program and 45 students from the Sustainable Innovation MBA program class of 2022. 

UVM Commencement Ceremony 

It was a festive weekend full of activities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The main UVM Commencement took place on the University Green on Sunday, May 21, 2023. UVM President Suresh Garimella addressed all graduates: "Each of you has a compelling story ahead of you – and the skills and tools to live it with confidence. And so I say to you, UVM Class of 2023: Go forth and write your next chapter in bold strokes. Bring those invisible words to life on the page and dauntlessly go wherever your stories take you." 

The Honorable Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), offered an inspirational keynote address: "It's a day of victory - victory with all the challenges, all the obstacles ... you persisted, you persevered, and here you are. You're victorious." 

Dr. Panchanathan received honorary degrees along with two other distinguished individuals, Michele Cohen ’72 and Dr. Mark Levine, followed by a special presentation of special student awards and the much awaited turning of the tassel and official conferral of all degrees. 

GSB Celebration 

After the UVM Commencement Ceremony, GSB held its own celebration at The Flynn Center for the Arts to recognize the business school graduates and present diplomas. Acting Dean Barb Arel introduced the undergraduate student speaker, Hunter Wimble ‘23, a role that by default goes to the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award for Academic Excellence and Overall Achievement at the annual Honors Day Celebration. Hunter graduated summa cum laude in top 1% of his graduating class, became a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, and was a valued member of the UVM Men’s club lacrosse and club hockey teams.  

Robin Tauck ‘77, a philanthropist and third-generation co-owner of a long-standing travel company, was the guest speaker for GSB’s celebration. Robin is a third generation co-owner and former president and CEO of Tauck Inc., a luxury travel company started by her grandfather in 1925 in New England and Eastern Canada. She is a marketing graduate of UVM’s business school and was honored with a UVM Legacy of Leadership award in 2000. Robin spoke about her experience running a travel company that encountered many challenges, such as the pandemic and complete shutdown of borders during that time. She also talked about her own personal journey along with the top five journeys ever to inspire the students on their journeys. 

At the presentation of diplomas, all graduates walked across stage one by one. Each shook the hands of faculty and Dean Arel and received their diploma. "Commencement is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of students at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate our 2023 graduates for reaching this significant milestone,” said Arel. “This remarkable Class of 2023 has persevered through many challenges these last few years. We are very proud of your accomplishments and look forward to you all building careers that will help change the world.”  

Following the GSB celebration, families and friends joined their grads at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain for food, photos, and fun.  

Graduate Degrees

GSB’s MAcc program held their celebration on Friday evening, followed by the Graduate College celebration on Saturday.

Congrats to all the grads! Best wishes in your future endeavors. No doubt you’ll shine a light on the world. Keep in touch, and we hope to see you again sometime!