Class of 2022 Honored During Commencement Ceremonies

When many in the Class of 2022 began their degree programs, the challenges that would soon be presented seemed unfathomable.

Through all of it, graduates persevered, achieved much, and joined the Carlson School alumni network at commencement ceremonies held Monday at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

This year’s graduating class included:

• 847 undergraduates receiving Bachelor of Science in Business degrees.
• 700 graduate students from 15 programs, including Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, and Executive MBA; Global Executive MBA (China and Vienna); Global Medical Industry MBA; Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations; Master of Business Taxation; Master of Accountancy; Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Applied Business Analytics; Master of Marketing; Master of Science in Finance, and Master of Science in Supply Chain Management.
• 16 doctoral students receiving PhD degrees in business administration.

This year’s keynote speaker, Minnesota Golden Gophers’ head football coach P.J. Fleck, told the graduates to be authentically themselves, have an elite compass, and have dreams that scare them.

“Fail, grow and learn; or fail quit, and get past,” Fleck said during his first-ever commencement address. “Embrace failure, the grind, the struggle—that's when growth occurs.”

Throughout their time at the Carlson School, Class of 2022 graduates navigated challenges presented to them by the COVID-19 pandemic while still making an impact that extended beyond the classroom. 

“Your education has been far from ‘normal,’ Dean Sri Zaheer wrote in a letter to graduates. “Some of you went through an entire program amidst a global pandemic while others experienced the Carlson School in the before times and then had to adjust to a new reality. Lessons learned outside the classroom perhaps equaled those learned inside it. Each of you has exhibited resilience in your studies that will serve you well for the rest of your life.”

Two ceremonies were held on May 16: one for graduate students and one for undergraduate students. Selected student speakers were Taylor Tarrolly, ‘22 MHRIR, and Samantha Garza, ‘22 BSB. 

At the undergraduate ceremony, the Tomato Can Loving Cup was awarded for the 94th consecutive year. For the first time in history, it was awarded to two winners: Parthsarthi Mishra and Chike Okonkwo. 

Missed the ceremonies or want to re-live it? Watch the live stream recordings now!