Senator Amy Klobuchar
The Champion’s Lounge at Amsoil Arena has been designated for the media, as it offers the best Vantage point for covering the ceremonies.
(Duluth, MN) – Senator Amy Klobuchar will be the commencement speaker at UMD’s combined baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 16 at Amsoil Arena, 350 Harbor Drive.
The schedule is as follows:
10 a.m. – Graduates and undergraduates from the Labovitz School of Business and Economics (LSBE) and the Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE).
800 graduates and undergraduates are participating in the 10 a.m. ceremony.
3 p.m. – Graduates and undergraduates from the College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP), the School of Fine Arts (SFA), and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).
880 graduates and undergraduates are participating in the 3 p.m. ceremony.
A closer look at the numbers:
The commencement ceremonies will open with the MA-IIN-GAN Singers, a traditional Ojibwe drum group, and will be accompanied by the UMD Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Amy Klobuchar is the first woman elected to represent the State of Minnesota in the United States Senate. Throughout her career in public service, Amy has always embraced the values she learned growing up in Minnesota. She has built a reputation as a commonsense legislator, willing to put partisanship aside to strengthen the economy and support families, workers, and businesses.
Since arriving in the Senate, Amy has worked with democrats and republicans on legislation focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans. She was recently appointed Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee where she brings together senators, businesses, community leaders, policy experts and intergovernmental organizations to help develop policies to strengthen the economy and move the country forward.
As Ranking Senate Member of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the President’s Export Council and the Senate Commerce Committee, Amy has been working to implement a competitive agenda to ensure businesses have the tools they need to grow and create good jobs. She authored legislation to help small businesses tap into new markets abroad, passed a significant amendment aimed at boosting funds for STEM education for American students, and led successful national initiatives to boost American tourism.
Before serving in the Senate, Amy headed the largest prosecutors’ office in Minnesota, prioritizing the prosecution of violent and career criminals. She led the effort for successful passage of Minnesota’s first felony DWI law and received the leadership award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Her safe schools initiative, community prosecution efforts, and criminal justice reforms earned national awards from both the Bush and Clinton Justice Departments.
Amy was the valedictorian of her Wayzata High School class. She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School. She is married to John Bessler, a native of Mankato, who attended Loyola High School and the University of Minnesota. Amy and John have a daughter, Abigail, who is currently in college.
Jacob Froelich
Labovitz School of Business & Economics
Organizational Management BBA &
School of Fine Arts
Theatre BA
Jacob’s dedication to and advocacy for UMD began in the Residential Hall Dining Center when he and a new friend wondered, “How does one get involved on campus?" This conversation initiated his decision to join S.E.R.V.E, Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteer Experiences. Jacob looks back fondly on this fortuitous beginning to a college career brimming with fulfilling experiences and accomplishments. Now preparing to move on from his time at UMD, Jacob has accepted an Implementation Analyst position at SPS Commerce.
Daniel Gala
College of Liberal Arts
Communication BA &
Swenson College of Science & Engineering
Mathematics & Statistics BS
Ten years ago, Daniel migrated to the United States with his family and spoke no English. He was accepted to UMD on a provisional basis due to his low ACT score, shaky GPA, and questionable English fluency. Daniel is proud to share that this initial opportunity from UMD led to four years of academic achievement and success. He is a two time Harry Oden scholarship recipient (2013 and 2014), the 2014 Raymond Darland All-American scholarship recipient, the 2014 Virginia Katz scholarship recipient, the 2014 Association for Tutoring Professions Outstanding Tutor, and was awarded runner-up status for the Top Collegiate Tutor in the nation. This fall, Daniel will continue his excellent academic career as he begins his Communicology graduate studies at the University of Hawaii Mano.
Choose appearance:
[ Desktop
| Mobile friendly ]
UMD News Releases