Secret to a successful commencement: staff volunteers with big smiles

The stars of Commencement are the students, who beam in their caps and gowns as proud family and friends cheer them on. The behind-the-scenes volunteers who help them shine don’t end up in nearly as many photos, but their jobs are critical for keeping the crowd happy and making sure the big day runs smoothly. This year, around 75 staff members pitched in for Commencement 2025. Pictured above: between ceremonies, volunteers celebrate volunteer leader Mary Perrodin-Singh’s birthday.

In 2019, the Provost’s office took over the mammoth task of putting on commencement, working closely with other units in the university to ensure a successful celebration. This year, Paige Franklin, ’91 & G’95, Tiffanee Barnes, ’97, and Davina Kwong Yu co-chaired the Commencement team, working with four top-notch volunteer leaders. Mary Perrodin-Singh was responsible for overseeing the entire volunteer team. The decked-out faculty looked their best due to Reut Beckman, who oversaw the faculty lineup and robing room. The power duo, Erin Land Brown ’03 & G-’06, and Tramarvious “Dee” Hosley ’20 & G-’22, were responsible for student check-in, line-up, and seating arrangements for the graduating students.

As soon as the dust settled on 2024’s commencement festivities, this team met in June to start their planning and training for 2025. More volunteer leaders joined as time got closer to commencement, with day-of volunteers attending informational meetings and rehearsals during the week of the big day. 

Crowd management, in one form or another, is largely what volunteers do: in the basement, volunteers assist students to check in and line up in order for the processional. On stage, ushers ensure students go on when it’s their turn and know where to exit and sit down again. Other volunteers welcome guests, assist with seating, strollers, and directions to the bathrooms.

And yes, sometimes they have to politely encourage guests to return to their seats if they are blocking pathways needed for the graduates. First time volunteer, Aparna Lele, ’98 & G-’19, Operations Manager with Center for Deaf Health Equity, held this role and said, “It’s nice to be in a different environment. I enjoy being around the students, and I feel inspired that they are graduating today. It’s a nice change for me.”

Coordinator of Youth Programs Alison O’Hara, ’15, wasn’t sure what to expect because it was her first year volunteering at commencement. But she says it was a lot of fun to wrangle the students. She helped ensure that they were in the right order and released them to make their march upstairs for the processional. “There’s such good energy – it feels good to celebrate and congratulate them, and to help out where I can,” says O’Hara.

Joshua Miller, ’10, Mental health counselor in Counseling and Psychological Services, has worked in various commencement volunteer roles over the years, but enjoys the ones where he can interact with students the most. He says he likes to help out because he feels rooted in Gallaudet. He says, “I enjoy working with other people; there may be new people I haven’t met yet, and this is a way I can meet them. I like to be visible, and I like to get to know community members here.”

Amy Malm, Associate Dean of the University Library and Archives, has volunteered with ticketing in the lobby for the past three years, which she says can be a bit hectic, but she enjoys the energy. This team manages tickets and directs guests to translation and accessibility services. Malm notes that the same group of people tend to volunteer in similar roles each year, so they are already familiar with one another, with their responsibilities, and what to expect. This helps things run smoothly. “Sometimes people show up that day and say they can help, so we can pair them with someone who already knows what’s going on,” she says.

Another veteran on the ticketing team was Research Administrator Lucy Upah, G-’15, who has volunteered for the past four years. “I really enjoy it! People are so happy – they have achieved their goal, they are excited, and I want to be part of their journey,” says Upah, who especially appreciates seeing the proud visitors’ faces.

Volunteers also assist faculty and stage guests in the robing room, making sure they are properly decked out in their academic regalia, while others may be nowhere near the Field House, directing traffic or parking, or helping set up for receptions.

Working with volunteers, facilities staff play a big part in carrying out commencement. They place floor protectors down in the gym, and bring in and set up the stage and rental chairs. They organize tables and coolers for food and drinks for the volunteers. The lobby set up, including tables and signage, is thanks to the facilities team as well. 

But Executive Director of Campus Services, Kwong Yu is quick to share credit. As she noted in her thank you email: “From the earliest planning stages to the final chair stacked, it took hundreds of hands and hearts to bring the day to life. Whether you were there in person or supporting quietly behind the scenes — your efforts mattered. You made it happen.”