University Of Buffalo Graduation Event
A graduation ceremony at the University of Buffalo took a surprising turn this weekend when a student, holding his baby in his arms, was briefly chased by campus police after running across the commencement stage in an unplanned—and highly unconventional—moment of excitement. The video of the incident has since gone viral, sparking widespread reactions ranging from bewilderment to support.
A Dramatic Dash Across the Stage
The graduate, identified as 24-year-old Jamal Thompson, was not listed in the formal lineup for Sunday’s commencement exercises. However, witnesses say Thompson—wearing full regalia and carrying his infant son—jumped the queue during the conferring of degrees and dashed across the stage with a broad smile, waving to the crowd as the baby gurgled happily in his arms.
Startled by the unscheduled disruption, campus police officers moved quickly to intercept him. What followed was a brief, surreal chase across the back of the stage, captured on multiple phones by friends, family, and confused graduates. The crowd erupted in a mix of laughter, cheers, and gasps.
Security did not physically intervene, but officials did attempt to escort Thompson off the stage, concerned for the baby’s safety and the disruption of the tightly timed ceremony.
The Baby Still Has “Some Credits to Complete”
University officials later clarified that Thompson is, in fact, a legitimate graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, having completed his coursework this past semester. In a statement released Monday, the university addressed the unusual incident with a touch of humor.
“While we do not encourage unscheduled stage appearances—particularly those involving small children and light foot chases—we can confirm that Mr. Thompson has fulfilled all requirements for graduation,” the statement read. “He has since apologized to event organizers and university staff, and we consider the matter resolved. The baby, however, still has a few credits to complete.”
The university’s lighthearted jab at the viral moment drew applause on social media, with commenters praising the school for its good-natured response.
A Statement From the Graduate
Thompson, who later posted a video apology on Instagram, said the moment was not meant to cause chaos or concern but was instead a spontaneous celebration of perseverance. He said he had arrived late due to a childcare issue and didn’t want to miss the symbolic moment of walking across the stage.
“I know it looked wild, and I’m really sorry for interrupting,” he said in the video. “But I’ve worked four hard years for that degree—my son was born in my sophomore year, and we’ve been through a lot together. I just wanted to share that moment with him, and I got a little carried away. Literally.”
He went on to thank the university staff, police officers, and fellow graduates for their understanding—and for “not tackling me.”
Viral Fame and Reactions
The video, which has been viewed over 8 million times across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), has ignited a wide range of reactions. Many praised Thompson for his dedication as a father and student, while others questioned the appropriateness of bringing a baby onto the stage during an official ceremony.
“Parenting while studying is no joke. Let the man have his moment,” wrote one user. “He didn’t hurt anyone. If anything, that baby looked thrilled.”
Others focused on the university’s clever response: “UB’s statement deserves a diploma of its own. ‘The baby still has credits to complete’—iconic.”
A Teachable Moment
Experts say the incident, while unusual, speaks to a broader cultural shift around parenting, education, and public expression.
“This wasn’t just a stunt—it was a symbolic gesture,” said Dr. Melissa Cohen, a professor of sociology specializing in youth and education. “Students who are also parents often feel invisible in higher education spaces. Thompson’s run, however unorthodox, was a declaration: ‘We made it.’”
The university has indicated it has no plans to pursue disciplinary action, and Thompson is expected to receive his diploma later this week, once final processing is complete.
As for his son, Jamal joked in an Instagram caption that he’s “already enrolled in pre-preschool” and “majoring in cuteness.”
While the moment might not have gone exactly according to the commencement script, it’s clear that for one graduate and his baby, it was the walk of a lifetime—complete with a sprint, a surprise, and a whole lot of heart.
