Graduation is a pivotal moment in a student’s life, a day of celebration and pride.
But at Thomas Jefferson University’s recent nursing commencement ceremony, a series of name mispronunciations turned the event into a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons.
The Graduation Ceremony
The Event Details
On May 9, 2024, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia held a commencement ceremony for its nursing students.
The event, meant to honor the hard work and achievements of the graduates, took an unexpected turn due to a series of name mispronunciations by the presenter.
The person tasked with calling out the graduates’ names struggled significantly.
Names like Maeve Elizabeth Brostoski, Sarah Virginia Brennan, and Victoria Elizabeth Bruce were badly butchered, causing confusion and amusement among attendees.
Even simpler names were not spared.
The presenter mispronounced common names like Thomas, leading to widespread disbelief and laughter among the crowd.
The Mispronunciations
The errors were glaring.
- Maeve Elizabeth Brostoski was announced as “May V. Lee Zubeth Brotoski.”
- Sarah Virginia Brennan became “Syer Ovoon Jean June Breenun.”
- Victoria Elizabeth Bruce was pronounced as “Victoria Lee Zubithruss.”
These were not isolated incidents.
Names such as Jessica, Allison, Sarah, Louise, Virginia, Stephanie, Maeve, Molly, and Elizabeth were all mispronounced.
The most surprising error was the name Thomas, which was mispronounced as “Tha-mo-may.”
Audience members, graduates, and their families were both shocked and amused by these mistakes.
The viral nature of these blunders turned the ceremony into an unintended comedy.
The Viral Video
The TikTok Sensation
@dailymail A presenter got several graduates’ names COMPLETELY wrong during Thomas Jefferson University’s graduation ceremony – and the clip is going viral. #college #graduation #university #viral #fail #fypage ♬ original sound – Daily Mail
The mispronunciations were captured on video by @colleenb415 and shared on TikTok.
The video quickly gained traction, racking up nearly 8 million views and 16,000 comments within a day.
It was shared across multiple social media platforms, amplifying its reach.
The reactions to the video were mixed.
While some found the situation hilarious, others were astonished by the severity of the mispronunciations.
The viral nature of the video brought significant attention to the graduation ceremony.
The individuals who recorded the video couldn’t help but laugh at the errors.
The humorous mispronunciations, such as “Milena Zabeth Cop” for Molly Elizabeth Camp, made the video an instant hit on social media.
Social Media Reactions
The social media response was swift and varied.
Many speculated about the reasons behind the mispronunciations.
Some suggested that the presenter was reading phonetic spellings, while others joked about the possibility of a personal vendetta against names.
Comments ranged from humorous to critical.
One Twitter user pointed out the irony of mispronouncing “Thomas” at Thomas Jefferson University.
Another comment humorously suggested that the presenter had made the graduation “entertaining.”
The viral moment even caught the attention of comedian Jimmy Fallon, who joked about the incident on his late-night show.
Fallon quipped, “She did the impossible, she made a graduation entertaining.”
University’s Response
Official Apology
In response to the incident, Thomas Jefferson University issued an apology.
The university emphasized the importance of correctly honoring each graduate’s name on such a significant day.
“This ceremony is a celebration of the significant achievements of our students, and each graduate deserves to have their name honored correctly on this pivotal day,” the university stated.
They acknowledged the disappointment caused by the mispronunciations.
The apology extended to graduates and their families, highlighting the respect and value the university places on their accomplishments.
The statement was also posted on social media to reach a broader audience.
Explanation of the Error
The university clarified that the mispronunciations were due to phonetic spellings on the speaker’s cards.
During the ceremony, the presenter apologized, saying, “My apologies for the phonetic spelling or pronunciation of the names that was on the cards. I would have been better just reading from the book. My apologies, graduates.”
This explanation aimed to clear up any misunderstandings and assure the public that the errors were unintentional.
The university reiterated its commitment to respecting its graduates.
The university’s apology and explanation were intended to mitigate the backlash and restore confidence in their commencement procedures.
Media and Public Backlash
Social Media Roasting
The backlash on social media was significant.
Many users roasted the university for its inability to pronounce “Thomas” correctly, given that the institution’s name is Thomas Jefferson University.
Parents and graduates expressed their frustration online.
One parent commented, “As a parent, I would be [mad] if it was my kids.”
The criticism was widespread and intense, reflecting the public’s disappointment.
Despite the negative reactions, some found humor in the situation.
A tweet read, “Hysterical!! Glad our profs know what they’re doing!!”
The mixed reactions highlighted the diverse perspectives on the incident.
Mainstream Media Coverage
The incident caught the attention of major media outlets that covered the story extensively, adding to the public discourse surrounding the graduation mishap.
Articles highlighted the mispronunciations and the university’s subsequent apology.
The coverage emphasized the viral nature of the incident and its impact on the graduates and their families.
The widespread media attention further amplified the incident, bringing it into the national spotlight and sparking discussions on the importance of name pronunciation at formal events.
Impact on Graduates
Mixed Reactions
The graduates themselves had varied reactions to the mispronunciations.
Some laughed as they approached to take their diplomas, while others looked confused and attempted to correct the presenter.
Thomas Michael Canevari Jr., whose name was butchered as “Tha-mo-may,” expressed frustration during the ceremony.
His reaction highlighted the emotional impact of the errors.
In the long term, graduates reflected on the incident with a mix of humor and disappointment.
The mispronunciations became a memorable, albeit unintended, part of their graduation experience.
Family and Friends’ Perspective
Family members and friends of the graduates also felt the impact of the mispronunciations.
For many, the errors detracted from the significance of the day.
Parents expressed their disappointment online, emphasizing the importance of correctly honoring their children’s achievements.
The emotional toll of the incident was evident in their reactions.
Despite the disappointment, some families found humor in the situation.
The mixed responses reflected the varied ways people coped with the unexpected turn of events.
Lessons Learned and Future Precautions
University’s Commitment to Improvement
In the wake of the incident, Thomas Jefferson University committed to improving its procedures to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
The university acknowledged the need for better handling of name pronunciation at commencement ceremonies.
Potential changes include reviewing the process for phonetic spellings and ensuring presenters are better prepared.
These steps aim to enhance the accuracy and respectfulness of future ceremonies.
The university’s commitment to improvement reflects its dedication to honoring its graduates appropriately and maintaining the integrity of its commencement events.
Broader Implications
The incident at Thomas Jefferson University underscores the broader importance of cultural sensitivity and accuracy in public events.
Correct name pronunciation is a crucial aspect of respecting individuals’ identities.
Graduations, in particular, are significant milestones that deserve careful attention to detail.
The mispronunciations serve as a reminder of the need for meticulous planning and execution in such ceremonies.
The broader implications of the incident highlight the value of names and the respect that comes with pronouncing them correctly.
It is a lesson for institutions and individuals alike.
Additional Anecdotes and Comparisons
Similar Incidents
The Thomas Jefferson University commencement debacle is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident.
Mispronunciations at graduations have made headlines in the past, with some presenters struggling with unfamiliar names or even refusing to attempt certain pronunciations altogether.
These incidents serve as reminders of the ongoing need for cultural sensitivity training and the importance of taking the time to learn and respect each graduate’s name.
Positive Notes
Amidst the frustration and disappointment, some graduates and their families managed to find a silver lining in the situation.
The shared experience of the mispronunciations became a bonding moment for the class of 2024, a humorous anecdote they could laugh about together in the years to come.
Moreover, the incident has brought much-needed attention to an often overlooked issue.
By sparking conversations about the importance of name pronunciation and cultural sensitivity, the Thomas Jefferson University commencement blunders may ultimately lead to positive changes in the way such ceremonies are conducted in the future.
In the end, while the class of 2024’s graduation may not have gone as planned, their experience has the potential to make a lasting impact on the way universities approach these milestone events.
By learning from these mistakes and prioritizing respect for each graduate’s identity, institutions can ensure that future commencements are celebrated for all the right reasons.
Conclusion
The mispronunciations at Thomas Jefferson University’s graduation ceremony turned a day of celebration into a viral sensation.
While the incident sparked humor and criticism, it also highlighted the importance of correct name pronunciation in honoring graduates’ achievements.
The university’s response and commitment to improvement reflect its dedication to respecting its students.
As future ceremonies approach, the lessons learned from this incident will hopefully ensure a more accurate and respectful celebration of students’ accomplishments.
Ultimately, the event serves as a reminder of the power of names and the significance of pronouncing them correctly, especially on such pivotal days in students’ lives.