support@headlinenews360.com
Last Updated:
The man used to do overnight shifts and take care of his son during the day.
The father-son duo was dressed in matching blue gowns. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
A student of the University at Buffalo breached security to collect his graduation certificate with his infant son. The moment, which has now gone viral on social media, unfolded when all the graduates gathered at the university’s Alumni Arena for the convocation ceremony last Sunday. Jean Paul Al Arab, who studied criminology, had promised his son that they would go on stage together to collect his degree. The university officials, however, opposed his plans and asked Al Arab not to take his son with him due to security concerns.
The father ignored every warning to fulfil his promise. After his name was announced, Al Arab, carrying his son on his lap, rushed past the security personnel and stepped up on the commencement stage to collect his diploma.
“I ran, that’s what I did. I had to. I promised him I was gonna walk with him on the stage,” Al Arab told WGRZ. Both the father-son duo were dressed in matching blue gowns and the same-coloured caps.
The audience certainly loved the gesture as they appreciated Al Arab with a huge round of applause. When the father was on his way to the stage, police tried to stop him. He, however, defied all the odds to create the special moment.
NEW: 2025 University of Buffalo graduate chased on stage by police while holding a baby pic.twitter.com/4j0K32u2f4— I Came, I Saw, They died 🇺🇸📢🇺🇸 (@4ortunefame) May 21, 2025
Sharing his experience, Al Arab revealed that the university initially allowed him to take his son with him. But, the authority later changed its decision for security. “During a prep class for commencement, I asked if I could walk with my baby, and they told me it was fine,” Al Arab said in a TikTok post.
“When the time came, they tried to stop me and even called the police. They tried to escort me out, but honestly, the only reason they let me go was because of all of you who cheered and supported me,” he added.
When asked about the incident, the University at Buffalo said in a statement, “Commencement rules are in place for the safety of all those in attendance and to avoid disruptions in the venue, ensuring each graduate is equally provided with a well-deserved moment to individually cross the stage and be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments at UB,” as per WGRZ.
As shared by Al Arab, he used to do overnight shifts and take care of his son during the day on his graduation days. Despite these challenges, he completed a full-time course at the SUNY campus. His graduation was completed last year, but the certificate distribution was pending.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
