BURLINGTON, Vt. - Two-time Olympic medalist cross-country skier Ben Ogden '22 will deliver a special guest address at UVM's 225th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16. A fourth-generation Vermonter, Ogden grew up in Landgrove, Vt. He graduated from UVM in 2022 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

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UVM President Dr. Marlene Tromp will deliver the traditional address to the graduates as she presides over her first commencement since taking leadership of the university last summer.

"Commencement is one of the most amazing days of the year—a culmination of so much work on the parts of our students, faculty, and staff, and I am thrilled to celebrate with our degree recipients, their families and friends," Tromp said. "It is the launch of a new era of impact for our graduates, and we look forward to seeing all the ways that they will go out into the world and boldly make their mark."

Ogden will be introduced by Interim Provost Linda Schadler, who was his academic advisor and dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences during his time as a student at UVM.

"I remember Ben as funny, hard-working, and fun," Schadler said. "The way he balanced his academics with his athletic commitments was really impressive."

Ogden earned two silver medals in cross-country skiing events at the Cortina Winter Games, becoming the first Catamount to score multiple podium spots at an Olympics. Ogden's silver in the February 10 men's sprint broke a 50-year medal drought for the national XC ski team, making him the first U.S. man to medal in any cross-country event since Vermont native Bill Koch won silver at the 1976 Winter Olympics, in Innsbruck, Austria. Eight days later, on Feb. 18, Ogden and his teammate, Gus Schumacher, earned silver in the men's cross-country team sprint.

Ben was a three-time National Champion at Vermont and is ranked within the top 10 in the world for sprinting. In addition to the Olympics, he has represented his country in two World Championships, holds numerous top ten results at World Cups and three World Cup podiums.

This year's UVM Commencement will feature a format change from years past: The main ceremony will be held on the university green on Saturday, May 16, instead of the traditional Sunday. Individual school and college ceremonies will be held on campus and at the Champlain Valley Expo Center.

Full details and updates can be found on the UVM Commencement website at www.uvm.edu/commencement.