AI takes over graduation name calls to fix mispronunciations, students react: 'Getting the ick at my own graduation'

Graduation day is traditionally a moment filled with joy, pride, and a personal touch—especially when students hear their names called out loud, a ceremonial rite of passage marking years of hard work. But at Pace University, a surprising twist changed that experience into something many students described as eerie and impersonal: an AI voice announcing their names.

From Celebration to “The ick” — Students React to AI Announcer
Instead of the warm, human voice that typically calls each graduate to the stage, students at Pace found themselves queuing up to scan barcodes—much like items at a supermarket checkout—as an automated AI voice pronounced their names. The university had notified students in advance, even providing a website where they could phonetically spell their names to ensure accurate AI pronunciation.

While this effort aimed to avoid embarrassing mispronunciations on a landmark day, many graduates felt disconnected from the moment. According to a tweet on X (@ Collin Rugg), one student candidly shared, “Our names are getting read by AI at graduation … getting the ick at my own graduation.” The ritual that usually celebrates individuality felt cold and mechanical to some.

Colleges are using AI name readers to announce students' names during graduation ceremonies.

Students scan their phones like they're in a checkout line before an AI voice reads their names.

PACE University was seen using the technology during its commencement ceremony.

"Our… pic.twitter.com/CbqtNFCA5e

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 21, 2025

Innovation Meets Tradition: The Mixed Feelings Behind AI in Ceremonies
Pace University, with campuses in New York City and Westchester County, has long been a pioneer in education since its founding in 1906. Offering a diverse range of programs—from law to performing arts—the university is embracing technology in unexpected ways. Using AI to announce graduates’ names during commencement ceremonies is part of a broader trend in academia to incorporate automation. Some institutions view AI as a tool to streamline events and ensure flawless pronunciation, especially given the growing diversity of student names.

Yet this leap into the digital realm challenges tradition. Graduation is not just about names being read aloud—it’s about the personal recognition of achievement. For many, replacing a human voice with an AI narrator felt alienating, a sign of how technology can sometimes overshadow human connection during life’s most meaningful moments.

A Broader Conversation: Where Does AI Fit in Academia’s Milestones?
Pace University’s AI announcer incident is far from isolated. Across campuses worldwide, educators and institutions grapple with the rapid integration of AI—from teaching and grading to event management. While AI promises efficiency and precision, students and faculty alike question how it impacts authenticity and emotional resonance.

This is echoed in other stories, such as a recent controversy at Northeastern University where AI-generated course materials sparked debate about academic integrity and transparency. These cases underline a shared tension in education: how to balance technological advances without losing sight of the human experience.

Looking Ahead: Can AI and Tradition Coexist?
As universities continue to experiment with AI, moments like Pace University’s graduation raise important questions. Can automation coexist with tradition without diminishing the significance of personal milestones? Will AI become a standard feature in ceremonies, or will institutions seek ways to blend technology with genuine human warmth?

For now, Pace’s graduates will remember their day not just for the diplomas received but for an unusual AI voice echoing their names—an emblem of the digital age’s growing footprint in even the most cherished life events.