Vermont’s Own Ben Ogden to Speak at UVM’s 225th Commencement

Ben Ogden grew up in Landgrove — a small Bennington County town — skiing his way to the top of the world. On May 16, he’ll come home to Burlington to speak to the next generation of Catamounts.

UVM announced Tuesday that Ogden, a 2022 UVM mechanical engineering graduate and two-time Olympic silver medalist, will deliver a special guest address at the university’s 225th Commencement ceremony on the university green.

Ogden had the kind of winter that Vermont skiing dreams are made of. His silver medal in the men’s sprint at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games on February 10 ended a 50-year U.S. men’s cross-country medal drought — the last American man to medal in the discipline was Vermont’s own Bill Koch, who took silver at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics. Eight days later, Ogden doubled up, earning a second silver alongside teammate Gus Schumacher in the men’s team sprint.

A three-time national champion during his time at UVM, Ogden is currently ranked in the top ten in the world in sprinting and has represented the U.S. in two World Championships.

He’ll be introduced at commencement by Interim Provost Linda Schadler, who served as his academic advisor.

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

UVM President Dr. Marlene Tromp will deliver the traditional commencement address — her first since taking the helm of the university last summer.

This year’s ceremony moves from its traditional Sunday slot to Saturday, May 16. Individual college ceremonies will be held on campus and at the Champlain Valley Expo Center.