Catch me If you can: Graduate dad defies rules to fulfill heartfelt promise to son, dashes through ceremony stage, sparking viral frenzy

Graduation ceremonies are usually scripted affairs, full of pomp, protocol, and polite applause. But at the University at Buffalo’s recent commencement, Jean Paul Al Arab rewrote the playbook. Draped in his cap and gown with his infant son in matching attire, Al Arab ran—quite literally—towards a dream, dodging security and defying university protocol in front of a roaring crowd.

The moment, now seen by millions online, was more than just a graduation walk—it was the fulfillment of a vow. Al Arab had promised his son they’d cross that stage together, and nothing—not even police officers—was going to stop him.

A Cap, A Gown, and a Chase Scene
The crowd inside the university’s Alumni Arena erupted as Al Arab made his daring dash. With his son cradled in one arm and determination in the other, the criminology graduate sprinted across the stage while staff and a police officer attempted to intercept him. He managed to shake hands with administrators, collect his diploma, and exit—only to be met by officers at the other end. The scene sparked cheers from fellow graduates and loud boos for the law enforcement response.

Permission Granted—Then Denied
As per a report from the New York Post, according to Al Arab, this wasn’t an act of rebellion but a promise backed by prior approval. He claimed that during the previous semester, school officials had assured him he could walk with his son. “They said: ‘Yeah, it’s okay. Nobody is going to tell you no,’” he recounted. But as graduation approached, the green light turned red. The university backtracked, citing safety hazards and longstanding rules that prohibit anyone other than graduates from crossing the stage.

So, Al Arab made a bold call: if he couldn’t walk with his son, he’d run with him instead. “I won’t be walking. I ran… I promised him I was going to walk with him on stage or run with him on the stage,” he later explained.

No Diploma (Yet) for the Little One
The viral graduate's son, despite being the most stylish toddler on stage in his mini cap and gown, did not receive a diploma. The university humorously noted that he was “a few credits short” and hoped to see him return in two decades to officially follow in his father’s footsteps.

In its official statement, the University at Buffalo emphasized that the rules exist to ensure each graduate’s moment of recognition and to maintain order and safety during the ceremony.

No Penalty, Just Applause
Despite the breach of protocol, Al Arab won’t face disciplinary action. The university acknowledged his email apology and confirmed he would still receive his bachelor's degree, which he had technically completed in Fall 2024.

Social media users hailed Al Arab as a hero for putting family first. Many questioned the double standards in enforcement, especially when mothers are often seen holding babies during similar ceremonies.

Al Arab, who juggled two jobs and single-handedly raised his son while completing his degree, summed it up with heartfelt pride: “Here I am graduating with my boy by my side. WE DID IT!”