Buffalo grad Jean-Paul Al-Arab upended commencement order by dashing onstage with his baby—both in royal blue caps—trailing 2 police and faculty at Alumni Arena. The university’s rules banned infants, but the crowd’s cheers and his quick handshake brought comic relief to the May 2025 chaos.

Video shows Al-Arab, juggling school and two jobs, ignoring security to celebrate graduation with his son. High-volume TikTok reaction erupted after officials clarified no penalty would follow. The toddler, lacking credits, awaits a future Buffalo stage walk in matching regalia.

Despite stealing the spotlight, Al-Arab’s baby remains the only Buffalo attendee denied a diploma for incomplete coursework—at just under 2 years old.