Fifth-year graduating student Christian Frankl will sing the national anthem for his graduating class during this December’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony.
Friday, December 8, 2023

By Charlotte Brookins 

Soon-to-be Iowa graduate Christian Frankl explored his passions for music, political science, and band while attending the University of Iowa. 

Frankl, who is from Ames, is a triple major and will receive bachelor’s degrees in political science, ethics and public policy, and music. He is among the more than 600 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students graduating this fall and will perform as this year’s commencement singer. 

christian frankle performing on the field as drum major with the Hawkeye Marching Band

The commencement singer is nominated by the School of Music and performs the national anthem as a send-off to their graduating peers. The ceremony will be held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 9 a.m. 

“I am extremely honored to be selected as this year's commencement singer,” says Frankl. “As a member of the School of Music, I know there are many wonderful musicians at this university, and I am excited to represent them as the commencement singer.” 

During his five years at the University of Iowa, Frankl participated in many different campus programs, including the Hawkeye Marching Band. Frankl was a member of the marching band’s alto saxophone section and was selected as drum major in spring of 2022. To achieve this accomplishment, Frankl participated in a competitive two-part audition process involving interviews with Hawkeye Marching Band faculty and staff, as well as learning the different traditions performed by the role. The drum major is one of the most coveted roles in the band. 

Frankl is also a member of the university choir Kantorei and a voice student under School of Music professor Stephen Swanson. 

Frankl has also played an active role in the political science department. He was elected as a senator in University of Iowa Student Government and also served as a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. 

christian frankle performing as HMB drum major

It was this variety of opportunities that drew him to Iowa. 

“I was sure the university would allow me to pursue all of my diverse interests,” explains Frankl. “I knew I wanted to major in political science in college, and the ethics and public policy degree was a perfect addition to my other coursework. Music has also been a constant passion in my life, and the addition of a music major was one of the best decisions I made during my four and a half years in Iowa City.” 

Frankl expresses his gratitude for the variety of experiences at the university, reflecting on his time in various political science-oriented internships and his travel abroad to Scotland through UI International Programs. He also attributes the job he has lined up in governmental relations to the support he received as a student at Iowa. 

Although he is excited for the future, Frankl says he will miss his time in Iowa City. 

“As I leave Iowa, I will miss all the friends and mentors I have met here,” reflects Frankl. “I will also miss leading the Hawkeye Marching Band as Drum Major in Kinnick Stadium.” 

For more information about the ceremony, visit the commencement website. You can watch the ceremony, including Frankl’s performance, live on YouTube.