UM-Flint to host spring commencement ceremonies, April 27-28

The University of Michigan-Flint will celebrate its April and August graduates during the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies, April 27-28, at the Riverfront Conference Center. More than 900 students are eligible to participate. Undergraduate and graduate students will be awarded degrees during four ceremonies involving the university's five schools and colleges. 

The schedule for commencement is as follows:

• College of Arts, Sciences & Education, 11 a.m., April 27
• College of Arts, Sciences & Education and College of Health Sciences, 1:30 p.m., April 27
• School of Management and College of Innovation & Technology, 11 a.m., April 28
• School of Management and School of Nursing, 1:30 p.m., April 28

CASE and SOM will have split proceedings and those students will be contacted with information regarding their appropriate ceremony. Doors for each ceremony open one hour before the start time. Graduating students are asked to RSVP before the April 19 deadline by logging into the Student Information System portal and navigating to the graduation menu of the student services tab. Each graduate can bring four guests and the ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded at live.umflint.edu. 

Students can purchase caps and gowns, hoods and other commencement items at the UM-Flint Bookstore.

Each ceremony will include messages from Donna Fry, UM-Flint interim chancellor; Yener Kandogan, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; and Michael Behm, U-M regent. 

Student speakers will also share their voices during commencement, including:

• Joseph Bujak, a political science and history major from Fenton.
• Taylor Culinski, a psychology major from Swartz Creek.
• Elaine LaFavor, a business administration major from Woodland.
• Zoiya Morell, a biology major from Metamora.

Kandogan seeing graduating students during commencement celebrations is an inspiring reminder of the transformative education offered at UM-Flint. 

"Our lineup of commencement speakers includes students who are parents as well as scholars, those who are preparing for medical school, future lawyers, business professionals and educators. They are a wonderful cross-section of UM-Flint learners, having come to the university from varying backgrounds and with different aspirations, but united in their willingness to grow and sacrifice in pursuit of their goals," Kandogan said. "Such is the case for all of our graduates, and I know our faculty and staff join me in celebrating their dedication and eagerly await hearing of their next accomplishments." 

Graduating students are invited to reflect on their UM-Flint experience and future plans at graduates.umflint.edu. Profile submissions are viewable to the public, and friends and family can leave messages of support. 

Some of the submissions include:

Selena Alvarado, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

"During my time in the nursing program, I gained invaluable experiences and knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Each course I took solidified my love for ALL nursing even more so than when I first started. I am so grateful for all of the people I met and the experiences I had during my time at the University of Michigan-Flint."

Sara Simpson, Bachelor of Science in Public Health

"Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have also had the opportunity to work at the Genesee County Health Department in both the COVID-19 and Healthy Start programs. I am forever grateful for the relationships, knowledge and skills I have gained during my time here."

Lace Cortez, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration

"My goal is to be an administrator in a nursing home and help the elderly population in their time of need. Although my time on campus at UM-Flint was only two years, my time here has been exceptional and unforgettable. I will forever hold the memories at UM-Flint close to my heart. UM-Flint helped me meet new people and friends, who changed my college experience for the better."

Taylor Lorenz, Bachelor of Science in Psychology

"I was a full-time student with full-time stay-at-home-mom duties as well. I am so proud of my determination and grit, which got me where I am. I am an undergraduate research assistant, instructional aide, supplementary instructor, and tutor. UM-Flint allowed me to prioritize my children while continuing to work on my academics and job duties."

More information about UM-Flint's Spring 2024 Commencement can be found online.