UM-Flint to host fall commencement ceremonies, Dec. 15

The University of Michigan-Flint will celebrate its summer and fall graduates during the Fall 2024 Commencement, Dec. 15, at the Riverfront Conference Center. Close to 900 students are eligible to participate. During the three ceremonies involving the university's five schools and colleges, both undergraduate and graduate students will be awarded degrees. 

The commencement schedule is as follows:

• College of Innovation & Technology, School of Nursing, 11 a.m.
• College of Arts, Sciences & Education, 1:30 p.m.
• College of Health Sciences, School of Management, 4 p.m. 

Doors for each ceremony open one hour before the start time. Graduating students are asked to RSVP before the 5 p.m., Dec. 4 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, gowns, hoods and other commencement items at the UM-Flint Bookstore.

Each ceremony will include messages from Laurence B. Alexander, UM-Flint chancellor, and Yener Kandogan, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Student speakers will also share their voices during commencement. The speaker for the 11 a.m. ceremony is Salvatore DiMaggio, an information technology & informatics major from Shelby Township. Sami Kotob, a political science & economics major from Grand Blanc, will speak at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. The 4 p.m. ceremony will feature Heather Orr, a health science major from Fenton.

Kandogan said that commencement is an important opportunity for the UM-Flint community to look back on hard work and sacrifice and look forward to new opportunities. "This month, our graduates will celebrate earning a prestigious University of Michigan degree and the resilience, innovation and growth they've achieved. These milestones reflect the transformative power of higher education, equipping them to inspire change and lead with purpose as they embark on their next journey. Today, we honor their success and the lasting impact they will have as part of the UM-Flint family."

All graduating students are invited to reflect on their accomplishments and plans for the future at graduates.umflint.edu. Profile submissions are viewable to all website visitors, and friends and family can leave messages of support.

Here are just a few of the submissions received so far:

Stephanie Palmer, Bachelor of Applied Science

About

"I've been on an exciting journey transitioning from occupational therapy into the social sciences. My time at UM-Flint has been incredibly rewarding as I've developed my skill set and deepened my passion for helping others to become a social worker. I am truly grateful for my experiences and learning opportunities in this field."

Favorite Memory at UM-Flint

"One of my favorite memories is from professor Rossman's classes. The group discussions were insightful, often hilarious and deeply meaningful. Those conversations expanded my understanding and connected me with fellow students. Her classes truly helped me fall in love with the social work field."

Plans for Celebrating Graduation

I plan to take some time off to relax and celebrate with family before I begin my master's program at UM-Ann Arbor in January. I'm excited for what's to come, but first, I'm looking forward to enjoying this accomplishment with loved ones.

Michael Walker, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Study

About

"I enrolled at UM-Flint a little more than two years ago, returning to school after a significant break. I had been in and out of school throughout the years but decided now was the time to finish something I had started 25 years ago. After completing my first semester, I received an email informing me that I had made the dean's list. I was so excited to read that email to everyone in my close circle. That recognition motivated me to continue my studies and became a driving force to strive for academic excellence throughout my time (at the university). I am proud to say that I maintained my grades and continued to make the dean's list each semester. As a result of my dedication, I was even nominated for the Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar Award."

Dasia Parks, Master of Science in Accounting

About

"As an accounting major, a mother of three, a wife, and an entrepreneur, my journey is a blend of ambition, hard work, and resilience. I chose UM-Flint because it allowed me to pursue my passion for numbers and business while managing my family life and entrepreneurial pursuits. Studying accounting has given me a deep understanding of financial principles, which has been valuable not only for my coursework but also for running my own business. I'm able to apply what I learn in real-time, strengthening my skills both academically and practically. This dual perspective of student and business owner gives me unique insights, which I often bring to class discussions and projects. Balancing all my responsibilities hasn't been without challenges. My days are a juggling act—attending online lectures, helping my kids with their schoolwork, collaborating with my husband, and managing my business's financials. The support and flexibility of UM-Flint's faculty and online resources have been essential in making it work. The professors are approachable and understand the demands on students like me, which has created a positive and encouraging learning environment. Through this journey, I've become more confident and organized, learning to manage my time and prioritize my goals. UM-Flint has helped me grow academically and reinforced my belief that, with dedication, I can fulfill multiple roles and succeed in all of them. My time here has shown me that being a mother, wife, student and entrepreneur is possible!"

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