Graduates seek to embrace challenges and drive change at UM-Flint’s Fall 2024 Commencement

Graduation day is a time of joy—primarily for the students reaching this milestone, but also for the friends and family who stood by them along the way, as well as the faculty and staff who collaborated with learners to build a community that nurtures exploration, development and perseverance through countless obstacles. It's a moment to honor the dedication poured into years of learning, sleepless nights, impactful classes and enduring relationships that have been formed.

As noted by University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, who presided over his first commencement ceremony since taking the helm of the downtown campus in July, commencement is also a time to optimistically ruminate on the graduates' individual accomplishments and collective futures.

"Before (you) step into the world that awaits, let's take a moment to reflect," said Laurence. "Not just on the knowledge you've gained or the accomplishments you've achieved, but on the journey that brought you here. It's a journey that has tested your resilience, challenged your beliefs, and shaped who you are today. And now, as you take your first steps into the future, remember that this moment is not the end of your story, but merely the prologue of the incredible chapters yet to be written.

"As your degree is conferred on you today, understand that your education is not just a personal accomplishment, rather, it is a privilege that places a responsibility on your shoulders. You have gained knowledge but you have also gained perspective, skills and a platform. You are among the few who have had the opportunity to study, explore ideas, think critically and challenge the status quo.

"As you move forward, this education is not just about earning a paycheck or finding a job—it is about using what you have learned to make the world a better place. This is where your responsibility comes in."

UM-Flint's Fall 2024 Commencement, which took place Dec. 15 at the Riverfront Conference Center, was split into three ceremonies recognizing graduates from the university's five schools and colleges. Close to 900 graduates from the summer and fall semesters were eligible to participate.

Along with Alexander, speakers at the event included Yener Kandogan, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and interim dean for the School of Management; Michael Behm, U-M regent, who addressed the crowd of graduates and their guests via a recorded video message; and a trio of student speakers.

Regental Remarks

Behm urged graduates to remember their U-M education as they go out to do good in the world.

Michael Behm, University of Michigan regent.

"Today, you leave UM-Flint as the leaders and best, equipped to contribute to and transform your respective fields, communities and society. I hope, as you go out into the world, you remember the lessons the University of Michigan has instilled in you, including searching for the potential in every opportunity and working to overcome roadblocks that may arise along the way," Behm said. In addition to serving as a U-M regent, Behm, who resides in Grand Blanc, is president of the Flint-based Behm & Behm law firm.

Student Speakers

The centerpiece of each ceremony was the inspiring speeches delivered by student speakers, who shared reflections on the hurdles and triumphs of their academic journeys while expressing optimism for future opportunities and personal development.

Salvatore DiMaggio

DiMaggio, a former Emerging Leader Award winner and James B. Angell Scholar from Shelby Township, shared with his fellow graduates that it was during his sophomore year that he made the conscious decision to "challenge the traditional rhythms of the classroom" rather than "conform to the normality of college assignments." And in doing so, he learned a valuable life lesson, even if marching to his beat didn't change the outcome.

"For this assignment … I felt it was necessary to venture out and attempt a more creative method. And so, the friendly debate with my professor had begun and went on for weeks – and every meeting felt like an intellectual duel with my professor. I defended my work with passion and persistence but ultimately, the grade stayed the same.

"Yet, something remarkable emerged from this experience. The professor, by also standing firm, taught me a few valuable lessons that went far beyond the scope of the syllabus. I learned that success isn't just about the destination; it's about the journey and the unique path we each take to get there.

"The world often tells us there is one right way to achieve success – a set formula or a tried and tested path. But each of us here today knows that is a myth. Some of you balanced your studies while working two jobs. Some of you returned to school later in life, juggling family responsibilities. Some of you, like me, want to find innovative ways to solve your problems even when it goes outside the norm.

"Embrace these differences – take pride in the unconventional and the unexpected. Embrace the road less traveled and let your unique perspectives be the driving force in your day-to-day life. Argue for your beliefs, even if it means standing alone."

Sami Kotob

Kotob, a former Richard J. Branstrom Prize winner and president of the Pre-Law Society from Grand Blanc, spoke about college being all about change through the process of learning, failing, and growth as students do what they are most unfamiliar with and transform into those who are more than capable of being up to the task.

"One of the most common dilemmas we are taught in college, no matter what major, is the choice between nature and nurture. Some believe that we have no control over who we are, no control over who we can be. The environment we grew up in determines who we are.

"Your environment shapes who you are. But in college, we have to choose our environment. We have the opportunity to shape our environment and, in the process, shape our destiny.

"We now move into a world rife with challenges. We move into a world plagued by economic inequality, climate change, genocide, oppression, occupation, and unjust invasion. Domestically, our very rights and liberties are at stake. It is now up to us to change whatever environment, whatever career we end up in so that we can solve these worldly challenges. Alone, we cannot solve a single one. But together, we can change anything."

Heather Orr

Orr, a health science major from Fenton, urged her fellow graduates – whether they were continuing to graduate school, joining the workforce or planning to take a gap year to figure it all out – to give themselves some grace while pausing to reflect on life's many blessings.

"Everybody indeed has their own journey or story to tell and that's why we are here (today), to celebrate those unique experiences, each person's lessons and experiences from which they have learned.

"Therefore, I urge you not to let your past failures, mistakes or shortcomings dictate your future success. You can and will do great things. When life seems to knock you down or throw you a curveball, get back up and keep swinging. Most importantly, remember why. Why are you pursuing your field of study? Why apply to graduate school? Why apply for a specific job?

"All of these questions are ones that only you can answer. You have to make up your mind that no matter what obstacle may get in your way, you will keep striving for your goal because you know your why."