Graduates encouraged to cultivate adaptability, lifelong learning during UM-Flint's Spring 2025 Commencement

During the University of Michigan-Flint's Spring 2025 Commencement, Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander described the moment as an intersection, a time when years of hard work and sacrifice turn to exciting possibilities and the opportunity to make an impact in a rapidly changing world. 

Speaking during four ceremonies at the Riverfront Conference Center on May 3-4, Alexander shared three points of wisdom with close to 1,000 graduating students from the university's five schools and colleges. 

"First, your education is more than just a personal accomplishment; it is a privilege, one that places a responsibility on your shoulders to lead and to serve," he said, reflecting the ethos of engaged citizenship with which a UM-Flint education is imbued. 

"Second, commit yourself to lifelong learning," Alexander said, urging the Class of 2025 to seek out professional development or to earn their next certificate or degree. "Success is not a destination; it's a journey, and it requires continuous effort and self-reflection.

"Third, adapt to changing environments. Change is inevitable, regardless of your chosen field. The ability to adapt, to be flexible in your approach, and to find new solutions when faced withobstacles will be one of your greatest strengths," said Alexander, acknowledging that graduates will have to be nimble not only professionally but also in their broader lives to overcome the numerous challenges that arise on the path to success and self-fulfillment. 

Along with Alexander, the weekend's speakers 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 video message; and four student speakers.

Student Speakers

Each ceremony's highlight was the remarks the selected student speaker gave. Each speaker reflected on the challenges and successes of their academic journeys and shared a message of hope for future opportunities and personal growth. 

Kennedy Lyons

Lyons seeks to help others in every possible domain. In addition to earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education, the Grand Blanc resident also worked as a certified nursing assistant and substitute taught in special education classrooms. 

"Countless times I have been asked, 'Why don't you stick to one thing?'" Lyons said to fellow graduates and their families during the 11 a.m., May 3 ceremony. "The answer is … I'm not meant to. My path has had a domino effect. Through every job and connection, I found new skills, and people who I would love and care for like family. In every choice, I became more aligned with myself. I encourage you to remember to empower yourself. You know you best."

Lyons plans to build on her CNA experience and will enroll in UM-Flint's Accelerated Second Degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. She hopes to work in special education during the week and then as a nurse on the weekends, preferably in psychiatric care.

"I'd encourage current and future students to just keep going, to know that nothing worthwhile will ever come easy, and to try to be their most authentic selves," Lyons said. "In all of the different work I do, there is one common thread: At the end of the day, it's all about loving people and caring for them."

Lani Manners 

A nursing major from Fenton, Manners aptly compared her college experience to tending a garden. She thought back to the nerves and excitement of beginning her studies at the university.

"Those early emotions were like the first rainfall on a garden—unexpected, a little overwhelming, but essential. They gave us the energy to take root and begin growing," Manners said during the 1:30 p.m. ceremony on May 3. "Stepping into the nursing program at UM-Flint, we were given the soil to plant something meaningful.

"Before we knew it, we started to see signs of progress, just like a seedling breaking through the soil. Our first successful report, the first time we passed medications, the first time we truly felt confident in our skills and knowledge – each accomplishment was a glimpse of sunlight that showed us we were on the right path. We were blooming slowly, but surely."

Among her accomplishments, Manners was the grand prize winner of the 2024 Zillion Solutions competition, which challenges students of all majors to devise an innovative, entrepreneurial solution to a real-world problem. Her concept was color-changing dressings that health care providers could use to treat IV complications.

"The journey ahead may not always be easy, but just as a garden flourishes through every change, so will we, as we continue to grow into the nurses, professionals, and individuals we are meant to be," Manners said.

Leen Yasin

For Yasin, a computer science major from Grand Blanc, graduation is simultaneously an opportunity to celebrate the people who helped her along the way and look forward to new challenges.

"It's humbling to think that we've built up all this knowledge, all this experience … and we're about to go back to being rookies. But the world needs our energy. We have fresh eyes and fresh perspectives, paired with our acknowledgement that there are many communities that helped us get here, including the community UM-Flint gave us along with our degrees," she said during the 11 a.m., May 3 ceremony.

Yasin made the most of the opportunities available on campus for UM-Flint undergraduates. Despite being a computer science major, she conducted research into omega-3 and omega-6 lipids with Matthew Fhaner, associate professor of analytical chemistry. She also investigated the potential benefits of self-driving cars for people with Parkinson's disease as part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, which allows students to earn a paycheck while conducting real-world research alongside faculty. 

"As I prepare to graduate, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude; I am confident that the values I cultivated here will guide me in the years ahead. I'm grateful. Grateful to have grown alongside you. Grateful for getting to see the post-COVID empty hallways turn into full hallways. Thank you to all of the professors who have taught me and have been patient with me," she said. 

Blake Ackerman

In his remarks to the 1:30 p.m., May 4 crowd, Ackerman echoed the chancellor's urging for graduates to adopt a flexible mindset in their endeavors. 

"We are entering into a world that is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are transforming the way that we live and work, career paths are becoming more dynamic, and complex global issues demand solutions," said the finance major from Burton. "Let the knowledge, critical thinking and capabilities UM-Flint has instilled in each of us help us take on these challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. I encourage all of you, no matter where you go, to always be a continuous learner, and use everything that this university has given to you."

Ackerman worked as a recruitment and outreach specialist for Mott Community College while a student and served as president of the Financial Management Association on campus. 

Event recordings and photos

The recorded live stream of each ceremony is available online:

• College of Arts, Sciences & Education: 11 a.m., May 3. 
• School of Nursing: 1:30 p.m., May 4. 
• College of Innovation & Technology and School of Management: 11 a.m., May 4
• College of Health Sciences and School of Management: 1:30 p.m., May 4

Photos from each ceremony will be available on the university's Flickr page after 3 p.m. on May 5.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Go Blue!