UM-Flint to host fall commencement at the Dort Financial Center, Dec. 14

The University of Michigan-Flint will celebrate its summer and fall graduates during Fall 2025 Commencement, Dec. 14, at the Dort Financial Center. More than 1,000 students are eligible to participate.

Commencement will begin at 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 1 p.m. Parking is available on-site for $10 per vehicle. Graduating students are asked to RSVP before the 5 p.m., Dec. 5 deadline. Students can purchase caps, gowns, hoods and other commencement items at the UM-Flint Bookstore.

The December ceremony marks the return of UM-Flint to the Dort Financial Center, which last hosted the university's commencement proceedings in 2019. The change was prompted in part by student and faculty feedback to the ceremonies being split between the university's schools and colleges and hosted at the Riverfront Conference Center. Many had requested a larger venue to host extended families and community supporters. Thanks to the generous seating capacity of the Dort Financial Center, there is no specified guest limit for graduates.

"We wanted to ensure that graduates felt that they had the opportunity to celebrate commencement with the family and friends who supported them through their educational journey," said Chelsea Duncan, chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor. "This move to 'The Dort' will allow each graduate to bring more guests than we could accommodate on campus at one time.

"Commencement is our opportunity to recognize the hard work of our graduates at the culmination of their college careers. This move allows us to return to an experience that incorporates time-honored commencement traditions that can be witnessed by a greater number of our graduates' family members and friends."

The selected student speaker is Angela Diemer, a psychology major from Climax. Diemer is a Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar, UM-Flint's highest academic honor bestowed on a maximum of 26 students per year who excel academically and exemplify intellectual maturity and depth, character, talent and service to the university and the community.

Despite changes to the event from recent years, many traditions will remain the same, including livestreaming and recording of the event for those who cannot attend in person. Accessibility features, including reserved seating and parking, will be available. If a student or their guests require any accommodations due to physical limitations that prevent participation in the ceremony, they should complete this form. 

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 thus far:

Abby Emery, Early Childhood Education

"I am extremely excited for the next chapter of my life to start as a future teacher! In the fall of 2021, I made the choice to apply to the University of Michigan-Flint. Which is a decision I am so thankful for. I have loved every moment in my education courses, along with gaining teaching experiences as well. I will miss the campus and the university as a whole! Here's to a fresh start!"

Morgan Keller, Nursing

"After graduation, I will be joining the Progressive Care Unit at McLaren Lapeer Region, where I look forward to building my skills, gaining confidence, and caring for patients during some of their most challenging moments … My time at UM-Flint has been incredibly impactful. The university's welcoming community, dedicated faculty, and diverse clinical opportunities have helped shape the nurse and person I am today. I've grown not only in knowledge and skill, but also in compassion, resilience, and confidence in my ability to make a difference."

Sarah Boyd, Psychology

have always loved learning new things and recognized that life is too short not to take a chance on myself. Although there were quite a few difficult life events that have occurred along the way since I enrolled, I had a great deal of support from my family and UM-Flint professors who helped me build perseverance and resilience. For that, I will be forever thankful."

More information about UM-Flint's Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony can be found online.