UM-Flint to host winter commencement ceremonies, May 3

The University of Michigan-Flint will celebrate its graduates during two commencement ceremonies, May 3, at the Dort Financial Center. Close to 950 students are eligible to graduate. 

The College of Arts, Sciences & Education and College of Health Sciences ceremony begins at 10 a.m, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. The College of Innovation & Technology, School of Management and School of Nursing ceremony begins at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.

Parking is available on-site for $10 per vehicle. Students can purchase caps, gowns, hoods and other commencement items at the UM-Flint Bookstore.

UM-Flint returned to hosting commencement at the Dort Financial Center in December 2025, the university's first time at the venue since 2019. The two-ceremony format allows students and their supporters to take advantage of the Dort Financial Center's generous seating capacity, with no specified guest limit for graduates.

"We are thrilled to once again celebrate with larger groups of friends and family — the people who have cheered our graduates on every step of the way. That kind of shared celebration is exactly what this occasion deserves," said Abby Parrill-Baker, UM-Flint provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

"Commencement is the most important event of the academic year. It is the moment the entire UM-Flint community comes together to recognize the achievements of our learners and look toward the future successes that await them," she said. 

This semester's ceremonies hold extra significance for the U-M community, as the university will confer its millionth degree during its May proceedings. Graduates of all three campuses will receive a special tassel with a "1M" charm in recognition of the milestone. UM-Flint has conferred more than 56,000 degrees since its founding in 1956. 

Ken Whittaker, who is completing his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree in UM-Flint's Accelerated Online Degree Completion format, will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Speaking at the 3 p.m. ceremony will be Caroline Huffman, who is earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. 

The event will be livestreamed and recorded for those who cannot attend in person. If a student or their guests require any accommodations due to accessibility concerns, they should complete this Accommodation 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 the public, and friends and family can leave messages of support.

Here are a few of the profiles submitted thus far:

Kristina Gojcaj, Criminal Justice

"One of the most meaningful parts of my time in college has been working on research that connects what we learn in class to real-world problems. It challenged me to think deeper, ask better questions, and really understand the bigger picture of the justice system."

Whitney Blando, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion

"After returning home to Michigan to welcome my son, I realized it was the right time to invest in furthering my education while advancing my nursing career. Becoming a baccalaureate-prepared nurse at UM–Flint has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to learn from world-renowned professors whose expertise and dedication have deeply enriched my education. Through their guidance, I have developed the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to better serve my current community while preparing to meet the diverse needs of future patient populations."

Morgan Salzano, History

"I've loved history since I was a child and it's been amazing to meet like-minded people here. It's been a long journey and it certainly wasn't easy, but I made it. I had a lot of fun during my cemetery preservation internship with a small group of other students and Dr. Henthorn. I'm proud of myself and thankful for all the people who supported and inspired me." 

More information about UM-Flint's Winter 2026 Commencement Ceremonies can be found on the Commencement website.