Graduates celebrate unique journeys during UM-Flint's Winter 2026 Commencement ceremonies

When Ken Whittaker logged into his first class as an Accelerated Online Degree Completion student at the University of Michigan-Flint, he saw that he was old enough to be the father of many of his classmates — and that he would have plenty to teach his fellow learners.  

"Well, it turns out you taught me much more than I could ever teach you," said Whittaker in his remarks at the morning ceremony on May 3. The executive director of Michigan United, a prominent non-profit organization, had built a flourishing career while serving as his grandmother's primary caretaker and four previous attempts to finish college. When his grandmother passed away in 2024, the grief left an empty space and a desire for growth. UM-Flint's AODC program provided him with the flexibility and community he needed to complete a lifelong goal.

"I could have filled that empty space with all kinds of distractions and a myriad of unhealthy habits," he said. "Instead, I decided to build something in it. Coming back to school was the thing I needed.

"Along the way, I realized that learning doesn't belong to any one age group. It belongs to anyone brave enough to begin again, and I carried my learnings straight into my real life."

Whittaker's growth, persistence and community are common features of the nearly 700 students who attended UM-Flint's Winter 2026 Commencement ceremonies. Hosted at the Dort Financial Center, the event was split into morning and afternoon proceedings to accommodate students, friends and family.

UM-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander opened the celebration with a reminder that this "ending" is, in fact, just a beginning and that graduates should carry the skills gained on campus into the world. 

"As you step into your next chapter, I want to share with you one essential key to success: dedicate yourselves to following a path of lifelong learning," said Alexander. "While we joyfully celebrate your achievement today, we want to tell you that commencement inherently connotes a beginning. Your degree is not the culmination of your education—it is its foundation. Continue to read, to question, to grow, and to seek new knowledge with purpose and intention."

Caroline Huffman's purpose upon entering college was clear: earn an accounting degree to improve her family's economic situation. Her father owned a small business for more than a decade before his shop closed due to bankruptcy. As she grew older, she wondered if she could have helped. 

"We were hit hard financially, and any savings we had were wiped out. I knew I wouldn't be able to easily afford college, so I had to be smart," Huffman said to the afternoon crowd. "I researched a lot and found that there were quite a few need-based scholarships that UM-Flint offered. I also learned about the School of Management's strong credentials and the high regard for its accounting program. It was an easy decision to make."

Huffman made some more good decisions after the easy one of choosing UM-Flint. She applied and was selected for a business and finance traineeship with the university's Facilities and Operations department.

"I was taught one-on-one by my mentors how to communicate efficiently and effectively, how to write professional emails, and how to navigate conflict situations," she said. "This was knowledge I knew in theory, but never had the chance to put into practice."

Not settling for just a transformative internship, Huffman also participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, working every Saturday during tax season to file taxes for free on behalf of low-income families.

"Many of those families were much like my own. Last tax season, I worked 55 hours in a single week alongside a full course load, and I wouldn't have had it any other way," she said.

This semester's ceremonies held extra significance for the U-M community, as the university conferred its millionth degree during its May commencement celebrations.

"This is a powerful testament to the university's stellar reputation, built and sustained by the accomplishments of those who came before you. It also means you are joining an enormous, far-reaching network of leaders and innovators across every field and around the globe," Alexander said. "These are people who open doors, share opportunities, and proudly support one another. So wherever life takes you, you're never far from a fellow Wolverine."

In a video message, Regent Michael Behm urged graduates to use their U-M education to be a force for good.

"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.

The event was livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. Everyone, in-person and virtual attendees alike, came together in celebration of the newest generation of "Leaders and Best," a standard that Alexander reminded the audience is not just a line from a song. 

"It is also a call to lead with excellence, to act with integrity, and to strive always to be your very best," he said. "And when the moment calls for it — when your communities need vision, when challenges demand courage — look to Michigan. Look to the values you have gained here. Look to the resilience you have built. Look to the community that will always stand behind you."