(mellow orchestral music) - [Announcer] Live from the Superior Dome in Marquette, the 20 of Northern Michigan University.

(mellow orchestral music continues) (mellow orchestral music continues) (mellow orchestral music continues) (mellow orchestral music continues) (audience clapping) - Good morning.

Welcome to Mid-Year Commencement 2023.

Today we will honor over 500 graduates and their accomplishments.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that our university is located on the ancestr of the Anishinaabe, Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi people and to honor the indigenous members of our community.

To begin our ceremony, and to recognize graduates, we welc Gizhep Nimki Nagomowinoog, also known as Morning Thunde who will perform an honor song.

The academic procession will then commence.

If you are able, please stand.

(energetic music) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (audience clapping) (mellow music) (mellow music continues) (mellow music continues) (energetic band music) (energetic band music continues) (energetic band music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) (energetic music continues) - [Announcer] Graduating students and faculty are marching into Northern Michigan University's Superior Dome to the strains of Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" with Dr. Stephen Grugin conducting the N Symphonic Band.

(energetic music continues) Ladies and gentlemen, the President of Northern Michigan University, Dr. Brock Tessman.

(audience cheering and clapping) - Welcome everyone to the December, 2023 Commencement Ceremony for Northern Michigan University.

(audience cheering and clapping) We'd also like to welcome viewers watching on WNMU Public Television 13 and around the country and around the world through our online streaming service.

Graduates of Northern Michigan University, you've arrived here today.

We are so proud of you for this major accomplishmen You did it.

(audience clapping) And I think all of you know this, but it goes without saying that in addition to navigating all of th this year's graduating class has navigated some truly historic headwinds on their way to the graduation stage.

And this gives us all even more reason to celebrate.

We'll keep that in mind.

And ladies and gentlemen, in body or in spirit as NMU's ROTC Color Guard will now prese followed by our vocalist, Ms. Jessica Johnson as she leads us in the singing of our Nat And gentlemen, if you will, please, remove your hats.

# Oh, say!

can you see by the dawn's early light # # What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming # # Whose broad stripes and bright stars # # Through the perilous fight # # O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming # # And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air # # Gave proof through the night # # That our flag was still there # # Oh, say!

does that star-spangled banner yet wave # # O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave # (audience clapping) - Thank you, Jessica.

Would all except for our veterans, please be se Veterans, thank you for remaining standing in all parts of this dome.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your and we want to take a moment to salute you at this time.

Thank you.

(audience clapping) Please be seated.

Marked by dignity, respect, and honor, Commencement is a time of celebration, a time to recognize the accomplishments of our students and to formally confer upon them the degree Graduates, we all know that this is an important event for you, but we also all know it's an important time for your family, for the faculty and for the university.

It's a time to recognize those folks as well, folks who've strengthened the university through their servic I'd like to introduce some stage dignitaries at this time and I'll ask that they stand for a brief moment as I call their names.

I would ask you, but if we could hold our applause until all folks have been introduced that would be terrific.

I wanna begin by introducing our board of t We have Mr. Steve Young of Lansing, who's the chair of the NMU Board of Trustees.

Miss Melissa Holmquist of Marquette, Ms. Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham of Baraga, Mr. Steve Lindberg of Marquette, Mr. Greg Seppanen of Marquette, and Mr. Greg Toutant of Negaunee.

And our stage dignitaries, Ms. Rebekah Allen, who is our student commencement speaker, Dr. Stacy Boyer-Davis, associate Profes and Student Choice Award recipient and commencement speaker, Dr. Jaime Crabb, Associate Professor of N and Chair of the Academic Senate, Dr. Lisa Eckert, Dean of Graduate Education and Research, Ms. Gwen Feamster, President, the Associated Students of Northern Michigan University, Dr. Derek Hall, Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Scott Holman, trustee emeritus and honorary degree recipient, Dr. Thomas Holmstrom, honorary degree recipient, Professor Carol Johnson, Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Dale Kapla, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mr. Gavin Leach, Vice President of Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the board of trus Dr. Joe Lubig, Associate Dean and Director of the School of Education, Leadership and Public Service and the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies and also the w of our longest title award today, Mr. Steve Mitchell, trustee emeritus, Mr. Mike Settles Public TV13, producer and host and announcer of the graduates, Dr. Steve VandenAvond, Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Technology and Occupa Dr. Leslie Warren, Associate Provost and Dean of the Library and Instructional Support and Dr.

Rob Winn, who's the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Let's give all of our dignitaries a ro (audience clapping) I feel very lucky and this university should feel very lucky to have such committed and talented leadership and that very much includes the chair of our board of trustees.

Steve Young, I'd like to invite you to the podium right to thank you for your leadership and invite you to make a few remarks.

- Thank you, President Tessman.

Good morning everyone.

I'm Steve Young and on behalf of the NMU Board of Trustees to welcome all of you to the 2023 Mid-Year Commencement Ceremony.

To our graduating Wildcats, congratulations.

What a journey you've been on to get here today.

You worked hard to have the opportunity to walk across the stage in a few minutes.

Earning a degree is difficult.

We commend each of you for your perseverance.

We ask that you savor this moment.

I also want to recognize and thank our outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators.

You have produced yet another outstanding class of Wildcats.

Your streak continues, thank you.

(audience clapping) To the parents, spouses, partners, family members and friends of our graduating Wildcats, congratulations to you as well.

Thank you for entrusting us with the critical job of educating your loved one.

This is a job we do not take lightly.

And I ask our graduating class to think back to when you first stepped foot on this campus or when you entered that online classroom for the first time.

It's very likely you were a bit anxi I know because that's how I felt when I was a new student on this campus a long, long time ago.

And you might feel that same anxiousness today about what lies ahead, however, this time you are pr because now you are a Wildcat.

So go forward, be doers, be solvers, be leaders, but don't be strangers.

Come back and see us once in a while.

Again, on behalf of the NMU Board of Trustees, welcome everyone and enjoy this special day.

Thank you and go Cats.

(audience clapping) - Thank you Chair Young and it is so appropriate that you mention our faculty and staff.

We know that Commencement is a special day for our graduates and their families and friends, but it is very much a special day fo and staff that we have here at Northern Michigan University.

Our faculty and staff are the ones who are responsible for the high quality, high impact programs th And the faculty and staff we have play a constant role and profound role in the lives of our students.

From the moment of recruitment and admissions and the way that our faculty invite our students to this campus, to of course, time inside and out of the classroom with our students at Northern, to the role that faculty and staff have in bringing alumni back years after they graduate, I'd like to take a moment and recognize our faculty and staff for this work, this service, and have us all give them a round of applause.

Thank you.

(audience clapping) Graduates, your accomplishments recognized here today would not be possible without the love, support, and guidance of others who are here to share in your proud accomplishment.

Would the parents of our proud graduates rise if you will.

(audience clapping) And please remain standing as others join you.

Would the spouses, and significant others please, rise and remain standing?

Will any children of graduates who are in the audience who had a chance to share a mom or dad with us over these last years, join the others in standing and be recognized?

And if there are any grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other loved ones, please stand, be recogniz This is a team accomplishment.

Thank you all for your support.

(audience cheering and clappin Okay, Provost Kaplan, at this point I'm gonna ask you to approach the podium and introduce our student speaker.

Thank you.

- Thank you President Tessman and good morning.

Rebekah Allen came to NMU from Davison, Michigan in the fall of 2020 as a first generation college student.

She will graduate Magna Cum Laude today with a major in English Creati and a minor in psychology.

Rebekah started working as a DJ at Radio X during her freshman and her sophomore year, she joined Passages North our lite where she worked her way up to an editor position, Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, and the American Sign Language Club.

While in high school she won eight student Emmy awards for accomplishments such as news writing and reporting, anchor talent, and of several lead stor for the Davison Community School TV program.

After graduation, Rebekah will continue to write and submit her work for publication.

She hopes to start graduate school in the fall for a master's degree in literature and c It gives me great pleasure to introduce Ms. Rebekah Allen as the December, 2023 Student Commencement Speaker.

Rebekah.

(audience clapping) - Thank you.

Thank you Dr. Kapla for the introduction.

All right, when my first couple of boxes touched down in my Cedar Hall dorm room, I was going to be a psychologist, but sometime after that I changed my mind and then I changed it again and can you gu I changed it a third time too.

I would love to stand up here and tell you that I had it all figured out when I fir I didn't decide on the degree that I'm graduating with today until much later.

And I must confess I still don't know all of the things that I wanna be when I grow up and I'm sure many of you feel that way as well.

A big part of learning is acknowledging what we don't know.

Sometimes the things we think we know prove us wrong.

Other times we convince ourselves that we don't know as mu I would bet that many of you, like myself, convinced yourselves that the only thing that what your major was.

But you see, college is not a destination reserved for those who have it figured out.

It's where we come to figure it out and it's where w that figuring it out doesn't mean figuring it out all The degree I finally landed on was in fact not biology.

However, I want to share with you something that I call butterfly goo, although I'm sure there's a more scientific term, the lesson is The caterpillar doesn't turn into a butterfly by way of In stead inside the cocoon its body releases enzymes called caspases that break its body down, nearly liquefying it, which doesn't sound too pleasant, does it?

While caterpillars can only go through this metamorphosis once, th ose of the graduating college student variety, have the ability to break down, but we come together again and again.

My great-grandpa always said that the day that we stop learning is the We should always strive to be proven wrong regardless of how uncomfortable it makes our egos.

We should always strive to experience new things even if they don't go as planned.

We should choose to never land on just bei because if we did, wow, what a boring life that would be, right?

The Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde once proclaimed that, "To live is the rarest thing in the world because most people just exist and that is all."

Class of 2023, I know that we want to live, to transcend just simply existing.

John Lennon said it perfectly when he said that life is what happens when we are busy making other plans or in our case, when we're trying to get a college degree.

In fact, we are here despite that previous goo state.

Despite the days where we lost our laptop chargers on exam day.

Despite the times when we wondered how in t to write a report on something we only halfway understood.

Despite the times where we lost our keys.

Despite the piles of laundry that reflected our mental states that ate the last dollar we had to our name.

Despite the broken tailbones, because we go to Northern and wanna convince ourselves that winter sports That's a true story.

Despite the work that never felt like it would end and despite the people and those we wish who could be here We are graduating despite it all.

The average human lifespan is over 4,000 weeks, just about, which is only about 28,000 days.

My degree is also not in mathematics so you can fact check if you would like.

But some amount less than that are the days when we are going to think that But every single one of those days will be days where we learn something new, some without even meaning to.

Northern Michigan University has taught us that the one thing we should always s to be is a lifelong learner.

To the faculty, staff, and fellow students who helped us become who we wanted to be, we are s for your investment in us.

Thank you to those of you in attend who helped graduates find the courage to k NMU didn't only teach us what we wanted to do, but it reminded us of who we could become.

Parents, family members, friends you raised individuals who are becoming artists, doctors, writers, welders, teachers, engineers, mechanics, social workers, environmentalists and more.

Your work helping to guide us has contributed to a generation that will continue to strive for great transformation aga Fellow graduates, this is such a massive moment for us and I couldn't be prouder of everything we are right now 'cause we are so many things and we are ready to be so much more.

I wish you all the best of luck on your respective journeys.

Thank you.

(audienc - Thank you Rebekah.

We will now confer the degrees honoris causa, as recommended by the Honorary Degree Selection Committee and approved by our faculty and the NMU Board of Trustees.

Provost Kapla will present the candidates for the honorary degrees.

And to those in the audience, I would that a full citation for each recipient appears in - President Tessman, I have the privilege to present Mr. Scott Holman to r Mr. Scott Holman, NMU class of 1965, you're a distinguished business leader, entrepreneur, and community servant.

You have spent your life helping individuals, busines and organizations succeed and assisting Northern Michig faculty, staff, and programs to achieve new levels of excellence.

We thank you for your many contributions to NMU during your time as leader of the NMU Board of Tr and since leaving the board.

In particular, we recognize your support of the College of Business, NMU alumni scholarships, university initiatives, research and equipment, and NMU'S broadband network advances.

Northern Michigan University celebrates your business acumen, commitment to and numerous professional and lifetime achievements and we proudly present you with the honorary degree Doctor o (audience clapping) - [Tessman] Scott Holman, by the authority of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University, I confer upon you th with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.

Congratulations.

(audience clapping) - President Tessman, I have the privilege to present Mr. Thomas Holmstrom to receive an honorary degree.

(audience clapping) Dr. Thomas Holmstrom, NMU class of 1959, and a veteran of the US Army.

You enjoyed more than three decades as a distinguished educator and econ and have also been a dedicated community servant.

We immensely appreciate your commitment and care for Northern Michigan University students, faculty and staff.

We thank you for your leadership efforts within the NMU Economics Department and our overall university community and for your community work with UPAWS and other programs to protect animals.

Northern Michigan University praises your commitment to educating students, scholarship in t and service to community and country, and proudly pr with the honorary degree, Doctor of Economics.

(audience clapping) - Thomas Holmstrom by the authority of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University, I confer upon you the degree Doctor of Econom with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.

Congratulations.

(audience clapping) Ms. Gwen Feamster, President of the Associated Students of Northern Michigan Universi will now introduce our Students' Choice Award recipient and Commencement speaker.

Please come to the podium, Gwe (audience clapping) Thank you.

- If Dr. Boyer-Davis could please stand.

Good morning, today I have the absolute pleasure of introducing the December, 2023 Commencemen Dr. Stacey Boyer-Davis from the College of Business.

Aside from her incredible work and multiple degrees, Dr. Boyer-Davis received the Northern Michigan University's Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants Accounting Educator of the Year in 2021, and an Excellence in Research Award at NMU in 2020.

These are just a few of the many academic accomplishments of Dr. Stacy Boyer-Davis.

She's actively a member of the Rotary Club West in Marquette and has been since 2017.

But aside from these things and her resume and from her students, you can find that she really cares for students here.

In the official capacity of being a faculty advisor for student organizations or from the words of her students, Dr. Boyer-Davis is committed to having her students succeed.

In one of the nominations, she was described as a ray of sunshine and "everyone's wildcat mom."

In another, a student highlighted her dedication, focus, and advocacy for all of her students.

These sentiments were shared by every single nomination and by every student who has ever gotten to know her, including myself.

Lastly, in another nomination, a student highlighted Dr. Boyer-Davis's incredible pep talks.

It is my absolute pleasure to introduce Dr. Stacy Boyer-Davis for the as this semester's faculty commencement spe Dr. Boyer-Davis, I invite you to make your remarks at this time.

(audience cheering and clapping) - Thank you so much, Gwen.

Greetings, Northern Michigan University, the bo of trustees, President Tessman, Provost Kapla, vice presidents, esteemed faculty, staff, my College of Business family, proud families and support systems, distinguished guests, and of course, the fantastic Fall 2023 graduates of Northern Michigan University, both here in person and as part of the global campus around the world.

Yes, that's right.

We should applaud.

(audience clapping) Before we begin, let's recognize that Northern Michigan University is located on the h and the Three Fires Confederacy, an honored alliance of the Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi Peoples.

When I received the email from our student government president, Gwen, that I was selected for the and your commencement speaker, I was humbled, honored, and in a complete state of disbelief.

To share this day with all of you is a true honor of a lifetime.

Thank you to the students who nominated me and for this award and to deliver our I would not be here at this podium today without my dear husband Jim.

He is known around campus as Mr. Davis and my daughter Autumn, both of whom are NMU To them, I'm forever grateful for their sacrifices, support and lo May I also thank my College of Business faculty and staff family, including our dean, Carol John They have been outstanding colleagues, friends and family to me.

To our faculty as a whole, you are an inspira To my accounting majors, minors, and my masters of Business Administration learners and to all of the students, it has been my privilege to Th ank you for embracing accounting and my unbridled enthusiasm in teaching the language of business.

Today is life changing.

A juncture w of the past meet the limitless possibilities of the future.

As I stand before you, as a first generation college graduate, I am reminded of a timeless truth, life's most extraor often begin with a single courageous step And today you take that step into the boundless realm of endless potential.

In the symphony of existence, each of you is a distinct note, a melody that ad to the richness of the collective harmony of humanity.

Your journey to this very moment has been a mosaic of challenges, triumphs and self-discovery.

Like stars navigating through the Upper Peninsula night sky, you have charted your course through the vast expanse of academia, fueled by passion, curiosity, and an unyielding thirst for knowledge.

As we gather here in this architectural marvel, the Superior Dome, the largest wooden dome in I invite you to reflect not only on the diplomas you will soon bu t also on the intangible treasures you've g The scholarship, friendships and the transformative power of embra Yesterday you stood on the ledge of Black Rocks but today, on the precipice of tomorrow, equipped not just with degrees but a world class education and the steadfastness that comes from navigating the uncharted.

In a world pulsating with change, you are the inventors and innovators of the future, the visionaries who will shape the narratives, yet unwritten.

Your uniqueness, your diverse perspectives, your audacious dreams are the catalysts that will propel our world into a realm yet unimagined.

As you step forth into the kaleidoscope of life, beyond these walls, remember this, your story is not just a chapter in a book or a lesson in class, it is the symphony of a lifetime and you are the composer.

Today we gather to celebrate not only the end of an academic chapter, but the commencement of a new journey for each and every one of you.

It is impossible not to reflect on the experiences, challenges, an that have shaped your time here in the magnificent Upper Peninsula.

Northern Michigan University has been more than an institution of higher learning.

It is a community, a place where friendships are forged and memories cr against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and the resolute determination of the Wildcat family.

In the heart of the north, where the pines stand tall, where dreams unfold and echoes call, a place of knowledge where the wild winds play, Northern Michigan University where Wildcats always find their way.

What does it mean to be a Wildcat?

Well, W is for weaving tails of winter snow in the Upper Peninsula where the Great Lakes winds blow.

Wildcats roam the NMU Halls, a pride so strong in Marquette's embrace where they all I is for intellects in the classroom.

Minds ignite in the glow of knowledge in the pale moonlight.

Intellect sharpened like an iron blade in the pursuit of wisdom in the woods shade.

L is for lake shores and their whispered tales of the past of Wildcats persevering steadfast.

Learning in the stillness where the hemlocks stand in the weathered heaven, where the Northern Lights command.

D is for degrees earned like badgers of the brave determined Wildcats, the great waves, they crave, diplomas unfurl like sail in the breeze, in the pursuit of dreams under evergreen trees.

C for communities forged, connections, strong, green and gold, the colors we bear in unity in the Upper Peninsula air.

For the letter A, as the sun sets on the Superior Shore, achievements are celebrated forevermore.

Alumni Wildcats from the roots we rise, in the northern skies where our spirit flies.

For the letter T, time may pass, seasons may change, but the loyalty of the Wildcat will never estrange, traverse the paths where memories are spun in the legacy of Wildcats under the northern sun.

S is for superior echoes, the cheers we sing, saluting the Wildcats, let the victory ring, strength and harmony like the mighty pines in the tapestry of time where the Wildcat shines.

In the land of the north where dreams take flight, Northern Michigan University in the soft twilight, Wildcats forever in the wilderness, we roam, in the heart of the UP, We have found our home.

I'm now exceptionally pleased to reveal what might be the top 10 takeaways that define your time Here.

Let's dive into the insights you have gained during your unforgettable years at NMU.

Number 10, you've mastered the art of dressing in layers.

The weather in the UP is a constant surprise, and you've become expert at navigating the ever-changing from snow boots to shorts all in the same day, you've adapted with style.

Number nine, you've not just eaten pasties, you've elevated it to a gastronomic art form.

By the way, I learned during my NMU faculty job interview that the word is pronounced pasties.

True story.

Number eight, you've perfe Shoveling your vehicle out of a snow drift is practi You have learned to appreciate the beauty of freshly fallen snow while simultaneously cursing it Number seven, you navigate roundabouts with confidence.

While some may see roundabouts as confusing traffic circles, you as opportunities to showcase your expert driving skills.

Mastering the UP roundabout is an accomplishment that will serve you well in the real world.

And now cue the Dan Truckey roundabout song, which you can find on YouTube.

Feel free to G Number six, you've developed an understanding that rush hour in the UP means encountering more deer than vehicles on the road.

Number five, you've overcome SISU challenges.

The finished concept of SISU strength, determination, and courage has become your second nature.

You have faced challenges head on, the unprecedented COVID pandemic, and wi of a UPer, you've conquered them.

Number four, you've discovered the power of the UP shuffle.

Walking on icy sidewalks with the grace of a ballet dancer is an accomplishment that should not be underestimated.

You've perfected the UP shuffle and it is a dance that will se in the slippery situations that life throws your way.

Number three, superior sunset contemplation.

You have learned the therapeutic value of gazing at the stunning sunsets over Lake Superior.

As you move forward, remember to find your own personal La a place that brings you peace and reflection.

Number two, embrace the wilderness of life.

The rugged landscapes of the Upper Peninsula mirror the unexplored territories of your futu Just as Northern Michigan University prepared you to navigate the diverse terrains of academics and life, you've learned that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones less traveled.

And the number one thing that you've learned at Northern Michigan University, you've discovered the st that the Wildcat family extends beyond these campus borders.

As you venture into the world, carry the spirit of the UP with you, embrace the wild, laugh in the face of adversity, always give back, help others, set the standards and remember, that just like the UP you are unique, irrepressible and absolutely unforgettable.

We will miss you, graduates.

I personally will miss you accounting and bus Continue to make us Wildcat proud and never forget you are our family at Northern Michigan University.

In closing, graduates, may your aspirations s and may your impact be profound.

The world awaits your brilliance.

Go forth with courage, compassion, and conviction, and make your mark on the canvas of life.

Shine graduates, shine.

Congratulations.

Go Wildcats.

(audience clapping) Thank you.

- Thank you, Dr. Boyer-Davis and congratulations again on being selected to receive the prestigious Students Choice Award from this year's graduating class.

And it won't take me just a second, but I do wanna make a point.

We have lots of awards and recognit at Northern Michigan University and they but this award is so important because it captures the soul of this university, which is between our faculty an So I'm looking out across so many of our talented and committed faculty, of course, across all of this year's graduating class and Dr. Boyer-Davis, I think this award is partic because out of all of the students and all of the faculty, you were recognized distinctly So congratulations again.

I'm so proud to have you as this Thank you.

(aud Okay, well, now graduates, this is the moment that you've been waiting for.

It's the moment your family and friends have been waiting for and that This is the time for the conferring of degrees.

Provost Kapla.

- President Tessman, the deans of the colleges will j for the graduate and undergraduate degrees.

The graduate degree candidates will be presented by Dr. Lisa Eckert, Dean of the College of Graduate St - Will the candidates for graduate degrees please stand and remain standing.

Provost Kapla, these candidates have met all of the requirements for their degrees and have been approved by the facu I present them to you now for the conferring of their degree (audience clapping) - The next candidates will be presented by Dr.

Rob Winn, Dean of the - Will the candidates for the undergraduate degrees in the College of Arts an and remain standing.

Provost Kapla.

(audience clapping) Provost Kapla, these candidates have met all the requirements for their degree and have been approved by the faculty.

I present them to you for the conferring (audience clapping) - The next candidates will be presented by Professor Carol Johnson Dean of the College of Business.

- Will the candidates for the undergraduate degrees in business, please stand (a udience clapping) Provost Kapla, these candidates have met all the requirements for their degree and been approved by the faculty.

I present them to you for the conferring of their degree (audience clapping) - The next candidates will be presented by Dr. Joe Lubig, Dean of th of Health Sciences and Professional Studies.

- Will the candidates for the undergraduate degrees in the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, please stand and (audience clapping) Provost Kapla, these candidates have met all of the requirements for their degrees and have been approved by the faculty.

I present them to you for the conferring of thei (audience clapping) - The next candidates will be presented by Dr. Steve VandenAvond, of Technology and Occupational Sciences.

- Will the candidates for the undergraduate degrees in the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences, (audience clapping) Provost Kapla, these candidates have met all the requirements for their degrees and have been approved by the I present them to you for the conferring of thei (audience clapping) - President Tessman, these candidates have met all of the requirements for their and have been approved by the faculty.

We present them to you for the conferring of their degrees.

- Thank you, Provost Kapla.

Are you ready?

By virtue of the authority granted to me by the Board of Trustees, and upon the recommendation of the faculty, I now confer upon each of you the appropriate degree, the requirements of which you have fulfilled and do hereby vest each of you with the rights and privileges pertaining to that degree.

Congratulations.

(audience Now, there's a longstanding tradition in academia for graduates to move their tassel from the right side to the left side.

And graduates at this point in time, I invite you to do th This is a fantastic moment you'll never forget.

Go ahead and be seated just for now.

Mr. Mike Settles will read the names of each one of our graduates.

The dean of the appropriate college will be presenting the diplo And graduates, I'll remind you that we'll be taking your picture and so please, if you don't mind, take a an d say hello.

Will the candidates for the degrees please - Graduates of NMU'S Global Campus, our students who have completed their degrees entirely online.

While several global campus graduates have traveled to Marquette to walk in today's ceremony, we would like to take this time to salute those global campus graduates who could not be here but wanted to participate.

Master of Arts in Education, Alexis Cumings, Leora Lancaster, Heidi Reynolds, Darby Youngstrom.

Master of Business Administration, Erica Hering.

Master of Science in Nursing, Jessica Walther.

College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies.

Bachelor of Science.

Paula Knaus, Sarah Wernet.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Katie Chartier, Susie Cobb.

(audience clapping) College of Graduate Studies and Research Education Specialist, Crystal Keso.

Master of Arts.

Emily Dewey.

Jenny Knudstrup.

Angela Maki.

Master of Arts in Education.

Kirsi Anderson.

Alexandra Bott.

Kaitlyn Dickenshied.

Lance Dubay.

Devin Girton.

Callie Hernandez.

Kelsey Nordengren.

Laura Priest.

Master of Business Administration.

Kenneth Goodsell.

Cameron Lake, Robert McCormick, Chelsea Rheault, Amber Schiltz, Cameron White.

Master of Science.

Garrett Meso.

Philip Niswonger, Collin Smith, Jozsias Szarka.

Sarah Aqwa, Master of Science in Nursing.

KayLeigh Balinski, Kayla Coltson, Sydney Fletcher, Morgan Gelinas, Derrick Grondlin, Kali Kisro, Abigail Parker, Emily Prunick, Norman Purmal, Dennis Smith, Beth Stanaway, Emilee Syrjala, Amanda Tegge, Master of Interdisciplinary Study.

Lauren Rotundo.

College of Arts and Sciences.

Associate of Applied Arts.

Lindsay Blount, Allison Denman, Madison LeVon, High Honor, Associate of Arts.

Corah Bergman.

Chase Bourdeau.

Abbie Legault.

Brittany Monroe.

Kelly Root, Elizabeth Ann-Smith, Darren Shykes.

Associate of Science.

Miah Beck, Grace Clark, Beatriz Esparza-Mendez, Francesca Frifeldt, Grace Goodsell, Bailey Cummings, Jacet Jacobson, Honor, Brett Wittler, Bachelor of Arts.

Morgan Goss, Jane Iversson, Cum Laude, Ahnah Olsen, Alexy Schmid, Cum Laude, Madeline Schott-Williams, Magna Cum Laude, Julia Seitz, Magna Cum Laude, Kyra Skinner, Cum Laude, Anija Spiessl, Summa Cum Laude.

Leah Trepanier, Sarah Watling, Summa Cum Laude.

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Joshua Brehm, Reagen Bonney, Magna Cum Laude, Kaitlyn Park, Magna Cum Laude, Ilah Wilson.

Bachelor of Science.

Celeste Achatz, Ma Rebekah Allen, Magna Cum Laude, Amanda Anderson, Cum Laude, Kendra Anderson, Molly Anderson, Magna Cum Laude.

Christina Andrews, Cum Laude.

Daniel Atkinson, Cum Laude.

Michaela Beesley, Lauren Bertoia, Alisabeth Birkeland, Colin Bjorne, Joad Blaauw-Hara, Magna Cum Laude.

Kira Allison Brinkmeier, Erica Butcher, Jarret Butcher, Jillian Cane, Cassandra Call, Summa Cum Laude.

Luke Childs, Magna Cum Laude.

Paige Connors, Cum Laude.

Ronald Coon, Jasmine Cooper, Magna Cum Laude, Tyquan Kwats, Cox, sorry.

Ellie Crawford, Magna Cum Laude.

Emily Cueny, Dylan Curtis.

Kendra Day.

Kiara DeWitt.

Margaret Bailey, Summa Cum Laude.

Hilda Nuutinen.

Megan Delekta, Summa Cum Laude.

Bridget Demoor.

Giacomo DiGirolamo.

Ryan Dickinson.

Payton Drew, Cum Laude.

Freya Dufner.

K... E... Emily Eckel.

Shannon Ehrlich, Summa Cum Laude.

Rachel Eitniear, Magna Cum Laude.

Kayla Everett.

Colin Farnes, Summa Cum Laude.

Katherine Faulk, Summa Cum Laude.

Zoe Fess, Summa Cum Laude.

Anna Fisher, Cum Laude.

Justin Fisher.

Benjamin Flaminio, Cum Laude.

Nathaniel Forster, Summa Cum Laude.

Tarah Gates, Leah Gibbons, Hannah Gilbert, Magna Cum Laude.

Samantha Gray, Darien Grear, Cum Laude.

Johnathan Green, Magna Cum Laude.

Maria Gutierrez, Chloe Hall, McKenzie Hammons, Alex Harmon, Ender Harris, Summa Cum Laude.

Jenna Helt.

Miiya Hendrickson.

Sarah Herek.

Nicholas Herriff.

Avery Hill.

Makaila Hojnacki.

Harrison Howard, Cum Laude.

Kaylin Humphries, Cum Laude.

Daryn Johnson, Cum Laude.

Jennifer Jones, Magna Cum Laude.

Lea Kemle, Cum Laude.

Kylie L'Huillier, Magna Cum Laude.

Jenny Labyak.

Charles Lafollette, Cum Laude.

Lorissa Laitinen, Summa Cum Laude.

Madison Lastovich.

Jessica Leeck, Cum Laude.

Kayla Lenz, Cum Laude.

Brooke Mannor, Cum Laude.

Brenan Marenger.

Luis Martinez.

Olivia Maynard, Summa Cum Laude.

Madelyn Mays.

Ian McCullough.

Ashleigh McFall, Cum Laude.

Leonard Menary, Cum Laude.

Emilia Nelson, Summa Cum Laude.

Aleda Miller, Casey Miller, Isabella Murphy.

Jeremy Meyers.

Jack Nasky.

Devin Nelson Zadie Nix, Cum Laude.

Hannah Noel, Cum Laude.

Audrey O'Rourke, Summa Cum Laude.

Lena Ostergren, Summa Cum Laude.

Damon Palovaara, Cum Laude.

Haley Pampreen-Lohman.

Allison Peck, Summa Cum Laude.

Alejandra Perez.

Aidan Petz.

Kelly Prond.

Caleb Reidling.

Madison Reynolds.

Tailyr Ridlington.

Hannah Robinson.

Noah Rumney, Cum Laude.

Danielle Schlecht.

Sydney Schram.

Allison Sebuck.

Liam Sheehan, Cum Laude.

Alyssa Sheltrow.

Brooke Sliva, Cum Laude.

Kaitlyn Smith, Lauren Sosnosky.

Anna Spaulding.

Dominic Sposita.

Madeleine Stencil, Magna Cum Laude.

Harrison Stine, Cum Laude.

Andrew Tallmadge.

Anna Terres, Magna Cum Laude.

Emily Thibault, Summa Cum Laude.

Blake Thompson.

Claire Towns.

Jonas Trombetta, Summa Cum Laude.

Xzondria Turner, Magna Cum Laude.

Annalee Tuttle.

Hudson Uren, Cum Laude.

Lindsey Walter.

Hilary Way, Cum Laude.

Jack Whaley.

Natalie White, Summa Cum Laude.

Elizabeth Wildfong.

Alexander Woodruff.

Lenka Zembova.

Lillian Zolman.

College of Business, Associate of Business.

Mackenzie Farr, Honor.

Kimberly Giese.

Madison Quinn.

Bachelor of Applied Science.

Melissa Tobias.

Bachelor of Science.

Abby Ahonen, Summa Cum Laude.

Chloe Aldrich.

Alexis Armstrong, Magna Cum Laude.

Kevin Balcom.

Iyanna Berlanga.

Paul Brooks.

Alex Broullire.

Jennifer Burek.

Jackson Cardonim, Cum Laude.

Reece Castor.

Nicole Cretney, Cum Laude.

Alexa Dekam.

Marissa Delmont.

Garrett Gonzalez.

Alexander Gregg.

Haileigh Hart.

Nicholas Healey.

Olivia Iannucci.

Megan Johnson, Cum Laude.

Sarah Johnson.

Mackenzie Karki, Cum Laude.

Kylee Kuntze, Cum Laude.

Grace Mattson.

Natalie McGinnis.

Dylan Messina, Summa Cum Laude.

Nathaniel Meyer.

Rebecca Miller, Cum Laude.

Ashley Oleksy, Cum Laude.

Taylor Ray, Magna Cum Laude.

Jacob Ritzer.

Florian Schilling, Cum Laude.

Victoria Sorenson, Summa Cum Laude.

Haley Thams, Cum Laude.

Kyra Vandervoort.

Garrett Wolak, Magna Cum Laude.

College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies.

Associate of Applied Science.

Madilyn Browne.

Samantha Fortunato, Honor.

Lydia Johnson.

Evan LaBelle, Honor.

Hunter Mosher.

Mark Torongo.

Associate of Science.

Autumn Duer, Honor.

Zofia Kibit.

Bachelor of Arts.

Marlie Fowler, Mag Olivia Lubig, Magna Cum Laude.

Bachelor of Science.

Dawn Allen.

Berkli Asgaard, Magna Cum Laude.

Quinn Barcus, Magna Cum Laude.

Ellen Barnes.

Inessa Bartholomew.

Jack Baumeister.

Isabella Berger, Summa Cum Laude.

Griffin Boeson, Magna Cum Laude.

Isabel Brusilow, Cum Laude.

Daniel Burnett, Summa Cum Laude.

Theodor Butler, Magna Cum Laude.

Gabrielle Couch, Cum Laude.

Isabella Cairo.

Britney Chaillier, Summa Cum Laude.

Kelsey Clark, Magna Cum Laude.

Catherine Day.

Lily Delongchamp, Magna Cum Laude.

Madeline Dettloff, Cum Laude.

Savana Dreisenga, Magna Cum Laude.

Rayon Edwards.

Keana Fahrni, Cum Laude.

Madeline Finstrom, Cum Laude.

Vanessa Foster.

Bryce Genson, Cum Laude.

Caitlyn Graham, Cum Laude.

Nora Hall, Cum Laude.

Kathryn Heckman.

Isabella Hill, Cum Laude.

Keleigh Hoffer.

Meg Hokenson.

Hannah Hopkins, Summa Cum Laude.

Carly Jones.

Paige Judson, Magna Cum Laude.

Dylan Kallery.

Kennedy Kammers.

Tonya Karvonen-Nelson, Cum Laude.

Amanda Knight, Summa Cum Laude.

Rylee Kurpowic, Magna Cum Laude.

Feng Nie Stephanie Law, Magna Cum Laude.

Ryan Leach.

Garrett Losinski.

Joshua Markey.

Annie McCole, Summa Cum Laude.

Marisa McGuire.

Kaitlyn Millin, Magna Cum Laude.

Ethan McKenna, Summa Cum Laude.

Audrey Morford.

Karli Myers, Summa Cum Laude.

Madison Myers, Summa Cum Laude.

Kaitlyn Nebel.

Carson Nolan.

Onajitte Okagbare, Cum Laude.

Jenny Olivier.

Abby Osburn, Magna Cum Laude.

Emily Olsson, Cum Laude.

Danielle Palm, Cum Laude.

Sydny Peterson, Summa Cum Laude.

Gwenyth Polcik.

Carver Poquette.

Kiersten Przeslawski, Magna Cum Laude.

Joscelyn Rice, Cum Laude.

Paula Ritari.

Karsyn Rogers.

Brynn Rowell.

Madison Sage.

Kaitlin Salmela.

Keegan Schmidt.

Parker Semanson, Alexandra Siders, Cum Laude.

Cooper Smith.

Harrison Smith.

Jack Smuck.

Abby St. Martin.

Maegan Stunkard.

Caitlin Thompson.

Kylie Tobias, Magna Cum Laude.

Sydney Wickstrom, Magna Cum Laude.

Kelly Wilbert, Magna Cum Laude.

Blake Williams, Magna Cum Laude.

Madeline Winberg, Magna Cum Laude.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Lene Awad.

Baylee Block, Cum Laude.

Annabelle Bolhuis.

Loryn Burnette, Cum Laude.

Emma Carey.

Kylie Chase, Cum Laude.

Nicole Cooke.

Rebecca Dessellier, Summa Cum Laude.

Chloe Gantz.

Megan Hendrickson, Cum Laude.

Hannah Hoffman.

Alina Jones.

Siri Martin, Cum Laude, Payton McNeely.

Rebekka Mikkola, Summa Cum Laude.

Brody Olson.

Samantha Pagliarini, Cum Laude.

Hannah Schulz, Magna Cum Laude.

Morgan Skytta, Summa Cum Laude.

Justin Smigelski.

Lauren Smith, Magna Cum Laude.

Madison Spisak.

Haden Thompson.

Dana Trudgeon, Magna Cum Laude.

Savannah Vosper, Summa Cum Laude.

Logan Ward.

Bachelor of Social Work.

Amanda Anderson, Cum Laude.

Alexis Cutler.

Tekoa Marshall, Cum Laude.

College of Technology and Occupational Sciences.

Certificate.

Dawson Delong.

Kyle Pine.

Taylor Thompson.

Jon Tourney.

Associate of Applied Science.

A.J.

Acosta.

Bryan Beaudoin.

Luke DeRose.

Meagan Hayes.

Madeline McCurdy.

Patrick Nix.

Cameron Schneider.

Associate of Technology.

Robert Blackburn.

Bachelor of Science.

Hunter Denton.

Jaden Janke, Cum Laude.

Trent Kantola.

Joseph Klein.

Nathaniel LeMere.

Nathan Trepp, Cum Laude.

(Lecturers clapping) - Congratulations again to all of our graduates.

Some of our graduates are a specific kind of trailblazer, not only in the classr but also in their own lives.

At Northern Michigan University, we're so proud of our first generation students.

We ask our first generation students to stand at this time for special recognitio (audience cheering and clapping) Thanks.

We also recognize that some of our graduates h to Northern Michigan University and very strong family history at Northern Michigan University.

Would all those friends and family who are alumni of NMU, pleas (audience clapping) As always, I'd like to thank Dr. Steven Grugin and the Commencement Band, Morning Thunder and our vocalist, Ms. Jessica Johnson for their part in the commencement program and of course all of the WNMU-TV staff for their coverage of the program.

Let's give these folks a round of applause.

(audience cheering and clapping) It's hard to believe, but as of this commenceme has conferred more than 82,000 degrees.

Our graduates have taken their places in a variety of successful professional ende They reflect the high expectation we have for NMU gradua to become leaders and contributors in their community and across the country.

Graduates, this is your day and you have every right We wish you every success in the future.

Make a difference, do big things, and lead a meaningful life.

As we prepare to conclude the ceremony, we're gonna ask audiences or members of the au until the platform party, faculty and graduates have left the platform Thank you again for attending this commencement and for all your support of students at Northern Michigan Universit We wanna invite all of you to fo r an informal receptio in the Northern Center ballro following the ceremony.

But one more time, congratulations to our grad We welcome you to become part of the Northern Michigan Universi Go Cats, congrats to our grads.

(audience clapping) (energetic band music) (energetic band music continues) - [Announcer] Coverage of the 2023 Mid-Year commencement exercises was produced through the facilities of WNMU-TV Northern Michigan University public television.

(energetic band music continues) (energetic band music continues) (energetic band music continues) (energetic band music continues) (energetic band music continues) (energetic band music continues)