50,000 and counting: UM-Dearborn celebrates milestone at Fall Commencement

University of Michigan-Dearborn celebrated a milestone Saturday as Megan McDonald became its 50,000^th graduate.

“Megan, you represent all of the well-prepared graduates that have come before you and those that will follow you in the years to come,” said Chancellor Daniel Little. “UM-Dearborn has prepared students who are making a difference and having an impact in the community, nation and world for 56 years. As we celebrate today’s milestone, we celebrate all of our outstanding graduates.”

McDonald, a B.B.A. graduate from Livonia, Mich., received a keepsake stole and paperweight.

“This is the perfect ending to my whole experience at UM-Dearborn,” McDonald said. “It’s an honor. I can’t believe I’m actually the 50,000^th graduate. It’s just made this experience even better than I could have imagined.”

The university conferred more than 750 degrees during two ceremonies Saturday.

In the morning ceremony, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein addressed graduates of the College of Business, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and College of Education, Health, and Human Services. He told graduates that life experiences—good and bad—will come to define them.

“For it is through the struggle and the challenge and the difficulty that you will come to do what is hard, but achieve what is great,” Bernstein said.

“We must celebrate the idea there will always be chapters—chapters of pain, struggle and difficulty. But it is only through those chapters that you can find the chapters of hope, the chapters of joy and the chapters of ultimate triumph. So today, let us celebrate.”

In the afternoon, Chairman of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Board of Directors Eugene A Gargaro, Jr., gave graduates of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters a message that differed from the one his commencement speaker—the legendary comedian Bob Hope—gave nearly 50 years ago.

“He said, ‘My advice to you today as you are about to go out into the world…don’t go,’” Gargaro said. “I’ll never forget that. But, unlike Bob Hope, I am saying go. Go out into the world. As well prepared as you are today with your University of Michigan-Dearborn education, there will be many opportunities for you. The world needs you.”

Gargaro also received the Distinguished Leader Award, which honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the university’s welfare and development.

“Mr. Gargaro, we thank you for your work as a civic and community leader in this region,” said Little as he presented the award. “We are particularly grateful for your work to help save the treasures of the Detroit Institute of Arts, securing the museum’s independent status and ensuring that the collection can be enjoyed for generations to come. Closer to home, we thank you for your contributions to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, through your service as a member of the Executive Leaders Advocacy Group.”

Five students also were recognized Saturday as recipients of the Chancellor’s Medallion Award in recognition of their strong academic record, quality of character, intellect and integrity:

• Livonia resident Chelsea Szpond, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Livonia resident Freda Shatara, College of Education, Health, and Human Services
• Grosse Ile resident Rachel Ruta, College of Business
• Former Madison Heights resident Thomaz Carvalhaes, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters
• Dearborn resident Joe Gaber, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters

See more photos from the day on UM-Dearborn’s Facebook page.