A guide to Fall 2024 Commencement

Gathering to celebrate a Michigan victory doesn’t just happen when U-M beats Ohio State — our UM-Dearborn graduates have overcome even more to get to graduation. And, on Dec. 21, the newest Dearborn Wolverine alums will leave the Fieldhouse and go out into the world as newly conferred graduates.

This Fall semester UM-Dearborn will award 713 degrees during two 90-minute Commencement ceremonies.

The morning ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., recognizes graduates of the College of Arts, Sciences and Letters and the College of Business. The afternoon ceremony, which starts at 2 p.m., celebrates graduates of the College of Education, Health and Human Services and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Doors open one hour prior to start time.

Here’s more information about the Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies.

Keynote speaker: Henry J. Maier, '86 B.A.

UM-Dearborn alum Henry J. Maier, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the university, will give the keynote speech to the Class of Fall 2024. Maier retired from service as the president and chief executive officer of FedEx Ground in 2021, after holding that position since 2013. He has over 45 years of experience in the transportation industry, including more than 35 years at FedEx companies. His FedEx career includes various leadership positions in logistics, sales, marketing and communications. Prior to serving as president and CEO, Maier was an executive vice president of FedEx Ground, responsible for the company’s strategic planning, contractor relations and corporate communications programs.

Maier previously served on the Strategic Management Committee of FedEx Corp., which set the strategic direction for the FedEx enterprise. Throughout his career at FedEx, he gained significant experience and expertise in the areas of capital markets, corporate governance and logistics. 

Maier currently serves as a director on the boards and various committees of CarParts.com, an e-commerce car parts retailer; CH Robinson, a freight brokerage and freight forwarding company; and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad, a transportation holding company.

Student speaker: Almunthir Elhady

Almunthir Elhady is graduating with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in computer and  information science and in data science. Born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn as a first-generation American of Yemeni descent, Elhady’s  journey has been shaped by his family’s values of perseverance and community. During his time at  UM-Dearborn, he served as a Student Government senator for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, president of the Muslim Students’ Association and treasurer of the Yemeni  Students’ Association. During his time with MSA and YSA, he helped raise over $40,000 for charities. Elhady also served as president of the Programming Club at Henry Ford College, where he began his college studies. Outside school, he served as a youth football coach with the Dearborn Lions and a volunteer in various Islamic programs across Michigan. He also advocated for a ward representation  system in his hometown as an organizer for the Dearborn Wants Wards campaign. 

Elhady plans to pursue a career in software engineering, with a focus on machine learning and advanced sports statistics. He believes in using his skills to make a meaningful impact both locally and beyond. A quote that inspires him (roughly  translated from Arabic) is: “To change the world, one must first look inward, then to their home, their community, and only then, to their country.” 

Tickets

Each graduate will receive five tickets for the ceremony. Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves. Children ages 2 and under also do not need a ticket. If students haven’t picked up their tickets yet, they can get them at the One Stop, located inside the Social Sciences Building, first floor. Make sure to bring a state-issued ID, passport or MCard and receipt of cap/gown purchase. One Stop hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday. Thursday hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If a student is unable to come to campus prior to Commencement, email [email protected] with the number of tickets you would like held (up to five) before Dec. 6 for tickets to be placed in Will Call, where they can be picked up on the day of the ceremony.

Make sure to pick up or reserve tickets by Dec. 6 or they will be considered unclaimed.

So how does someone get more tickets if they have a big family or large friend group? Information regarding unclaimed tickets will be made available via email to students on Dec. 9.

Staff volunteers
If you are a staff member who would like to volunteer at the ceremonies, please reach out to Campus Event Planner Mandy Earl here to get more information. Tasks include distributing Will Call tickets, checking in graduates, helping direct the crowd and other activities as needed throughout the ceremonies.

Watching the ceremony
No matter where in the world families and friends may be, they can watch the ceremonies online.

The two events will stream on UM-Dearborn’s Facebook and on YouTube accounts.

Find additional Commencement information on the Fall 2024 commencement website.