>> At Wayne State University we take this drive and turn it into so much more so they can become Warrior Strong. >> Visit our 200-acre campus in the heart of midtown. >> Visit our new buildings. >> Danto Engineering. >> The Towers. >> See our classic buildings. >> McGregor. >> Mike Illich School of Business. >> The Freer House. >> We invite you to visit our medical schools known for urban clinical excellence. >> See where we perform. >> The Hilberry. >> Saber Hall. >> Visit a premiere research university. >> Schedule a tour of our campus. >> Because one visit to Wayne State will lead to a lifetime of opportunities. >> Where does inspiration come from? How do you find the creative ideas? >> How do you keep it alive? >> At Wayne State University's College of Fine, Performance and Communication Arts, inspiration is around every turn. >> In every nook, on every rooftop. >> And at every street corner. >> Here you'll take what you already know and get to know it better than you ever have before. >> This is where you will hone your craft because Detroit is the perfect classroom. >> Creativity can't be contained in a studio. >> Or at the stage. >> Or at the foundry. >> You've got to send it outside. Give it some fresh air >> Take it to a few high points. >> And some low ones. >> Take it to a busy street. >> Walk it around the block. >> Or to the steps that lead to something greater. >> Let it take in the sights and sounds and textures. >> It's all here. >> There's no place else but here. >> Because when you're looking to be inspired, you go here. >> And here. >> And here. >> And here. >> This is the place that will build you up. >> Make and remake you. >> And remake you. >> Want to know how to find your inspiration? >> Want to know where to begin? >> It begins right here, the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University. >> Be inspired. >> Warriors, the heart of Detroit. Wayne State University and Detroit. If you want to be a part of the fabric of this city, don't just come on strong, come on Warrior Strong. >> The biggest challenges. >> When I was here at Wayne State, I actually got married. I had two children so it took me quite a while to get done. >> One of the major struggles was definitely pulling all-nighters, studying for exams. >> I had really no idea what I wanted to study. >> I spent four years active duty. We went to Afghanistan 2009 and 2010. I also have family, a 2-year-old and a wife. >> I'm married with a son. I think that I needed to set an example for him. I didn't need to not only tell him but I needed to show him. >> Some of us have overcome severe obstacles to be here. Some of us have gone through things they can't even share with their closest friends and families but they made it. I'm proud to call them Warriors. What motivated me was trying to be an inspiration for my daughter. Whether we like it or not, we're role models. >> Education is something I always preach to my kids, at my camp. I don't want to tell kids to do something I haven't done so I pushed myself to go out here and do things that I want them to do, so I said, look, I know it's hard but if I can do it, you can do it. >> Was it worth it? Yes. It was worth it. The people, the connections I made are invaluable. >> I really enjoyed my experience here. I'm proud to be a Warrior. >> Would you like some dessert? >> What do you have in the way of pie? >> 3.141, 592635, 89793. 23846. 26433. 83279. 50288. >> Thank you. >> 50288. 41979. 69399. 37510. 58209. 82680. 34825. >> Good afternoon, everybody. I want to make a couple of announcements. Thanks for coming in. Make sure that you have your name cards filled out. You'll be given those to the reader when you come on stage during the diploma march. If you have a difficult name to pronounce, you can tell the reader before they announce it so there shouldn't be any problems with your name being said wrong. If you have any questions, please see a volunteer in a gold or green robe or a green t shirt. This morning was kind of quiet. So let's make sure everybody hears you today. You'll have several times to yell out and cheer and clap so let's make sure you have a great celebration. Welcome to Wayne State University 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 Welcome to Wayne State University 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> I have graduated four students, three Ph.D.s. Yeah, amazing. They are always coming up with amazing questions. That's the force, the energy that drives us forward. We don't give up. We are tough people in Detroit. >> My name is George Shirley. Here's my Wayne State story. I had excellent teaching here. I had professors who knew what they were doing. They were motivational. They were inspiring. And they helped me to uncover what I had as a potential teacher of music and as a singer. I loved singing. I had plenty of opportunity to do that. I actually sang my first opera because the conductor of the Men's Glee Club, Dr. Langsford. All of the productions I subsequently did as a professional that production was the truest to the direction in the front of the score that outlined how the opera was to be put on stage. That was the production that was right on target. >> Warriors are driven to succeed on the filed or in the classroom. Wayne State University, where passion and talent become warrior strong. Some people are born warriors. Driven to make a difference. Determined to accomplish great things. They know humble beginnings Don't matter when they can write their own ending. Wayne State University, turn the determination into reality with professors who can amplify that will to achieve, research opens doors to world changing breakthroughs, and a city that's more than a partner. It's a campus. When you combine passion and purpose, knowledge and expertise, nothing is impossible. One warrior can do great things but a University of warriors can do anything. Together we are Warrior Strong. >> Some let challenges define them. Warriors use challenges to redefine the world. You might not know their name but you felt their impact. At Wayne State University, our research turns the desire to do the biggest things into a force for a better world, from a single cell to an entire planet. Anyone can wait for change but to create it, you need to be Warrior Strong. >> The word strong is definitely a word that cannot just describe Wayne State but Detroit in general. >> What makes me Warrior Strong is always to try to go above and beyond what's expected of me and just knowing that we are back on the rise and we're being noticed again for what we are doing, I think that's the true essence of strength. How that strength seeps into Wayne State, and what makes us warrior strong. >> I'm the first person in my family to attend college. I just wanted to be in a position where I can actually help others. I participated in the Warrior Strong campaign because I wanted to bridge to light how great Wayne State is, how great the community is and how together everyone is. My goal is to work in the underserved community. In Detroit, it's so prevalent so for me everything came together. It was like, Why would I want to go anywhere else? The sense of community tells you you can overcome the adversity and that's something that I think is great and kind of at the heart of the Warrior Strong campaign. >> Warrior Strong to me means to wake up at 6:00 a.m. and come to school and do a full day of classes and still feel energized at the end of the day. I absolutely love the campaign because it demonstrates how there are dance students, lab students, and so many different talents that are being displayed. And what I love is that I relate to that. >> This place is so safe. I never feel threatened. I never feel out of place. I never feel othered, like I'm different. I fit in. >> We are all born to succeed. >> Sometimes all we ever is the strength inside. >> The kind of strength that keeps you moving forward. >> When you would rather turn back. >> The strength to do the right thing when it's easier to do nothing at all. >> To do good. And then ask, How can I do better? >> The strength to never settle for the way things are. >> But to strive for the way things ought to be. >> And know to get to where you want to go you might have to make your own path. >> At Wayne State University -- >> We take that strength and make it stronger. >> Because being strong isn't strong enough. You need to be -- >> Warrior Strong! >> This is the third year and I think it's getting better every year. One of the things that's definitely happening is we're getting a lot more really, really fast cyclists to participate. >> It's a great ride. It's a good time. You got to love a ride that has burgers at the end for you. >> There's something for everyone. They have the century down to 25 mile rides so you can pick your spot. >> Doing this to raise scholarship money for needy kids. >> Nine times out of 10 students only need maybe $500 to get over the hump and to be able to graduate. So the donations and the sponsors are doing just that, helping students cross the finish line. >> I was a financial aid student myself at Wayne State. So we're happy to support. >> Really a reputation as being one of the best centuries that will continue to grow. We're going to raise a lot of money. >> Some people are born warriors. Something drives them forward, passed any obstacle towards something bigger. Maybe they weren't born with a silver spoon but they were born with a purpose. At Wayne State University we take this drive and turn it into so much more. So they can become Warrior Strong. >> Visit our 200-acre campus in the heart of midtown. >> Visit our new buildings. >> Chemistry. >> Danto Engineering. >> The Towers. >> See our classic buildings. >> McGregor. >> The Mike Illich School of Business. >> The Freer House. >> We invite you to visit our medical schools known for urban clinical excellence. >> See where we perform. >> The Hilberry. >> Saber Hall. >> Visit a premiere research university. >> Schedule a tour of our campus. >> Because one visit to Wayne State will lead to a lifetime of opportunities. Welcome to Wayne State University's 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> Good afternoon, everyone. Please try to find a seat. We're about 25 minutes from the commencement ceremony start. Make sure you hand out your name cards. If you have any questions, please see a green or gold robed volunteer or a person in a green shirt. This morning was kind of quiet so make sure we hear you all through the ceremony. It's an exciting time for you. My two kids just graduated last May from Wayne State and it's a great day. Again, if you have any questions, we'll do a couple more announcements and then we'll be ready to go on time at 4:00. Welcome to Wayne State University's 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> Make and remake and remake you. >> Want to know how to find your inspiration? >> Want to know where to begin? >> It begins right here. >> The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University. >> Be inspired. >> Warriors, the heart of Detroit. Wayne State University and Detroit. If you want to be a part of the fabric of this city, don't just come on strong, come on Warrior Strong. ¶¶ >> The biggest challenges. >> When I was here at Wayne State, I actually got married. I had two children so it took me quite a while to get done. >> One of the major struggles was definitely pulling all-nighters, studying for exams. >> I had really no idea what I wanted to study. >> I spent four years active duty. We went to Afghanistan 2009 and 2010. I also have family, a 2-year-old and a wife. >> I'm married with a son. I think that I needed to set an example for him. I didn't need to not only tell him but I needed to show him. >> Some of us have overcome severe obstacles to be here. Some of us have gone through things they can't even share with their closest friends and families but they made it. I'm proud to call them Warriors. What motivated me was trying to be an inspiration for my daughter. Whether we like it or not, we're role models. >> Education is something I always preach to my kids, at my camp. I don't want to tell kids to do something I haven't done so I pushed myself to go out here and do things that I want them to do, so I said, look, I know it's hard but if I can do it, you can do it. >> Was it worth it? Yes. It was worth it. The people, the connections I made are invaluable. >> I really enjoyed my experience here. I'm proud to be a Warrior. ¶¶ >> Would you like some dessert? >> What do you have in the way of pie? >> 3.141, 592635, 89793. 23846. 26433. 83279. 50288. >> Thank you. >> 50288. 41979. 69399. 37510. 58209. 82680. 34825. ¶¶ >> Can I take a order? ¶¶ >> Here's my Wayne State story. I go to the lab excited every day and mostly because the students of Wayne State. I have graduated four Ph.D. students, three of them MB Ph.D.s. They are amazing, always coming up with amazing questions. That's the force, the energy that drives us forward. We don't give up. We are tough people in Detroit. Welcome to Wayne State University May 2018 Commencement May 8, 2018 ¶¶ >> Good afternoon, everybody. We need everybody to take a seat. We're going to start the ceremony. Please make sure you get a seat so we know we have a seat for everybody. That's always bad at the end. Make sure you fill out your name cards. Have those when you come up on stage. You'll give those to the name reader. Again, if your name is difficult to say, you can tell the name reader before they read it or say it out loud. If you have any issues, please see a volunteer in a gold or green robe. Please follow their directions for the rest of the ceremony and have a good time. Welcome to Wayne State University May 2018 Commencement May 8, 2018 [Wind Symphony Overture] >> Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention. Sincere effort and intelligent execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny. For 150 years Wayne State University has been placed where we value excellence. For what's really important like knowledge and community and diversity remains the same. And when there's change, it's changed for the better. For 150 years we've been proving hard work pays off, ideas turn into businesses, dreams turn into cures, the impossible turns into the amazing. We do what's never been done. If we fail, we adjust and we do it again until we claim victory, until we own it, until we celebrate it. For 150 years we've been making role models and encourage others to do the same. They don't fear the future. Maybe our name has changed but never our address. Because for 150 years we proudly led with heart, learners, in one place, Detroit. Our home. Always learn. The Always was. Always will be. If we learned one thing over the years it's that the past is our teacher and not our master. Because the best is still ahead. And excellence is never an accident. It's been 150 years. We have grown wise. We have grown bold. We have grown more than strong. Because for 150 years we have always been Warrior Strong. >> David Strauss: Good afternoon, everyone and welcome. My name is David Strauss, Dean of Students. On behalf of the Dean of Students Office, the Student Senate and all the student organizations, let me be the first to congratulate all of you gathered here this afternoon to celebrate a great milestone achieved. [Cheers and Applause] Commencement is an exciting and memorable occasion for all of us, but also a solemn and respectful one. Leaving before the ceremony has ended is disruptive and disrespectful to others. Graduates and guests are expected to remain for the entire ceremony. Now, will everyone please stand as the Wayne State University Wind Symphony calls the ceremony to order with the traditional opening march. ¶¶ >> David Strauss: I present to you members of the faculty and academic staff. [Applause] I now present to you members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors, the president, deans, members of the administration, and honored guests. [Applause] [MUSIC: Pomp and Circumstance] ¶¶ >> David Strauss: Thank you. Please continue to stand. Gentlemen, please remove your hats for our National Anthem and the first verse of the Hymn to Wayne. You will find the words to the university hymn on page three of your commencement program. Our soloist this afternoon is Katharine Connolly, a vocal music education student. >> Katharine Connolly: 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 thro' the perilous fight' o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' 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 to thee, our alma mater, Homage we bring. Brave hearts raise grateful voices Thy praise to sing. Young art thou, young and strong; Renowned shalt thou live, and long; Honors to thee will throng And fame to thee cling. [Applause] >> David Strauss: Thank you. That is a great way to start this special afternoon. Everyone please be seated. I would now like to introduce our Provost and Sr. Vice President, Academic Affairs, Dr. Keith Whitfield. >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you, David. Good afternoon! Welcome, everyone, to Ford Field for Wayne State University's May 2018 Commencement Ceremony in this the university's 150th academic year. [Cheers and Applause] It is my honor to start this afternoon's ceremony by introducing you to the 2018 Winter and Spring/Summer graduating class from the: School of Medicine, College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, College of Education, Mike Ilitch School of Business, and the College of Engineering. [Cheers and Applause] Will all our graduates stand. Let's give them a round of applause! [Cheers and Applause] Please be seated. Congratulations to all of you for reaching this day. Commencement is a day of celebration for the entire university. With us this afternoon taking part in this celebration are members of the university's academic and administrative leadership. You will find their names in your program. I ask the deans and senior administrators seated on the platform to rise and be recognized. Let's give them a round of applause. [Applause] Since 1868, Wayne State University has anchored the City of Detroit as an engaged and motivated community of scholars. Wayne State is one of the nation's 50 largest public universities, with Michigan's most diverse student population. Today, more than 27,000 students from nearly every U.S. State and many countries from around the world are pursuing degrees at Wayne State. Each one is earning an education at a nationally ranked research university which is strengthened by the culture, industry and the diversity of its urban environment. We believe in the definition of a university as a place where highly motivated people of differing backgrounds and aspirations may pursue both knowledge and personal growth. I know all of you gathered here today have been able to experience all that this great university has to offer. You have grown in knowledge and developed your skills in the fields you all have chosen. You have made us all very proud of you. [Applause] I know that each of you went through a lot to get to this point, but this moment is not only for you but also for your families and friends and all the others who made a lot of sacrifices so that you could succeed. There is no such thing as a self-made person. We are all shaped by the influence and examples of everyone around us family, friends, and faculty all have helped you get to this day. They are all teachers and mentors in their own ways. To stress the immeasurable importance of these people I would ask all of our graduates to rise, and give all these people a big round of applause. [Applause] Thank you and please be seated. It is now my pleasure to introduce you to the Honorable Kim Trent, a member of the university's Board of Governors, who will bring greetings on behalf of the board. Governor Trent. [Applause] >> Governor Trent: Good afternoon to each of you on this special day in this special year in the history of the university. On behalf of all of the members of the Board of Governors it is my pleasure to welcome all the graduates of the Class of 2018 and extend to you our deepest and most heartfelt congratulations. And as the aunt of a graduate, I'd like to say how proud I am of her, take a moment of personal pleasure to say that. I'm sure she's somewhere cringing right now. But Martini Ramsey, congratulations to you. This spring marks the return to Ford Field for the Wayne State University General Commencement exercises this is a place that instills hope for big dreams and wonder for the future. You have worked hard to achieve those dreams and you should be proud as we all are of your accomplishments. Wayne State University is an outstanding institution. And today you join more than a quarter of a million alumni to call our university their alma mater. Our vibrant, growing campus is a tribute to our students and the unwavering faith that we have in your ability to succeed. Your dedication and commitment have brought you to this moment and have set the path for your future success. I would like to take a moment to introduce other members of the Board of Governors who are with us for today's program. Would you please stand as I call your names. Governor Michael Busuito. [Applause] Governor Sandra Hughes O'Brien, the Chair of our Board of Governors. Again, on behalf of the Board of Governors and from each of our members of the entire Wayne State University community, congratulations to each of you. Our best wishes to you for much success ahead. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you for those warm words, Governor Trent. There's a very important group among us has had a great honor the education of these fine men and women. I would like to introduce William Volz, member of the Academic Senate and professor of accounting in the Mike Ilitch School of Business who will bring greetings on behalf of the faculty. Professor Volz? >> Professor Volz: Thank you, Provost Whitfield. On behalf of the more than 1,700 faculty of Wayne State University, congratulations. As a graduate of Wayne State University, your degree has the special stature of having been earned in a research intensive university and a Carnegie-ranked, community engaged university. The status reflects a university faculty commitment to excellence in teaching, to excellence in a broad array of creative and thoughtful scholarship, and to a dedication to meaningful service to society. Of the state of Michigan's 15 public universities, only your degree awarded here today and the degrees awarded to the graduates of the universities located in Ann Arbor and East Lansing share the coveted stature of being earned at a research intensive university. While the state's three research intensive universities are all fine institutions of higher learning, your diploma alone makes absolutely clear to the world that it was made in Detroit. [Cheers and Applause] The responsibility of overseeing the high quality of academic programs at Wayne State University rests with President Wilson, with our Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Keith Whitfield, Vice President of Research, Stephen Lanier, and a host of distinguished deans and department chairs; yet the critical ingredient in the creation of a high quality academic program is the quality of the faculty. I would like to ask the faculty here today to, again, please rise and give the graduates and their families an opportunity to express their appreciation for a job well done. [Applause] Thank you. I can't let this occasion pass without noting the important role that the talented student body of Wayne State University plays in attracting and retaining this faculty. The impressive intelligence of the graduates here today, their dedication, their hard work in completing a rigorous academic program are at the heart of why Wayne State faculty are proud to be here. A commencement ceremony is not a celebration of an end. A commencement celebrates a beginning. We hope that your experience at Wayne State, your family ties, and the path of your professional careers keep you close by so that you can play an important part in Michigan and Detroit's exciting economic future. But wherever your future lies as your professional and personal lives unfold, this university would love to hear from you, our graduates, about the important events in your lives, both professional and personal. Stay in touch. Send us a note. Give us an e mail. Send us a tweet. Good luck and congratulations. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you for those wonderful words, Professor Volz. It is now my pleasure to introduce to you Wayne State University's 12th President, Dr. M. Roy Wilson. [Cheers and Applause] >> President Wilson: Good afternoon, graduates. Congratulations. So here we are on Ford Field on a gorgeous May day. The Class of 2018 will forever hold a special place in Wayne State's history as you're earning your degree in the university's 150th anniversary year. [Cheers and Applause] We have almost 1,500 graduates seated on the field awaiting for their degree conferral. We have an exponentially higher number of moms, dads, brothers and sisters, grandparents, professors, advisors, best friends, husbands, and all around super fans. They are gathered here for one reason, to celebrate your success. In fact, we had to rent out the biggest arena in Detroit in order to accommodate them all. So if you haven't gotten the picture yet, you're kind of a really big deal today. And for good reason. You've worked incredibly hard to reach this moment. Wayne State University has demanded your best and you delivered it, your intellect, your curiosity, your drive have carried you this field, to this moment when you are supposed to cross this stage and gain well-earned recognition to what you have achieved. Maybe while you're here on Ford Field you can leave a little of your good luck behind. I hear our football team, the Lions, kind of need it. But the success of the graduates here today wouldn't be complete without its own lineup of supporting players for every time you had to skip a birthday party to study or an exam, you met an understanding reply. When you needed help buying textbooks, they pulled out their checkbooks. Were it not for your families and friends and their understanding and support, you probably wouldn't be here today. So this ceremony is as much a celebration of their sacrifice as it is your success. I've been involved with many commencement ceremonies in my career. But tomorrow morning I'm flying to Los Angeles to watch my baby girl, my daughter, Presley, graduate from college. [Applause] So, to all the parents out there, believe me when I say I understand how big a deal this is. I share in the happiness you feel to see your sons and daughters walk across the stage. Commencement feels like a charmed day filled with traditions more than perhaps any other day in your life you're thinking about what the future might hold. People often ask me what I did to prepare for the future. Did I plan to be president of a university, for instance? Did I have a master plan written down somewhere? My truthful response to that question is, no, there was no grand plan. The future is far away. The pace of change is extraordinarily fast. And you will be presented with many potential opportunities including some surprises that are impossible to predict. With this in mind, how could anyone possibly be expected to plan for 20 years from now? I think the answer lies in being prepared and being able to recognize opportunities as they unfold before us. As a French scientist famously observed, chance favors the prepared mind. We can't know what the future holds but we can prepare ourselves now as best as we can. And that's what you've been doing here at Wayne State. You've been part of a university that is known for both its academic rigor and its diversity, a university ranked in the top 8% worldwide. You've learned in the classrooms and labs, from the best faculty. Outside the classroom you've had experiences that will help you be citizens and members of a larger community and that's given you a broader perspective than many graduates around the country today can claim. When I look out at all of you seated here today, I see different motivation that brought you here to this point, different obstacles to overcome, and different aspirations for the future but each of you is prepared for whatever opportunities or challenges may come next. So allow me to conclude by quoting one of the most admired philosophers of the modern era. I speak, of course, of Dr. Seuss. You're off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way. Thank you, graduates. And congratulations again. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you for those inspiring words, President Wilson. Next, a distinguished citizen has been recommended by the faculties of the university for an Honorary Degree. To present this, President Wilson? >> President Wilson: I ask the Chair of the Board of Governors, Sandra Hughes O'Brien, to please join me at the lectern for the conferral of the honorary degree. Would Governor Kim Trent and Governor Michael Busuito please escort Matthew Simoncini to the lectern. Wayne State University presents the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to you, Matthew J. Simoncini, for your outstanding contributions during a 21-year career at Lear Corporation and for your tireless commitment to the community. You were born, raised and educated in Detroit, attending Detroit public schools and earning a Bachelor's in accounting from Wayne State in 1985. You began your career at Touche Ross, and went on to hold financial and manufacturing positions with Varity Kelsey Hayes and Horizon Enterprises, serving as Chief Financial Officer of Kelsey Hayes' European Operations. In 1996, you joined Lear, a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems, which acquired United Technologies Automotive, where you served as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. At Lear, you held a series of senior financial roles, rising through the ranks before being named President, CEO and Director in September 2011. You retired from Lear in February and are serving as an advisor to the company through the end of 2018. During your six years at the helm, you took Lear from the aftermath of a bankruptcy to an era of record sales. A vocal supporter of the city, in 2015 you led the effort to open the $10 million Lear Innovation Center in downtown Detroit, which aims to develop new business opportunities in collaboration with local Groups and Students, including those from the WSU College of Engineering and Mike Ilitch School of Business. In February, you were honored with the 2017 Crain's Newsmaker of the Year Award. Over the course of your career, you have generously contributed your time and expertise to a number of organizations, serving on the boards of groups such as the Bing Youth Institute, the Detroit Children's Fund, the Michigan Opera Theatre, the Parade Company, the Detroit Economic Club, Business Leaders for Michigan and the Wayne State University Foundation. Governor O'Brien, as President of Wayne State University, and on behalf of the faculty, I am pleased to present Matthew J. Simoncini for the conferral of the degree. >> Governor O'Brien: Thank you, President Wilson. By the authority of the people of the State of Michigan as vested in the Wayne State University Board of Governors, we are proud to confer upon you, Matthew J. Simoncini, the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, and with this hood and diploma, admit you to all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of that degree. Congratulations, Dr. Simoncini. [Applause] >> Matthew Simoncini: Thank you. I would like to thank Governor O'Brien and the rest of the Board of Governors, President Wilson, Provost Whitfield, faculty and staff of this outstanding university for this incredibly prestigious honor at my alma mater. I'd like to also thank my beautiful wife, Mona, who came here with me to Wayne State as a student, and my beautiful daughter Sydney and to my mom and dad, this one's for you. Thank you very much. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Congratulations, again, Dr. Simoncini. Now we begin the traditional part of the University Commencement Ceremony, the introduction of the candidates for degree from the schools and colleges gathered here this afternoon, the conferring of those degrees and the diploma march. Over 4,200 students were eligible and applied to graduate during the 2018 Winter and Spring/Summer semesters from our 13 schools and colleges. Candidates present at this afternoon's ceremony will now be presented for their degrees. The degrees are then conferred by the president. The awarding of diplomas will follow the conferring process. From the graduate school: the candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the schools and colleges will be presented by Dean Ambika Mathur. The candidates will please stand. [Applause] >> Dean Mathur: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the graduate faculty and the Graduate Council of the university, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the Irvin D. Reid Honors College: Wayne State University's students celebrate a wonderful tradition of academic achievement. We are pleased to ask Dean Jerry Herron of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College to acknowledge the students who have earned university and departmental honors designations and those students who have participated in the community of scholars program. Will the candidates for this honor please stand. [Cheers and Applause] Dean Herron? >> Dean Herron: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty from the schools and colleges of Wayne State University, I have the honor to acknowledge the students who have completed the honors curriculum in their respective departments or the general university honors curriculum as listed in the commencement program. They are wearing a gold collar today in recognition of this accomplishment. I also would like to acknowledge the students who participated in the Community of Scholars program. These students are wearing a blue cord to indicate their having completed the graduation requirements as members of this community. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: From the School of Medicine: the Master degree candidates will be presented by Associate Dean Dan Walz. The candidates will please stand. Dean Walz? >> Dean Walz: Thank you. Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the School of Medicine, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the College of Fine, Performing ad Communication Arts, the Master and Bachelor degree candidates will be presented by Dean Matthew Seeger. The candidates will please stand. [Cheers and Applause] >> Dean Seeger: Thank you. Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the College of Education: the degree of Doctor of Education, Master and Bachelor degree candidates will be presented by Dean Douglas Whitman. The candidates will please stand. Dean Whitman? >> Dean Whitman: Thank you, Provost Whitfield. Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the College of Education, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the Mike Ilitch School of Business: The Master and Bachelor candidates will be presented by Dean Robert Forsythe. The candidates will please stand. [Cheers and Applause] Dean Forsythe? >> Dean Forsythe: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the Mike Ilitch School of Business, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the College of Engineering: the Master and Bachelor candidates will be presented by Dean Farshad Fotouhi. The candidates will please stand. [Cheers and Applause] Dean Fotouhi? >> Dean Fotouhi: Thank you, Provost Whitfield. Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the College of Engineering, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, now, the most solemn moment of commencement as the president confers the degrees. Will all candidates for degrees please stand. [Cheers and Applause] Mr. President? >> President Wilson: The authority to confer each of these degrees is vested in the Board of Governors of Wayne State University by the people of the State of Michigan under the Constitution of the state. This authority is delegated to the president by the board. Each of these degrees is granted on the recommendation of the faculty of the university. By the authority vested in me by the Board of Governors and upon the recommendation of the respective faculties, I do hereby confer upon you the degree for which the faculties have recommended you, and I admit you to all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of that degree. Congratulations! [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: The degree recipients will please be seated. Ladies and gentleman, we have reached the moment that all of our students have worked so hard to achieve the receiving of their diplomas. Candidates receiving Doctor of Philosophy degrees and Doctor of Education degrees will process first as one group followed by the Doctoral, Master and Bachelor candidates from this afternoon's participating schools and colleges. I call on all the recipients of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy to please come forward. Dean Mathur, please come forward to announce the candidates. [Announcement of candidates] Thank you. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: I call on all the recipients of the degree of Doctor of Education to please come forward. Dean Whitman, please come forward to announce the candidates. [Announcement of candidates] >> Keith Whitfield: I now call all the remaining degree candidates to the stage to participate in the diploma march. >> And now I would like to introduce the Master degree candidates from the School of Medicine. >> And now I would like to introduce Master and Bachelor degree candidates from the Mike Illich School of Business. [Presentation of diplomas] >> And now the graduates from the Master and Bachelor degrees from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. [Presentation of diplomas] >> Now announcing the College of Education. [Presentation of Diplomas] >> And now I would like to introduce the College of Engineering. [Cheers and Applause] [Presentation of diplomas] >> Wayne State University's strength and passion is exemplified by our students who work long hours and in many cases several years to reach this moment in their lives. There is a group of graduates among us that have willingly taken on an even greater challenge and we would like to acknowledge them this afternoon. Would the students who are currently serving in and the students who are veterans of America's Armed Services please stand. [CAPTIONS PAUSED. STREAMTEXT LINK CLOSED] >> And was part of the inaugural steam challenge as the marketing and communication association. She is a student leader who has taken advantage of every opportunity that has come her way. Alex interned as a newswriter as a field producer and reporter. >> Alexandra Leroux: I am honored and humbled to stand before this graduating class today. To the Wayne State Board of Governors, President Wilson, Provost Whitfield, faculty and honored guests, thank you. To family members and friends, thank you for being my best friends, Mimi, my inspiration, and mom and dad, thank you for always believing in me, supporting me and pushing me to be my very best self. I wouldn't be here today without any of you. To the Mike Illich School of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the School of Medicine, and, of course, the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, here we are. This is it. We made it. Wayne State is now our alma mater but Wayne State will always be our home. Do the past two years feel like a blur to anyone else? I remember my orientation like it was yesterday. Time flies when you're having fun, right? Well, at Wayne State we didn't just have fun. Time flew for countless reasons. One being that we were always busy. We attended varsity sports games, watched performances at the Hilberry, joined organizations and clubs, and attended student day or study abroad day. We were rushing to classes, working part or full time, researching interning, performing, creating, and studying into the night. The executive editor of the "New York Times" and professors who are renowned for the research and writing, as a marketing and communications student assistant, I have a chance to share stories about scientists winning prestigious prizes, Wayne State programs being ranked top of the country, and authors and historians publishing the amazing work given to them. But the remarkable Wayne State faculty weren't my only teachers. You, my peers, have been my greatest teachers. I have had the privilege to sit beside some of the most courageous, ambitious, resourceful, creative, and passionate people I could ever imagine. And I'm sure many of you feel the same. The diversity and inclusive, experiences, and cultural richness taught me a lot about the outside world. Becoming friends with people from so many different cultures, races, religions and generations opened my eyes to different perspectives, values, and ideas. I've learned from students, custodians, administrators and faculty. That's what makes Wayne State amazing. Everyone has something valuable to share. Wayne State has a higher purpose than just education. The Wayne State experience includes learning besides students who are parents, veterans, international, work multiple jobs, all who have sacrificed to earn their degree. That is what I consider to be a world class education. As a broadcast journalism student, I was taught that my job is to share stories that are engaging, powerful, and true. Wayne State is now part of my story and your story. It will be our voice that create change, sustained peace, and inspire others to do the same. To my peers in School of Medicine, you will conduct life-saving research and improve people's lives. The College of Education, you're going to be teaching future generations the skills they need more than ever. The College of Engineering, you will always invent and innovate the way we live our everyday lives. The FPCA, you will continue to inspire and entertain us for the rest of our lives. And Business, well, I'll probably be working for you one day. Now go out and show the world how you are Warrior Strong. Thank you to all of you. The amazing professors and my fellow warriors, you made my time at Wayne State the best time of my life. I'm proud to be Warrior Strong. And although Wayne State is now our alma mater, Wayne State will always be our home. [Cheers and Applause] >> Thank you, Alexandra, for those wonderful remarks. And now a welcome to the university's new alumni will be extended by Peter Caborn, Associate Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Executive Director of the Wayne State University Alumni Association. Please welcome Mr. Caborn. [Applause] >> Peter Caborn: Congratulations, graduates. Today you entered Ford Field as students but you leave here as so much more. You leave here a shining example of success, proof that Wayne State students are not just strong, you are Warrior Strong. You've worked incredibly hard and now we are proud to call you Wayne State alumni. As of today you join a community of more than 260,000 alumni around the world and it is the connections that will last your lifetime. The Alumni Association offers many ways for you to stay involved. Volunteer with us to support students who are warriors just like you. Support a project that you're passionate about on campus. And use the Alumni Association to build a valuable, professional network. But above all, stay in touch. Update us on your successes and share your stories. We want to hear from you. Because your story is the Wayne State story. This university and city are changing every day and as Wayne State alumni, graduates of our 150th anniversary year, you play a pivotal role in that progress. And I have a feeling that in 150 years people will look back and study the achievements of all of you. On behalf of the Alumni Association, I congratulate you on your accomplishment. I challenge each of you to support Wayne State in its pursuit of excellence. Together we can ensure a great future for your alma mater, a future that is Warrior Strong. Congratulations again. [Applause] >> David Strauss: What an exciting ceremony and afternoon it has been. But it's time to bring this ceremony to an end -- [Cheers and Applause] so that you can celebrate the rest of this great day with your family and friends. So first, will all the Ph.D., Doctoral and Master degree candidates please stand. Thank you and please be seated. Now, will all the Bachelor degree students please stand. [Cheers and Applause] We congratulate you all! Thank you and please be seated. >> We salute the students, faculty, and staff volunteers who helped manage this afternoon's ceremony. And special thanks to Douglas Bi Bianchi, Conductor, Associate Professor of Music and Director of University Bands, and your fellow students, members of the Wayne State University Wind Symphony. [Cheers and Applause] We want to give special thanks to Director of Commencements and his special events team for putting all of today's activities together. [Applause] And lastly, leading the platform party to and from the stage this afternoon is the mace bearer, member of the Academy of Scholars and department chair in physiology from the School of Medicine. [Applause] In a quick second, I'm going to ask the mace bearer and marshals to take the platform party and faculty from the ceremony and then all of you I will then dismiss. So with that being said, marshals, please lead the members of the platform party and the faculty from the stage. >> David Strauss: This concludes the May 2018 University Commencement Exercises. Thank you and congratulations to everyone!