>> Good morning, everyone. Hopefully everybody's getting ready. A couple of announcements. Bathroom facilities while on the field, they're at the end of the tunnel. Please try to take care of all of that before we start the ceremony. You should have brought your name and photography card with you. Make sure that gets filled out. You'll be handing that to the readers when you come on stage. You'll also have a couple of moments to tell the readers your name if you have a difficult name to pronounce. If you have any questions, please see somebody in a green or gold robe. Thank you. Welcome to Wayne State University's 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> Fill out your name card that was with your graduation access pass. You'll use that to hand to the reader when they read your name on stage. If you have any questions, please see a marshal in a gold or green robe or green t shirt. Our morning ceremonies are notorious for being really quiet. Everybody seems to be sleeping. So let's hear you a lot today. It's a great day for you guys and for the university. You'll have a lot of chances to hoop it up and celebrate. Welcome to Wayne State University's 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> Warriors are driven to succeed on the filed or in the classroom. Wayne State University, 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. Wayne State University, turn the determination into reality. We 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. 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 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 have 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! Welcome to Wayne State University's 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> Good morning, everyone. A couple of announcements. We're about 25 minutes away from graduation time. Please make sure that you fill out your name cards before you get up to the stage during the diploma march, those you will hand to the readers. They will read your name. If you have a difficult name, you can whisper it to the reader before they say your name. So don't worry. We'll try to make sure we do our best. If we could get everybody in a seat so we see what seats we have left. And, again, the morning ceremony is notorious for being really quiet and sleepy, so make sure everybody hears you and knows that you're here today. Welcome to Wayne State University 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> If we could get all the banner bearers to get ready at the tunnel entrance, thank you. Welcome to Wayne State University 2018 Commencement Ceremony May 8, 2018 >> 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 of 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, 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. >> Engineering. >> The Towers. >> See our classic buildings. >> McGregor. >> Mike Illich School of Business. >> The Career House. >> We invite you to visit our medical schools known for urban clinical excellence. >> See where we perform. >> 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. >> Good morning, everyone. A couple of things. We are now 15 minutes away from graduation. I want to make sure that everybody's got a seat. So if you can, make sure you move to the middle of your rows so we can get students into the rows, please. Make sure you fill out your name cards so when you come up during the diploma march, you can hand it to the reader. You will have a couple of moments to say your name to the reader if you have a difficult name to pronounce. Again, if you could move in so we can grab the seats that are in between you, please. We have to get the students seated. And could everybody find a seat. Thank you. >> 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 Science 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. >> It does no good just seeing it. >> You've got to send it outside. Give it some fresh air. >> Take it to a few high points. >> And some low ones. >> 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 nothing else but here. >> Because when you're looking to be inspired, you go here. >> And 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. >> Could everybody please get seated. If you have chairs between you, please scoot down so you can open those up for other students. We'll begin in about eight minutes. Please make sure your name cards are read. Or filled out. Sorry. So they can be handed to the reader when you get up here. Welcome to Wayne State University 2018 Commencement Ceremony. May 8, 2018 [Music ] >> 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, drugs 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, learn, in one place, Detroit. Always learn. The past is our teacher and not our master. Excellence is never an accident. 150 years, we have grown wise. We have grown old. We have grown more than strong. Because for 150 years we have always been Warrior Strong. >> David Strauss: Good morning, everyone. 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 morning to celebrate a great milestone achieved. 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. Will everyone please stand as the Wayne State University Wind Symphony calls the ceremony to order with the traditional opening march. I present to you members of the faculty and academic staff. [Wind Symphony plays Opening March Overture] I now present to you members of the Wayne State University Board of Governors, the president, deans, members of the administration, and honored guests. [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 morning 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 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 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. >> David Strauss: Thank you so much for getting us off to a great start on this special morning. Everyone please be seated. I would now like to introduce our Provost, Dr. Keith Whitfield. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Good morning. Welcome to Ford Field for Wayne State University's may 2018 Commencement Ceremony. It's a special year this year as the university celebrates its 150th academic year. It's my honor to start this morning's ceremony by introducing you to the 2018 Winter and Spring/Summer graduating class from School of Information Sciences, College of Nursing, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, School of Social Work, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. [Cheers and Applause] After all of that, will all of our graduates please stand for a round of applause. [Applause] Congratulations to all of you for reaching this day. Please be seated. Commencement is a day of celebration for the entire university. With us this morning 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 body. 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 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. [Cheers and Applause] Thank you and please be seated. It is now my pleasure to introduce you to the Honorable Marilyn Kelly, a member of the university's Board of Governors, who will bring greetings on behalf of the board. Governor Kelly? [Applause] >> Governor Kelly: Thank you. Good morning to each of you on this special day, in a special year for our university. On behalf of all of the members of the Board of Governors, it's my pleasure to welcome the graduates of the Class of 2018 and extend to you our deepest and most heartfelt congratulations. This spring marks a return to Ford Field for the Wayne State General Commencement Ceremonies. And this is a place that instills hope for big dreams and wonder for the future. You have worked hard to achieve your dreams and you should be proud as we are of your accomplishments. Wayne State is an outstanding institution and today you join more than a quarter million alumni who call our university their alma mater. Our vibrant growing campus is a tribute to our students and of 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'd like to take a moment to introduce other members of the Board of Governors who are with us for today's program. As I call your name, would you stand, please? Governor Michael Busuito. Governor Diane Dunaskiss. Governor Mark Gaffney. Governor Kim Trent. And Governor Emeritus Jacqueline Washington. Again, on behalf of the Board of Governors and from our entire Wayne State community, congratulations to each of you and our best wishes to you for much success ahead. [Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you so much for those words, Governor Kelly. There is a very important group among us who had had a great honor. That honor is the education of these fine men and women. I'd like to introduce Lou Romano, President of the Academic Senate and Professor of Chemistry from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who will bring greetings on behalf of the faculty. Professor Romano? >> Professor Romano: Thank you, Professor Whitfield. On behalf of the faculty and academic staff of Wayne State University, I would like to offer each of you my warmest congratulations. In the past when I have addressed the graduates, I've had two duties. The first is to recognize the faculty and academic staff in the audience. So at this point I'd like them to stand and be acknowledged. Let's give them a big round of applause. [Applause] These dedicated scholars are one of the main reasons that you're here today. My second duty was to tell you that the education offered at Wayne State University has prepared you for the future and life in the real world. Now, this is all true and I doubt that over the seven years that I've given these semi scripted addresses that anyone in the audience actually remembered a single thing I said. I say this because of the fact that I can barely remember a single thing I said. Tough crowd. So I thought since this is the last time I'll be doing this I would try to say something memorable both for my sake and for yours. My first thought was to stop and yell: Wake up! Pay attention! Stop looking at your phone! But I figured you've already heard that plenty from your parents. So instead, I thought I would say something heartfelt, something that I've learned over the years that might change your life. So here it goes. Now, I've had a great career at Wayne State. I've published a lot of papers, was continually funded with federal grants, graduated almost 40 Ph.D. students, taught a lot of undergraduate classes. This is probably for others to judge but as I look back, I think I did pretty well in these endeavors. However, I don't think I ever really appreciated this or was ever really happy. What I mostly was is worried. Some of it was small stuff, back when I was a grad student or post doc. You know, the cars making noises, the roof is leaking. Some of it was more important stuff. Yeah, you got that grant but it was harder than the last time and you have to apply for a grant coming up pretty soon. Yeah, you wrote that paper: It was pretty easy but there are three on your desk that you don't want to touch. So instead of enjoying the moment I was continually worried about future problems. Some of you may do this. Some of you may not. But I have advice for those of you who do. Don't do this. Take my word for it. Enjoy not only the big things but appreciate everything around you: your family, your friends, the people you meet. I've tried to do this for quite a while, sometimes successfully sometimes not but it was brought home vividly in a movie I watched recently called "About Time." Now, I'm a bit of a sucker for time travel movies but this was to "Terminator" but it was pretty good. The premise is that the male characters in the movie sorry, ladies, just males are able to travel back in time and change events in their lives. The main plot revolves around the son and the problems it causes when he goes back in time. But the most relevant part, at the end when the son speaks to his father for the last time and the father tells him his final secret to using this gift, what he does is every day he lives twice. The first time normally with all the suspense of knowing what will happen and the second time seeing beauty and sweetness in the world without the worry and tension. And when the son tries this, that's when it became crystal clear to me what I wanted to do but had not been doing. You first see how the son interacts with a cashier, not rude but indifferent the first time. Then how the interaction changes when he notices her, he smiles, he enjoys the simple exchange. In court he wins a minor case. The first time he and his partner shake hands. The second time they jump around, they hug each other, they hug the client. There's a lot more examples of this. Watch the movie. You'd like it. But I'm pretty much out of time. They only give me three minutes and I think I've gone past that but I hope you get my point because it's really important. We need to live our lives the second way, without the worry and tension. Really see the beauty in the world. It's my experience that things usually work out. And even when they don't, it's not worth worrying about. You'll have a much better life if you enjoy the moment, celebrate the big stuff and the small stuff and not worry about the future; instead look forward to it. Congratulations on your success. Celebrate this day because it is a big one but don't forget tomorrow is another day to celebrate. Thank you. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you for those insightful words, Professor Romano. It is now my distinct pleasure to introduce Wayne State University's 12th President, Dr. M. Roy Wilson. [Cheers and Applause] >> President Wilson: Good morning, graduates. Congratulations. 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 are earning your degree in the university's 150th anniversary year. [Cheers and Applause] We have graduates on the field, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, professors, advisors, best friends, husbands, and all the 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. [Cheers and Applause] If you haven't gotten the picture yet, you're kind of a really big deal. And for good reason. You've worked incredibly hard to reach this moment. Wayne State has demanded your best and you delivered it, your intellect, your curiosity and your drive have carried you to this field to this moment when you are supposed to cross this stage and, again, well earned recognition for what you achieved. Maybe while you're here on Ford Field, you can leave a little of your good luck behind. I hear the Lions could use it. But the success of the graduates who are entering here today wouldn't be complete without its own lineup starting in supporting players for every time you had to skip a birthday party to study for an exam, you met an understanding reply. When you needed help buying textbooks, they pulled out their check books. Were it not for your families and your friends and their understanding and support, you probably wouldn't be here today for this ceremony is as much a celebration of their sacrifice as it is your success. Now [Applause] That's right. I've led many commencement ceremonies in my career but tomorrow morning I'm flying to Los Angeles to watch my daughter, Pressley, graduate from college. [Cheers and Applause] So to all the parents out there, believe me when I say I understand how big a deal this is and I share in the happiness you feel to see your sons and daughters walk across this 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? And my truthful response to that question is: No, there was no grand plans. The future is far away. The pace of change is extraordinarily fast. And you will be presented with many potential opportunities including some surprise that are impossible to predict. With this in mind, how can 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 a prepared mind. We can't know what the future will hold 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 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 of 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. 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. So you're off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way. Thank you, graduates. And congratulations to the Class of 2018. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you for those wonderful remarks, President Wilson. Now we begin the traditional part of the ceremony. Students applied for the semesters from our 13 schools and colleges. Candidates at this morning's ceremony will now be presented for their degrees. The degrees are then conferred by the president and then the awarding of diplomas will follow. First from the graduate school, the candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the School of Colleges presented by Dean Mather. The candidates will please stand. That's you. >> Dean Mathur: Thank you. 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] >> KeithWhitfield: The candidates will please be seated. Wayne State University's students celebrate a wonderful tradition of academic achievement. We are pleased to ask Jerry Herron, Dean 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. The candidates will please stand. Dean Herron. >> Dean Herron: Thank you. 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 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. >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the School Information Sciences: the Master Degree candidates will be presented by Dean Jon Cawthorne, the candidates will please stand. >> Dean Cawthorne: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the School of Information Sciences, 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 Nursing: the Doctoral, Master and Bachelor Degree candidates will be presented by Dean Laurie Clabo. The candidates will please stand. Dean Clabo. >> Dean Clabo: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the College of Nursing, I have the honor to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. >> Keith Whitfield: The candidates will please be seated. From the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: the Doctoral, Master and Bachelor degree candidates will be presented by Interim Dean Catherine Lysack. The candidates will please stand. >> Dean lysack: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 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 School of Social Work: the Master and Bachelor candidates [Cheers and Applause] The Master and Bachelor candidates will be presented by Interim Dean Jerrold Brandell. The candidates will please stand. Dean Brandell. >> Dean Brandell: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the School of Social Work, 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 Liberal Arts and Sciences: the Master and Bachelor degree candidates will be presented by Dean Wayne Raskind. The candidates will please stand. [Cheers and Applause] >> Dean Raskind: Mr. President, upon the recommendation of the faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I have the pleasure to present these candidates for the degrees as listed in the commencement program. >> 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. Mr. President. [Cheers and Applause] >> 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! >> 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 will process first as one group followed by the Doctoral, Master and Bachelor candidates from this morning'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. >> Dean Mather: From the College of Pharmacy. From the School of Social Work. [Cheers and Applause] From the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. [Applause] [Presentation of diplomas] [Presentation of diplomas] >> Keith Whitfield: I now call all the remaining degree candidates to the stage to participate in the diploma march. >> And now Wayne State University would like to introduce the Master degree candidates from the School of Social Work. [Presentation of diplomas] >> And now I'd like to introduce the Master degree candidates from the School of Information Sciences. [Applause] [Presentation of diplomas] The Doctoral, Master and Bachelor degree candidates from the College of Nursing. [Presentation of diplomas] >> I would now like to introduce the Doctoral and master degree candidates from the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. [Presentation of diplomas] >> Now I would like to introduce the Master and Bachelor degree candidates from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. [Cheers and Applause] [Presentation of diplomas] >> Now presenting the graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Science. [Presentation of diplomas] >> Keith Whitfield: 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 morning. Would the students who are currently serving in and the students who are veterans of America's Armed Services please stand and be recognized. [Applause] We all owe you a debt of gratitude for your service. Let's give them a We all owe you a debt of gratitude for your service. Thank you. I would now like to bring your attention to the video screens and I ask Dean Wayne Raskind from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to come to the center lectern. >> I see Mo as somebody who takes our philosophy of caring and believing in children and takes it to a place where it's embraced by everything he does. I would say in all sincerity I would want Mo to know that he has inspired me and I'm grateful for having met him and known him. >> Mohammad Kang: I was part of a family that was able to support me through my studies and encouraged me to get involved in Detroit. The next step is paying it forward. Time is the most important gift you can give to somebody. We never get time back. Not only are you trying to pay it forward and teach this kid but the kid ends up teaching you. My name is Mohammad Kang and I am Warrior Strong. [Applause] >> Thank you very much. It is my great pleasure to introduce today's student speaker, Mohammad Kang, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, which is my field. That is the department. And university honors from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He was born in Pakistan. He grew up with three loves. One is basketball and two is hip hop, and third, and most, is his mother. If the president can quote Dr. Seuss, then I can quote the rapper Common, who says the present is a gift and I just want to be. So while he was here at Wayne State, he then fell in love when he was taking Calculus II. And then his teacher and mentor, right over there, if you see the man with the beautiful white beard, he's waving to you right now, thank you. He served with the Wayne State Math Corps, with the downtown boxing gym youth program, and in the emerging scholars program. He has done undergraduate research with Professor Andrew Salk. And he wants to do a Ph.D. in mathematics, which he can take from me, is a really good thing to do. So please, ladies and gentlemen, Mohammad Kang. [Cheers and Applause] >> Mohammad Kang: I'd like to first take a moment to congratulate the wonderful WSU Class of 2018 that I am honored to speak to you today. My mother and father who risked everything to come to this country with the hopes of creating a prosperous life for their three boys named me Bazad which translates to honest. So I hope that I can be as sincere as possible in my words you all today and honor them. As we sit here reflecting this morning, we think of our own personal moments of glory in these past years. I realize in my own moment of glory, about two years ago, that the Wayne State experience is not just in the classroom, not just the late night light bulbs on a research problem, and it's not just the community service in the city that battles every day but, rather, it's found in giving each other a voice. I was teaching a math class to middle school kids at the downtown boxing gym youth program, an afterschool program in the inner city that hooks kids with boxing and then encourages them in academics with the motto "Books before boxing". There I met Jordan, a young man who walked as if he carried the world's weight on his shoulders, a walk that already tells you a part of his story. One day Jordan stormed in the class, he slammed the door behind him, looked me in the face and said, "I don't want to be here." I took Jordan out in the hall to speak with him about how we needed him, about how I cared about him. I wanted to see him shine as the intelligent kid that he was. As I looked in his eyes, my eyes began to well up that I realized I've got to do everything I can to fight for this kid. What he did next I will never forget. He looked right up at me as I tried to bat a tear away from my eye. He then marched outside of the double doors to the gym, grabbed his backpack, his notebook and his homework, marched back on in the class and was as focused and involved as can be. I watched Jordan shine for the rest of the year both inside and outside of school. He remains a staple in the gym. He's a constant reminder of the fact that we always try to teach kids but really they always end up teaching us. It's just him against the world now. Jordan doesn't know that on that day he gave me a voice because I was once that young man. As I looked in his eyes, I saw myself. I was once that young man who felt strong enough to fail but carrying a large burden on his shoulder. But with just enough talent to come into my own. And in that way Jordan gave us all a voice here. Two of my great mentors are Dr. Steve Kahn and Leonard Bohm who began the Wayne State Math Corps, to fight for kids and help realize their greatness and ultimately be themselves. As they would say, "We're all beautifully gifted and talented in our own ways and in all the other ways we're good enough." We're good enough. So Warriors, please, as you go home tonight, take a moment to look at yourselves in the mirror and be your own hero. Take in another moment of glory as you write your names across the sky. [Applause] Congratulations once again to the Warrior Class of 2018. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Thank you, Mohammad, for those great remarks. And now, a welcome to the university's new alumni will be extended by Peter Caborn, Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations and Advancement Services and Executive Director of the WSU Alumni Association. Please welcome Mr. Caborn. >> Peter Caborn: Thank you. Congratulations, graduates. I have to say, your smiles are inspirational. Give yourselves another round of applause. You've worked incredibly hard. Today you entered Ford Field as students but you leave here as so much more. You leave here as shining examples of success, proof that Wayne State students are not just strong, you are Warrior Strong. [Cheers and Applause] You've shown the world that with grit and determination anything is possible. You've studied for hours. You've made life long friends. You've fulfilled personal goals. And you've juggled family, work, and school all to get here. You've worked incredibly hard and now we are proud to call you Wayne State Alumni. [Cheers and Applause] As of today, you join a community of more than 260,000 Wayne State alumni around the world. It's a connection that will last a lifetime. The Alumni Association, your Alumni Association, offers many ways to stay involved and give back to Wayne State. Volunteer with us to support students who are warriors just like you. Support a project that you are passionate about either on campus or in our community. Use the Alumni Association to build a valuable professional network, further develop your skills, and stay connected to your friends. Above all, stay in touch. Update us on your successes and share your stories. we want to hear from you. Because your story, it is the Wayne State story. This university and city are changing every day and as Wayne State alumni, the graduates of our 150th anniversary year, you play a pivotal role in that progress. In fact, in another 150 years as people look back, they will study your accomplishments and I have absolutely no doubt that as Wayne State Warriors, you will change our world. On behalf of your Alumni Association, I congratulate you on your accomplishments, the success of Wayne State is a direct reflection of all the hard work that you put in to get here today. 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. Thank you and congratulations, again. [Cheers and Applause] >> Keith Whitfield: Well, what an exciting ceremony and morning it's been. It is time to bring an end this ceremony with a flourish so you can celebrate the rest of this great day with your family and friends! Will all the PhD, Doctoral and Masters degree graduates please stand. Will everyone join me in congratulating these students for their efforts and accomplishments in successfully completing their post graduate and graduate degrees. [Cheers and Applause] Thank you, and please be seated. And now will all the Bachelor degree students please stand. [Cheers and Applause] In a tradition continued in many great universities across the world the Bachelor recipients will now turn their tassels from right to left this signifies the completion of your undergraduate degree. We congratulate all of you! [Cheers and Applause] Thank you and please be seated. >> David Strauss: We salute the students, faculty and staff volunteers who helped manage this morning's ceremony and thank you to Douglas Bianchi, Conductor, Associate Professor of Music and Director of University Bands, and members of the Wayne State University Wind Symphony. Lastly, leading the platform party to and from the stage this morning is the Mace Bearer, Sergei Voloshin, member of the Academy of Scholars and professor of physics from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Thank you, Dr. Voloshin. In a second we're going to conclude. First I'm going to dismiss the platform party and then all of the graduates. So with that, this brings a close to this morning's ceremony. Marshals, please lead the members of the platform party and faculty from the stage. [Wind Symphony plays recessional]