The University of Michigan hosted the annual Winter Commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon at the Crisler Center, featuring performances by the U-M Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs and a commencement address by former U.S. Representative Fred Upton.
The event began with a short speech from Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. In her speech, McCauley said graduates gained skills in understanding, collaboration and determination during their University education.
“As you step into a world filled with rapid change, remember what anchors you,” McCauley said. “The skills you’ve built, the relationships you’ve formed and, most of all, the instinct to do good for others in the world. Those things will only grow over time. Yes, you will encounter great change, but you are ready because you are Wolverines.”
McCauley then introduced graduate Kaylee America Rodriguez, who received a Bachelor of Arts in sports management this semester. Rodriguez is a three-time Big Ten Championship winner with Michigan Softball and a cancer survivor who received the Austin Hatch Adversity Award.
Rodriguez discussed her year-long withdrawal from the University in 2022 due to cancer and said it taught her how to persevere in the face of adversity and not fear new beginnings.
“Everyone here knows what it feels like to begin something you were afraid of and to watch something meaningful grow from it,” Rodriguez said. “Michigan gave me far more than a degree. It taught me that redirection isn’t failure — it’s a part of the journey. … As long as we’re breathing, there’s always more to give.”
Following, Derek Peterson, history professor and Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs chair, took the stage to acknowledge the graduating class of 1861, who protested in favor of free speech and abolition during the U.S. Civil War.
“The freedoms that we enjoy today were won by the concerted efforts of organized and principled people,” Peterson said. “And they’re fragile — they’ll have to be defended. As you sing ‘(Hail to) The Victors,’ sing for the class of 1861. Sing of the victories won for justice that we have fought and won over the course of our institution’s history.”
The University’s Board of Regents then presented honorary degrees. Robert Langer, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Institute Professor and scientific researcher, received an honorary Doctor of Engineering; civil rights activist Diane Nash received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; former representative Upton received an honorary Doctor of Laws and jazz musician Don Was received an honorary Doctor of Music.
Next, Charles Schwartz, Alumni Association Board of Directors member, and Ph.D. candidate Andrea Valenzuela each gave speeches offering advice to the new graduates. Valenzuela said graduates should use the awareness they have built during their degrees to drive social change.
“To those of us wondering what we have to offer the world, I believe the greatest advantage we will have in this new era is to be human and allowing ourselves to feel deeply,” Valenzuela said. “Our generation’s privilege isn’t just education — it’s awareness. We can see that many of the systems we inherited no longer work. So let’s not just critique them; let’s build new ones together guided by our humanity.”
At about 2:45 p.m., Upton took the stage to deliver the commencement address. A 1975 journalism graduate and former Michigan Daily sports editor, Upton served 36 years as a U.S. representative for Michigan. In his speech, Upton said now is the time for U-M students to make a difference in the world.
“You’re no longer a leader of tomorrow … you are a leader for today,” Upton said. “You are the way forward. This is not the time to stand by — it, in fact, is the time to stand up. We need you, every one of you, more than ever today and every day. You studied history the last 10-12 years.Now is the time to write history.”
Interim University President Domenico Grasso closed the ceremony, saying U-M students play an important role in shaping the future, encouraging graduates to remain curious throughout their lives.
“When we say ‘Look to Michigan,’ we are encouraging society to turn to you,” Grasso said. “You will have the chance to make a positive change in the world, and when that opportunity arises, seize it. Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected.”
At about noon, University Staff United, a union of non-supervisory U-M employees, picketed outside the arena to demand higher wages. Craig Smith, senior associate librarian at the University Library, supported the protest and said the University needs to better distribute its wealth in an interview with The Daily.
“Staff have been fueling this university for decades and beyond and have been treated very unfairly across all three campuses, especially Dearborn and Flint,” Smith said. “As staff are advocating for more collective power and fairer treatment, I just think it’s really important for faculty members to have more protection on our campuses.”
Daily News Editor Sarah Spencer can be reached at sarahsp@umich.edu. Daily News Editor Dominic Apap contributed to the reporting of this article.
