Graduation speakers diverse

University President Michael Rao is bringing speakers from diverse backgrounds for his last commencement at Central Michigan University.

David Michael Brown, an education specialist with California’s Deaf-Blind Services who has given various lectures and training programs around the world, will speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony May 9 in Rose Arena. He also serves on advisory boards for organizations such as the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation and won professional awards such as the Star-In-CHARGE Award from the CHARGE Syndrome Association.

At 1:30 p.m., John Bonamego, a National Football League special teams coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, will take the podium. Bonamego has earned five divisional titles in 10 seasons in the NFL and is entering his second season with the Dolphins. Bonamego was a CMU wide receiver and quarterback and graduated from CMU in 1987 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

Though he has not been able to return to campus since 1993, Bonamego is both honored and excited to return to his alma mater.

“In my speech, I hope to give the students a brief guideline to life and to make their day just a little more memorable,” he said.

At 5 p.m. is Warren L. Miller, chairman of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. He led projects toward the protection and preservation of historical sites in Central and Eastern Europe, including prominent Holocaust-remembrance projects.

“I plan to speak on public service and to inspire the listeners to want to do it,” Miller said. “I will also be talking about the Holocaust in hopes that my remarks will energize people to ask questions and look into how such a thing could have happened. It tells a universal message that I think they will find interesting.”

Commencement Coordinator Sharon Russell said the ceremonies are divided by degree and colleges, and there will be a different speaker for each of the three times.

“President Rao ultimately decides who to invite as a commencement speaker. He seeks input periodically from others, such as members of the Board of Trustees, provost, vice presidents, deans, alumni and faculty,” Russell said. “Potential speakers are invited as people who are successful in their chosen field and are likely to have a valuable message to deliver to CMU’s graduates.”

university@cm-life.com