Seniors given refreshing farewell
The salute to the graduating seniors has gotten off to a good start as the end of the semester nears.
Students graduating in May, August or December were treated to food and refreshments Tuesday afternoon during the Senior Send-off in Bovee University Center’s Rotunda.
The Student Alumni Association hosted the event, in hopes students will remain involved with the university even after graduation.
“It was a really nice gesture,” said Chelsea Mead, Decatur senior. “It was a good way to get the students involved with the alumni association.”
The event began with a performance by a cappella group Fish n’ Chips
University President Michael Rao addressed the soon-to-be graduates, telling them they will go on to do great things for the world.
Graduation Ceremonies
- May 6, 2006, Rose Arena
- 9:30 a.m. - Speaker - Cindy Pasky, founder, president and chief executive officer of Strategic Staffing Solutions.
- 1:30 p.m. - Speaker - Anne Stevens, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Ford Motor Co.
- 4:30 p.m. - Speaker - Andrew Liveris, president and chief executive officer of The Dow Chemical Co.
“To raise the standards and expectations of your community is truly impressive,” he said.
Rao said more than 5,000 students now are involved in volunteer service, compared to 250 when he first arrived on campus six years ago.
“I hope each and every one of you stay in touch with Central Michigan University once you graduate and become part of the alumni association,” he said.
Representatives from each academic college also were in attendance to offer the students T-shirts, among other items.
Three graduation ceremonies will be conducted May 6 at Rose Arena, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Cindy Pasky, founder, president and chief executive officer of Strategic Staffing Solutions, will speak during the program.
There also will be ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Rao, who will speak at all three ceremonies, said it’s actually easy for him to get through the busy day.
“The minute I see all of your faces there, it becomes a wonderful experience for me,” he said.
According to a March 28 report, a total of 3,502 students will receive degrees or certificates after the spring semester concludes.
The number includes 1,717 graduating seniors and 237 graduate students on campus.
Detroit graduate student Marlena Taylor, student coordinator of the “Make Your Mark” scholarship, was the final speaker at the event.
She said “Make Your Mark,” funded by graduating seniors, offers $500 scholarships to students who apply.
“We want to show students that we realize the hard work they went through in their four years here,” she said.
Applications for the scholarship can be picked up at the Carlin Alumni House.
