Underneath maroon gowns and caps, excited students sat in rows through their December commencement. They were ready to move their tassels and take the next step in their lives. Friends, family and loved ones watched graduates walk on stage and shared hugs, flowers, smiles and tears with them after the ceremony.

This semester, 1,086 students have graduated from CMU, receiving their degrees and certificates.

Three ceremonies took place in the John G. Kulhavi Events Center in the McGuirk Arena on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

The 9 a.m. ceremony had the College of the Arts and Media, the College of Education and Human Services and the College of Science and Engineering
The 12:30 p.m. ceremony had the College of Business Administration, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions
The 4:30 p.m. was the Graduate Ceremony for doctoral degrees, graduate Certificates, master’s degrees and specialist degrees

“Look at you guys,” Anthony Fairbanks, commencement speaker and CMU alumnus, said. “You're beautiful. You're very beautiful. Look at all of that maroon and gold throughout this entire room. We wear it with pride, don't we? We really do.”

Fairbanks opened up to graduates and told them to visualize greatness and embrace challenges as opportunities.

He encouraged graduates to reflect on the hard work they have done day in and day out; that they have worked for their education, and no one can take that away because they have earned it.

Lauren Rupe was the student speaker for the morning commencement. She was an undergraduate who earned her bachelor's in integrated science and was in the University Honors Program.

Rupe told the audience to appreciate all of the moments and hard work that got us here.

Whether it was rehearsing for hours in the music room, finding time to work on a research lab between classes, putting on waders to collect samples in a river, teaching your first lesson in a classroom or seeing your designs on the runway.

“We accomplished so much in the little time we had here,” Rupe said. “We went from we do to we did it.”

Todd Regis, member of the Board of Trustees, congratulated not only graduates but also parents, families, friends, faculty and staff who supported them on their journey.

“You show them that with purpose and determination, it's possible to achieve your goals and dreams through your experience and achievements,” Regis said.

As graduates walked on stage to shake hands with CMU President Neil MacKinnon and receive their diplomas, excitement filled the room. Members of the audience applauded, cheered, and some made sure everyone could hear how proud they were of graduating students.

This commencement marked the next steps and was an important day for many students.

Maria Triplett was an online student and graduated with her bachelor’s in fashion merchandising and design with a concentration in product development. She said “overwhelmed” is the right word for the big accomplishment of graduating.

“I’m so proud of her,” Deb Triplett, Maria’s mom, said. “This is so awesome, the fact she was able to move from California, from Minnesota. She put herself through school and (got) her degree to come here and not really know anybody and walk with all these students. I’m very proud of her.”

Shayla Lindquist received her bachelor’s in event and recreation management. She had friends she met during her time at CMU in the crowd supporting her.

“I never got a high school graduation because of COVID, so this will be my first commencement,” Lindquist said.

Tianna Andrews graduated with her bachelor’s in organizational leadership. Andrews is a single mom and had her daughter with her at graduation. She said there were a lot of sacrifices, but it all panned out.

“I’m feeling stoked and its been a long time coming, but I’m so excited,” Andrews said.

Sylvia Kuitula got her bachelor’s in teaching early childhood for birth through kindergarten. She got hired as a student teacher and will continue to teach classes in Hastings, Michigan.

“College was such a growing experience,” Kuitula said. “A lot of my life was shaped during this time. I went through a lot of hurdles. I’m just happy to be where I’m at.”