![\"Group](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sites.udmercy.edu\/campusconnection\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2019\/05\/commencement2019banner3.jpg?resize=993%2C424&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Detroit Mercy\u2019s commencement ceremonies on the McNichols Campus for the School of Dentistry, School of Law, graduate and undergraduate students wrapped up May 11 and faculty, staff and leadership could not be more proud of our graduates. This year marked the first time that the University held separate ceremonies for the graduate and undergraduate programs.<\/p>\n
During commencement ceremonies, Detroit Mercy conferred 1,473 degrees and certificates. There were 183 graduates for the School of Dentistry; 174 graduates for the School of Law; 427 for the graduate ceremony and 689 for the undergraduate McNichols programs. Rip Rapson, president of The Kresge Foundation, served as this year\u2019s undergraduate ceremony speaker and presented a powerful set of remarks that highlighted the contributions of Detroit Mercy to our city.<\/p>\n
In addition, the University presented the annual Vivere ex Missione Award to four graduating students. This award best exemplifies the University mission which reads \u201ca Detroit Mercy education seeks to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
The honors went to: Detroit Mercy would like to thank all of our students for choosing this University. Faculty, staff and senior leadership are deeply humbled and honored to have worked with you and now call you sons and daughters of Detroit Mercy.<\/p>\n You can also view the following speeches given by our speakers and valedictorian:<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Undergraduate student Saamera Awali<\/strong>, a biology major, for her commitment to inclusiveness and the personal and intellectual growth she facilitates as a consultant at the University Writing Center, and her work with the Muslim Student Association.
\n\u2022 Graduate student Michelle D. Spring<\/strong>, who received a master of Health Services Administration degree, for her dedication to her field, her volunteer work that spans many interests and commitment to lifelong learning.
\n\u2022 Detroit Mercy Law graduate Kristoffer P. Butler<\/strong>, whose work on the issue of law student mental health is helping to destigmatize the depression, anxiety and other mental health issues common to many law students and for promoting the importance of diversity in the legal profession.
\n\u2022 Detroit Mercy Dental graduate Jonathan S. Zora<\/strong>, who serves as an oral health care ambassador to underserved Detroit communities, young people interested in careers in dentistry and as an educator for those who have already committed to the field.<\/p>\nPlease enjoy the celebratory photos of your accomplishments online<\/a>.
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n![\"Graduates](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sites.udmercy.edu\/campusconnection\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2019\/05\/commencement2019banner1-1.jpg?resize=993%2C259&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nRip Rapson, president, The Kresge Foundation<\/h4>\n