EMU Today

MEDIA ADVISORY

*Interview and B-roll opportunities available

Who – Eastern Michigan University, Nicole Brown, mayor of Ypsilanti, and Hussein Berry, vice president of Airport Operations for Detroit Metro Airport and U.S. Central Region for Delta Airlines

What – Spring Commencement Ceremonies

When – 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 30

Where – George Gervin GameAbove Center, located at 799 N Hewitt Rd. in Ypsilanti

Background – Eastern Michigan University will host two commencement ceremonies for nearly 1,900 spring-eligible graduates. Nicole Brown, Ypsilanti’s youngest and first elected Black female mayor, will serve as the morning speaker and Hussein Berry, vice president of Airport Operations for Detroit Metro Airport and U.S. Central Region for Delta Airlines, will serve as the afternoon speaker.

The morning commencement will begin at 9:30 a.m. for graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, Individualized Studies, College of Education. The afternoon ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. for graduates from the College of Business, GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, and the College of Health and Human Services.

Eastern also has two graduating students with noteworthy achievements willing to share their stories. Maitham Khanafer, a graduating senior, co-founded Eastern's first Arab Society to heighten awareness of Arab culture and build a supportive home for students. Sharon Hopkins, a single mom to a college student and full-time district-level administrator, created a new research methodology that has an immediate positive impact on the lives of African American youth. 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

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