EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Nearly 1,700 students are completing their studies at Eastern Michigan this month, and they will be honored when the University holds its fall commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 in the Convocation Center.

A total of 1,303 undergraduates are receiving their degrees this month, along with 374 graduate students, including 16 doctoral candidates.

In addition, 524 undergraduates and 264 graduate students (including 13 doctoral candidates) who completed their degree requirements and graduated last August are eligible to participate in Saturday’s ceremony.

The large, combined Ph.D. class is reflective of EMU’s reclassification several years ago from a large master’s university to a doctoral university in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education rankings system, a national framework for identifying and comparing American institutions of higher education. Doctoral universities award at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees each year (exclusive of professional practice doctoral-level degrees, such as JD, MD, DPT).

The graduation ceremony is a highlight of the academic year at Eastern.

Prominent businessman, alumnus Frank Sickelsmith is commencement speaker

Frank Sickelsmith, Global Director of Brand Development and Strategic Partnerships for the Autogrill Group, will be the commencement speaker during Saturday’s ceremony. Autogrill is the world’s leading provider of food and beverage services for travelers, and is active in 31 countries, with more than 58,000 employees.

Previous to his role with the Autogrill Group, Sickelsmith was Vice President of Adult Beverage and Restaurant Development at HMSHost North America. He also held operational leadership positions within HMSHost North America, including senior director of operations at Miami International Airport and Director of Operations at LAX (Los Angeles) International Airport.

Prior to his time with HMSHost, Sickelsmith served in a variety of strategic and managerial positions within Brinker International, leading the non-traditional development of the Chili’s brand worldwide.

He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, having earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on French, International Relations and Advertising.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 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; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.