EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Fred Mainville awoke Saturday, April 25, with a touch of sadness.

He understood why, due to the health crisis, Eastern Michigan University was not holding its grand regular graduation ceremony in the Convocation Center.

But the notion that he couldn’t complete his academic odyssey with a triumphant walk on the stage and his name announced still tugged at his heart.

Then, at 10 a.m. he received a text from EMU congratulating him on his graduation. 

“Then an email came that took me to a video that was all well wishes for myself and the rest of the Class of 2020, including from my two daughters, both Eastern graduates,” Mainville said in an email thanking the University.

On the EMU virtual graduation website, he used the special filters that enabled him to take a picture wearing a graduation mortar board as he sported an EMU shirt.

“I posted it on my Facebook, and so much more love came at me from my family and friends,” Mainville wrote. “You have no idea how much this lifted my spirits and really turned my day around.

“As a member of the class of 2020, I want to personally thank you … for making my graduation day so memorable.”  

Daughters were an inspiration

Mainville has worked in the IT field for 25 years and lives with his wife of 32 years, LaRae, in Attica, a small Michigan town between Imlay City and Lapeer just north of I-69.

He began his EMU journey back in 2009, when his elder daughter, Elizabeth, enrolled in the School of Social Work.  After she got her degree in 2013, she went on to get her master’s degree from EMU, earned her state license and now is enjoying a successful career with Livingston County. 

In 2013, Mainville’s youngest daughter, Rachel, enrolled in EMU to become a music teacher. Her motivation sprang from a moment during Elizabeth’s orientation, when they went to the EMU football opener.

As the marching band came out of the tunnel, Rachel turned to Fred and said, “Dad in four years that is where I am going to be.”

“Sure enough,” Mainville says now. “After four years in marching band, three as a section leader, Rachel went on to receive her Music Education Degree, obtained her certification and is now a K-8 music teacher and absolutely loves it. She credits EMU for preparing her to succeed.”

In 2014, Mainville decided to finish his undergraduate degree, a promise he made to himself when he dropped out of Northern Michigan University in 1985 and decided to go to the Specs Howard school to train for work in radio. 

 He applied and was accepted to EMU for fall 2014, and right before his 49th birthday his journey began. 

‘EMU took lemons and made lemonade’

“Through six years of six-credit semesters while working 50 hours a week and keeping a family going, I finally made it to the end this year after waiting for over 35 years to walk across the stage,” Mainville wrote President Smith.

“Then this virus comes along and postpones my big day. While I understand why and it all makes total sense, it still hurts.  When I woke up on Saturday morning, I was really down – what was supposed to be one of the best days of my life was not going to happen.

“But EMU definitely took lemons and made lemonade.”

Mainville is now looking forward to when the graduates of 2020 can come together in the Convocation Center later this year for their formal, live celebration.

“I forward to shaking your hand and saying thank you to EMU for one of the greatest experiences and accomplishments in my life,” Mainville wrote President Smith.

“I have told so many people that if I can do it, you can do it! “

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 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. 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.