Eastern Michigan University to host two in-person commencement ceremonies on Dec. 19

Prominent businessman, alumnus Raffaele Mautone to serve as commencement speaker

New graduates walk down the aisle at the Convocation Center after having received their diplomas
(EMU file photo)

YPSILANTI -- Eastern Michigan University’s commencement ceremonies might look a little different for graduates this year, but the shared achievement still remains. More than 2,100 students are eligible to participate in winter commencement ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19 at the Convocation Center. 

Graduates from the College of Business, GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, and the College of Health and Human Services will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education will participate in the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. 

Raffaele Mautone
Raffaele Mautone

Graduates and guests will also have an opportunity to hear an inspiring message from Raffaele Mautone, founder and CEO of Detroit-based AaDya Security and alumnus of Eastern Michigan University. AaDya Security provides cybersecurity solutions for small- and medium-sized business customers. 

Prior to launching his company, Mautone led teams through successful acquisitions; strategic planning and implementation and deploying large, multi-tiered complex programs at companies such as Duo, FireEye, McAfee and Dell. He is also a passionate supporter of Detroit’s tech and startup communities and has hosted several events to connect local founders with the investment community. He holds a bachelor of science degree from EMU and actively provides support to the University by donating his time, talents and resources. 

The winter commencement ceremonies will be held in person, and a live stream link will also be available on the Commencement home page the day of the event. Attendees are asked to follow the University’s safety protocols which require face masks worn by all individuals while inside the Convocation Center, regardless of vaccination status.

The University is planning to host an in-person ceremony in 2022 for graduates from the spring and winter of 2020, and spring of 2021, who did not have in-person ceremonies due to the pandemic.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 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.

December 09, 2021

Written by:
Melissa Thrasher

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401