EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University will honor graduates during a commencement ceremony scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center, located at 799 N. Hewitt Rd. in Ypsilanti. More than 1,000 students are eligible to participate in the milestone event.

The ceremony will recognize graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, College of Health and Human Services, and the Individualized Studies Program.

EMU alum and distinguished financial executive Michael Pugh will serve as commencement speaker. Pugh is the chief executive officer at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. With more than 30 years of banking experience, he has been a strong advocate for expanding access to capital for underserved families, businesses, and communities. His interest in community finance began while working as a bank teller to support himself through college.

A native of Detroit, Pugh graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in health care administration.  He has volunteered in various leadership roles, including with The New York Bankers Association, The Economic Club of New York, the Community Development Bankers Association, and the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development.

Pugh will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field.

The commencement ceremony will be available via live stream on the EMU Commencement home page for those unable to attend. Attendees are encouraged to review EMU’s health and safety protocols, including the bag policy, mask policy, and metal detector screening. Doors will open at 8 a.m., and all guests are advised to arrive early to allow ample time for the entrance screening process.

Graduates must apply for degree conferral to participate in the ceremony. Applications must have been submitted by Nov. 1 to ensure inclusion in commencement materials.

For more information, visit EMU’s commencement page.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 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.