Commencement

Undergrad, Graduate Ceremony

Marlena Peleo-Lazar ’72, chief creative officer (Ret.), McDonald’s Corporation

A native Detroiter, Peleo-Lazar graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. She started her career in Chicago working for two legendary ad agencies — Leo Burnett and Ogilvy & Mather — where she led creative advertising for several world-class brands.

It was at McDonald’s Corporation where she was the architect of a three-word global advertising campaign that captured the imagination of the world: “I’m lovin’ it.” McDonald’s customers around the world loved it, too, and it remains the most award-winning and business-building campaign in the fast food giant’s history.

Peleo-Lazar also puts her skills to good use promoting good causes such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Institute for Therapy through the Arts and The Auditorium Theatre of Chicago among many others.

School of Dentistry Ceremony

William Chase, D.D.S. ’72

Throughout his career, Chase has exemplified the true essence of service. From his early days volunteering with the Detroit Dental Clinic Club to his transformative experiences treating refugees in Palawan, he has dedicated himself to humanitarian causes. Over 25 years, spanning 13 missions, Chase provided dental care to thousands, often funding these endeavors himself.

Although many of Chase’s volunteer and humanitarian efforts took him overseas where he treated over 10,000 patients, he has spent a considerable amount of time serving at home. He has held several leadership positions within organized dentistry, including having been president of the Michigan Dental Association. The organization closest to his heart is Rotary International of which he has been a recognized leader for the past 50 years.

School of Law Ceremony

Victoria A. Roberts, U.S. District Judge

After being appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1998, Roberts has served as a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. Prior to that, Roberts was in private practice and served as the managing partner of the Detroit law firm of Goodman, Eden, Millender & Bedrosian. She also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan.

Roberts is the only Black female to serve as president of the State Bar of Michigan. An author, teacher and lecturer, she has traveled around the world to train lawyers and judges and has taught future lawyers at University of Michigan Law.

Her many honors include the two highest conferred by the State Bar of Michigan — The Roberts P. Hudson Award and the Champion of Justice Award.