Titan Class of 2020 Commencement
Virtual Ceremonies
University of Detroit Mercy honored the Fall 2019 and Winter and Summer 2020 graduates with three virtual commencement ceremonies, Nov. 15. The Commencement Programs, which are available below each video, include the order of exercises.
Share photos and videos on social media by tagging @detmercy on Twitter or Instagram and using #DetroitMercy2020.
Remember to update your email and mailing address at udmercy.edu/alumni for access to event invitations, monthly alumni e-newsletters, our alumni magazine Spiritus twice a year and other important University updates and opportunities. Fill out one square on your Forever Titans Bingo Card before Dec. 1 and win a Class of 2020 Christmas ornament. Stay connected with your classmates with Forever Titans.
Visit Herff Jones to order class rings, graduation announcements, diploma frames and academic regalia.
Congratulations, Class of 2020 and GO TITANS!
Graduating Student Spotlights
2020 Valedictorian Sarah Hirschmann
Congrats to Sarah Hirschmann on being named Detroit Mercy's 2020 valedictorian. Hirschmann is not too disappointed that her senior year at University of Detroit Mercy was cut short by a global pandemic. She’s not even disappointed that, as valedictorian, she will not be giving the address she worked so hard on.
2020 Vivere ex Missione Awards
Detroit Mercy is pleased to honor the winners of the 2020 annual Vivere ex Missione Award, which is typically presented each year during commencement exercises to graduating students who best exemplify the mission of Detroit Mercy. This year’s winners are Dohna A. Dudley (College of Business Administration undergraduate student), Vania I. Noguez (College of Business Administration graduate student), Veronica Beltran (School of Law) and Bilal M. Ibrahim (School of Dentistry).
Brynne Gustafson
When choosing which college she wanted attend, Brynne Gustafson’s wish-list was concise: study engineering at a small university and be involved in something outside of the classroom. University of Detroit Mercy checked all Gustafson’s boxes back in 2016, and four years later, she leaves the McNichols Campus well equipped for the professional world and with lots of memories.
Mitchell Mims
Mitchell Mims graduates this month with credentials most students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology don’t have: A published research paper in a national, peer-reviewed journal. The paper discusses the results of tests on a device that monitors the flow of spinal fluid through shunts in patients with hydrocephalus. It’s a subject that has long been on Mims’ mind: His twin brother, Marcus, also listed as an author on the paper, is living with hydrocephalus.
Nick Summerlee
Every college graduate has obstacles they have to overcome along the way; Nick Summerlee’s list just happens to be longer than most. Summerlee was a high school dropout. He fought in the Iraq War and, as a result, battled mental illness. But through it all, Summerlee kept on fighting, believing in himself and earned a bachelor of science in Biology from University of Detroit Mercy this year.
Victoria Ryce
Life as a traditional college student has its share of challenges. Attending college while working full-time and raising children adds more layers of complexity. Victoria Ryce knows this all too well. The sleepless nights, the sacrifices, the hectic balancing act — you name it. But for Ryce, the prize is worthwhile.
Digital Downloads
Celebrities Salute the Class of 2020
Dear Class of 2020
YouTube's virtual graduation, “Dear Class of 2020," brings together inspirational leaders, celebrities and YouTube creators to recognize the Titan Class of 2020.
#Graduation2020
Facebook and Instagram host a graduation stream honoring Detroit Mercy's Class of 2020 with celebrity speeches and musical performances by Oprah Winfrey, Awkwafina, Miley Cyrus and more!
#ImStillGraduating
#ImStillGraduating, presented by Her Campus, recognizes the Class of 2020 in a virtual ceremony with celebrity guests including Liam Payne, Eva Longoria, Jesse McCartney, Grouplove, Margaret Cho and many more!
iHeartRadio
iHeartMedia celebrates and acknowledges the Titan Class of 2020 with a series of celebrity speeches available online. Speakers include Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, DJ Khaled and more!
Recognizing the Class of 2020
Congratulations to all University of Detroit Mercy students who completed their studies and earned their degrees and certificates! Detroit Mercy rolled out a virtual red (and blue) carpet in May, as employees shared videos recognizing our graduating Titans!
Members of the Detroit Mercy Alumni Board and fellow Titan alumni share congratulatory messages for the Class of 2020 20 words or less.
University Ministry shares a "transitional blessing" to the Class of 2020.
Archdiocese of Detroit auxiliary bishops bless the Titan Class of 2020.
University of Detroit Mercy President Antoine M. Garibaldi recognizes and congratulates the Titan Class of 2020.
On behalf of the Detroit Mercy Alumni Board, Chair Kate McCarroll '98 congratulates the Titan Class of 2020.
The Department of Performing Arts and Detroit Mercy Theatre Company give a standing ovation to Andrew Guay, Dalton Hahn, DeShawn King, Savanah Wright and all Class of 2020 graduates.
Assistant Director of Student Life Liz Mazorowicz congratulates the Titan Class of 2020.
Associate Dean of Students Dorothy Stewart congratulates the Titan Class of 2020 and senior Dohna Dudley.
Detroit Mercy Campus Kitchen and Grace Gamble congratulate the Titan Class of 2020 and senior Melba Dearing.
The Health Information Management & Technology program congratulates the Titan Class of 2020 and senior Victoria Ryce.
Director of University Ministry Anita Klueg congratulates the Titan Class of 2020 and senior Sarah Purifoy.
Associate Professor of Biology Stephanie Conant congratulates the Titan Class of 2020 and senior Sarah Buhay.
Director of Residence Life Lanae Gill congratulates the Titan Class of 2020 and seniors Vania Noguez, Adrianna Haralampopoulos and Alex Jackman.
Assistant Director of Student Life Programming Adam Hollmann congratulates the Titan Class of 2020 and seniors Grace Choi, Benny Corral and Jennifer DeCook.
Senior Hyder Mirza represents the Detroit Mercy Nursing program and wishes the Titan Class of 2020 a happy graduation.
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School of Dentistry graduation website and remarks
A congratulatory message from Detroit Mercy Dental Dean Mert Aksu and employees:
"Congratulations, Class of 2020!
As you take the final steps to complete your academic programs, we invite you to pause for reflection on your accomplishments. Your faculty, staff and administrators at the School of Dentistry are thinking of you today and every day. We are so proud of your hard work in your programs and wish we were together in Calihan Hall to celebrate together today (May 8). We look forward to seeing you soon to complete your programs and to appropriately honor your accomplishments. Continue the celebration with more videos and photos on our Detroit Mercy Dental graduation website!"
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School of Law recognition and remarks
A congratulatory message from Detroit Mercy Law Dean Phyllis Crocker and employees:
"Dear Students,
Today, May 8, should have been our commencement ceremony celebrating the Detroit Mercy Law Class of 2020. We are proud of all that our graduating students have accomplished. We know your last semester in law school didn't look like what any of you (or any of us) expected, but you have all excelled in so many ways. You overcame unexpected challenges and made it to today. Well done. The faculty, administration and staff put together this video to recognize our graduating class. We look forward to when we can all come together in person to celebrate your great accomplishment. Congratulations!"
Congratulations Detroit Mercy Law Class of 2020 from Detroit Mercy Law on Vimeo.
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Honors Convocation highlight
The Honors Convocation page recognizes graduating students who received University-wide and college- and program-specific honors. Congratulations Class of 2020 honorees!
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College of Engineering & Science virtual celebration, May 12
College of Engineering & Science (CES) invited graduating CES students and families to a virtual celebration, honoring the Class of 2020, May 12.
The virtual event included:
- Welcome from the Dean
- Welcome and prayer from two senior students
- Senior Messages
- Department Awards
- Senior Slide Show
- Detroit Mercy Trivia
