As the newest Central Michigan University graduates look forward to beginning their journeys as alumni and influencing the world around us, three keynote speakers will address them at their respective
commencement ceremonies Dec. 16 in the CMU John G. Kulhavi Events Center’s McGuirk Arena.
Gay L. Ebers-Franckowiak, class of ’75, former managing director of Morgan Stanley, will speak at the 9 a.m. ceremony. She was one of the highest-ranked women in the brokerage before she retired in 2008
. She now serves as a member of the National Campaign Steering Committee. She and her husband, Mike Franckowiak, actively support CMU, receiving the Dick Enberg CMU Alumni Commitment Award together in 2016. Ebers-Franckowiak will receive a doctor of commercial science honorary degree.
. 
Frank J. Cloutier, chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, will speak at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. Cloutier helps maintain the relationship between the tribe and CMU, including supporting the
Niijkewehn Mentoring Program that connects Native American youth and college students. Cloutier was appointed by Michigan’s governor to the Council for Labor and Economic Growth to help Michigan execute the federal Workforce Investment Act. Cloutier will receive a doctor of public service honorary degree.
James O. Sawyer IV, ’89, president of Macomb Community College, will speak at the 6 p.m. ceremony. Sawyer took office in July 2017 as the sixth president of the college. He previously served the college as provost and senior vice president for the learning unit. Within these roles, he shifted the college's focus from student access to student success. His actions increased student success, particularly among underrepresented populations. His initiatives earned MCC Leader College status from
Achieving the Dream in 2013 and 2016. Sawyer will receive a doctor of public service honorary degree.
There are 872 August graduates and more than 1,800 prospective December graduates eligible to participate in commencement. Graduating students are assigned to one of the three ceremonies based on their program and degree.