CMU announces May 2026 Commencement Speakers

In five ceremonies across two days, hundreds of students will cross the commencement stage at McGuirk Arena as they celebrate a major life milestone: earning a degree from Central Michigan University. A total of 2,468 students have been approved to receive their CMU undergraduate degree, graduate and doctoral degree, or graduate certificate for March and May’s spring commencement ceremonies. 

And, at each event, they’ll be celebrated and encouraged by the voices of several current and former CMU Chippewas. At the invitation of President Neil MacKinnon, ten alumni and student leaders will share their words of wisdom and encouragement with graduates. Read on for a list of the May 2026 Commencement Speakers.

Friday, May 8, 2026

10 a.m., Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University

During the morning ceremony, graduating medical students and their families will hear from alumna Dr. Carly Joseph, who earned her medical degree from CMU in 2023. Now a third-year resident in internal medicine and geriatrics at the Maine Medical Center, Dr. Joseph is preparing for her role as an attending rural primary care physician in Delta, Colorado. Dr. Joseph will speak to the graduates about being present with patients in times of uncertainty and celebration.

Grant Raymor, a member of the class of 2026, will also speak during the ceremony. Raymor is earning both his medical degree and his MBA with a concentration in health care administration, and previously earned an undergraduate degree from CMU in neuroscience and biology. As a medical student, Raymor has been a leader in the Business in Medicine student interest group, a member of the American Medical Association Student Focus Group, and a member of the Orthopedic Student Focus group. In his remarks to his fellow graduates, Raymor will reflect on finding happiness through purpose and relationships.

3 p.m., Graduate Ceremony

At the 3 p.m. ceremony, CMU will recognize students earning their doctoral degrees, graduate certificates, master’s degrees and specialist degrees. Graduates and their families will hear from alumna Edna Parker, who earned a master’s degree in health care management and supervision at CMU in 1981. Parker currently serves as a consultant with Labcorp, where she has spent more than 36 years as a leader in laboratory compliance and quality, including as the company’s vice president for more than 17 years. She directed the National Office of Quality, overseeing management for more than 500 laboratories nationwide. She has presented nationally and internationally for groups including the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the Clinical Laboratory Management Association, and she served as a laboratory inspector for the College of American Pathologists. She is a co-author of the CLMA’s Body of Knowledge for Medical Laboratory Management and Cost of Quality guidelines.

In her life outside work, Parker is deeply involved in civic leadership. She has been recognized frequently for her contributions, including acknowledgement as the 2019 Citizen of the Year Award from the Alamance County Board of Commissioners and the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce. She is immediate past-chair of the Alamance Arts Board and is a chair of the Excellence in Education Selection Committee, which chooses the county’s Teacher of the Year.  She currently serves as a member of CMU’s Advancement Board. Parker will share thoughts on the power of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

The Class of 2026 will also hear from fellow graduate student Olivia Hornak, who is receiving her Master of Business Administration in Finance. Hornak previously earned a bachelor’s degree at CMU in Recreation and Event Management, and she is currently serving as an event and security manager with S.A.F.E Management company in Arizona. Hornak will speak to her fellow graduates about the lessons learned in moments of failure and adapting to life’s curveballs.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

9 a.m., College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and College of Science and Engineering 

During the morning ceremony, Major General Darren Werner, retired, will share remarks with graduates and their families. Werner earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1989 and later earned master’s degrees in human resources and in national security and strategic studies from Webster University and the U.S. Naval War College, respectively. Werner is the president of SAPA Transmission, where he leads innovation in advanced mobility systems and military logistics and procurement. He also serves as a senior advisor to the Arsenal of Democracy AUSA Chapter and is engaged with the National Defense Industrial Association. His military career spans many leadership roles and deployments worldwide, including holding the leadership role in the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command. 

Among his numerous military recognitions, Werner has received the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and others. In 2025, he was honored with CMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award for his service to the university, including involvement in the CMU and CMURC Translational Accelerator and the Central Ecosystem for National Security. 

Morgan Mussehl, who is receiving her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience will also share reflections with her classmates. Mussehl is a member of the CMU Honors Program and InSciTE program, an interdisciplinary STEM program housed in the College of Science and Engineering.  She served as a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Honors course, a neuroscience research assistant, and a chemistry tutor while also serving as a medical assistant at the MidMichigan Neurology Center. Mussehl received one of the inaugural Go Grants from CMU President Neil MacKinnon to launch the InSciTE speakers program, which brought successful alumni, community leaders and industry professionals to campus to engage with students interested in STEM careers. In her commencement remarks, Mussehl will share the “five truths” she has learned through her experiences at CMU.

1:30 p.m., College of the Arts and Media and College of Education and Human Services

Alumna Nancy Brown, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and advertising in 1985, will speak at the 1:30 p.m. commencement ceremony. Brown is CEO of the American Heart Association, a role she has held since 2008. She leads an organization of more than 35 million volunteers, supporters and staff across 100 countries worldwide. Under her leadership, the Association generates more than $1.2 billion annually to promote longer, healthier lives. She has expanded the Association’s investment in cardiovascular research to $6.1 billion to date, launched the Nation of Lifesavers movement to build CPR and AED skills, and advocates for policies that strengthen healthy communities and access to affordable health care. She is also a driving force for the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

In addition to her work at the Association, Brown serves in leadership positions on several boards, including the Truth Initiative, Research!America, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. She is also a member and past co-chair of the World Economic Forum Health and Healthcare Governors Community and provides leadership for its Global Coalition for Value in Healthcare and Health for All initiatives. She has been recognized for her thought leadership and impact, including being named to TIME’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Health. She has also been featured on Forbes’ 2024 “50 Over 50” list and CNBC’s 2025 Changemakers list. Brown was also recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2024 Top Women Leaders and as a Power and Influence Top 50 honoree by The NonProfit Times. In her remarks, Brown will discuss the inspiration and tools needed to pursue a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Graduates will also hear from fellow student Christian Dunn, who is earning his bachelor’s degree in communication. Dunn came to CMU as a transfer student and immediately became active in student leadership. He is currently student body treasurer of the CMU Student Government Association, and his past SGA roles include press secretary, speaker of the House, and chief of staff. He also has held leadership roles as a stewardship assistant for University Advancement, a program coordinator and manager for University Recreation, an event coordinator with Student Activities and Involvement, and as a conference hall director. Dunn will share reflections on what it means to grow as a leader and to take ownership of your personal and professional journey.

5:30 p.m., College of Business Administration and The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions

During the evening ceremony, graduates and families will hear from alumna Marita Hattem-Schiffman, who recently retired from her role as president of MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare, and Mount Pleasant. Her 30-year career spans roles in healthcare, nonprofit administration and financial services. At MyMichigan Health, she led the operational transformation of three regional health centers in rural and underserved communities. This included the completion of a $34.5 million master facility plan at the Alma Medical Center, a two-phase renovation of the Clare Medical Center, and rapid growth and enhancement of the Mount Pleasant Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Professional in Medical Staff Management. She has served on the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Board and the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board.

Hattem-Schiffman is also heavily involved in the community, serving in leadership roles including as a board member of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation and the United Way of Greater Central Michigan. She is a recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award and a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan in recognition of her service, leadership and mentorship of emerging leaders. Hattem-Schiffman received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from CMU in1988 before going on to earn an MBA at the University of St. Francis. In her remarks, she will reflect on what she has learned about “presuming positive intent” when working with others. 

Graduates will also hear from classmate Emma Orzech, who is receiving her bachelor’s degree in sports management. Orzech was active on campus as a Leader Advancement Scholar, a member of the Academic Senate’s Athletics Committee, the Women in Sports registered student organization, and the Sports Management Association. This semester, Orzech completed an internship with the Chicago Sky WNBA team and previously interned with the Lansing Lugnuts and worked with the Detroit City Football Club. She also worked part-time in marketing and fan engagement with CMU Athletics and participated in club soccer. In her remarks, Orzech will discuss challenging the status quo and the power of one person to make a meaningful difference that leaves a legacy. 

How to watch

Each graduate was eligible to receive tickets for family and friends to attend their commencement ceremony in person, and all ceremonies are also available to view via livestream. Links for each ceremony’s livestream are available on the commencement livestream webpage.

Day-of-event instructions for graduates are available on the commencement website, as well as a set of frequently asked questions. Commencement programs will be posted to the commencement webpage ahead of the ceremonies.