CMU celebrates Spring 2026 graduates

At each ceremony, a member of the graduating class addressed their fellow graduates, reflecting on their shared journey and imparting well-wishes. In addition, President Neil MacKinnon welcomed several prominent alumni to speak at each of the five ceremonies.  

Members of the CMU Board of Trustees also participated in commencement ceremonies, with remarks from Chair Denise Williams Mallett, Vice Chair Todd Regis, and Trustees Jeff Stoutenburg and Sharon Heath.  

Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at CMU ceremony

Dr. Joseph spoke about making the early career transition from processes and personal achievement to focusing on patients.  

“You will master the prescriptions and procedures. Your training here at CMU has built the foundation and in residency you’ll learn to put it into practice,” Dr. Joseph said. “Even when the odds are stacked against your patients, you can still be present in those rooms. You’ll accompany them in moments of uncertainty, suffering, pain and relief. This is some of the most important work you will do as physicians.” 

Graduating medical student speaker Grant Raymor also offered remarks, reflecting on the privilege and purpose of becoming a medical doctor. 

“Each person in this room has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world, and we now have the tools to do it,” Raymor said. “May we never lose sight of the privilege of this calling, the purpose that brought us here, or the people who helped us along the way.” 

President MacKinnon welcomed Edna Parker to the stage to offer remarks. Parker earned a master’s degree from CMU on her way to a successful career in the field of laboratory medicine, serving as Vice President of Labcorp. 

Parker told graduates why they give her good reason for optimism for a brighter future. 

“You are graduating into a world that needs your innovation, your adaptability, and your unique voices,” she said. “The world needs leaders who listen, who act with integrity, and who are willing to learn from their mistakes.” 

In her remarks to fellow graduates, Olivia Hornak spoke about her experiences earning two degrees at CMU and offered graduates some advice. 

“Be kind to each other, take risks, challenge yourself, get back up when you fall and remember you only live once,” she said. 

Saturday 9 a.m. ceremony

“If you started your journey from a modest place, uncertain whether you truly belonged or how far you could go, this degree is living proof that you do,” Werner said. “You can go as far as your effort, integrity, and imagination will take you.” 

Graduating student speaker Morgan Mussehl spoke about gaining confidence in herself during her time at CMU and offered a positive way of looking at challenges. 

“You will experience hardship along the way; we all may experience some kind of pain. To that, I suggest that you transition your minds into seeking the truth of your character and finding resilience in those moments. The only excuses you have are the ones you believe,” she said. 

President MacKinnon welcomed alumna Nancy Brown, who has served as CEO of the American Heart Association since 2008. She spoke about the importance of seeking diverse perspectives. 

“Life will teach you that some of the most important people in your life will not be like you. They won’t think like you. They won’t always agree with you. Those differences aren’t barriers; they are strengths,” she said. 

Graduating student speaker Christian Dunn spoke about the growth he experienced by jumping into student life at CMU. 

“Over the past few years, we have weathered many storms; storms that forced us to think outside the box, adapt, and prepare for the future in ways we never expected. But storms don’t stop growth and, in many ways, they strengthen it,” he said. 

Alumna Marita Hattem-Schiffman, a retired healthcare executive with MyMichigan Health, shared a principle that guided her career and life. She said it’s best to always presume the positive intent of others, and that everyone is doing the best they can with the information and resources available to them.  

“When you presume positive intent about yourself – that you are doing the best you can with what you know and the resources you have, that your ideas are as valuable as everyone else’s – you’ll have the courage to step forward instead of missing opportunities,” she said. 

Graduating student speaker Emma Orzech spoke about standing up for a more fair and equitable future. 

“If there is one thing I learned here, it is that we do not have to accept the world the way it is. Challenging the status quo is what pushes us to be the change that is needed,” Orzech said. “Our generation has been through some of the most impactful moments throughout our education. It is no longer discomforting to speak out against the norms of society. We are the generation that knows what a better tomorrow looks like.” 

Ceremony video and photos