Commencement

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

We are excited to celebrate you!

As we prepare, get hyped by replaying last year's Commencement ceremonies online on YouTube.

Or click here for a full array of photos from each of the ceremonies, as well as the Multicultural Graduation and other ceremonies.

Commencement Day Information

Graduate and Guest FAQs

RSVP List

Preparation to Graduate

Regalia Colors

Additional Approved Regalia Items

Undergrad, Graduate Ceremony

James E. White
CEO, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network

James E. White is a servant leader dedicated to providing exemplary behavioral health services to the citizens of Detroit and Wayne County. As president and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, White works to drive sustainable growth for the agency by improving access and availability to services, strengthening the provider network and ensuring individuals know there is help available to anyone who is struggling with mental health, substance use or disability concerns. 

White spent the majority of his career as a public servant, starting in the Detroit Police Department in 1996, working his way up to police chief, a position he held for four years.

He was also executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, bridging his work in law enforcement with protecting the rights of Michigan residents working to bring awareness and inclusion in everything from housing and education to public services in underrepresented communities. 

School of Dentistry Ceremony

Cheri Newman, D.D.S. ’89, ’90, ’98
Faculty, Detroit Mercy Dental

Cheri Newman has worked in private practice at Village Place Dental and her own practice and is an adjunct faculty member at Detroit Mercy Dental. 

Newman’s work focuses on dental services for special needs patients, and she coordinates a clinic for these unique patients every week at Detroit Mercy Dental. Each year, she runs a weeklong outreach program to provide dental services for disabled adults at Bay Cliff Health Camp, which helps people with disabilities achieve greater independence. Her inclusion of Detroit Mercy Dental students in this community service is both meaningful and educational. 

Newman is a past president of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international honorary dental service organization founded in 1936 and is a member or board member of many local and national dental organizations.

School of Law Ceremony

Gary Peters ’84
U.S. Senator

Gary Peters has dedicated his life to public service, combining a rich educational background with a career that includes positions in business, academics and politics. His four degrees include an MBA from University of Detroit and a J.D. from Wayne State University.

Peters served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1993 to 2008, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his service, he supported Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf. After the events of September 11, 2001, he again served overseas.

He served as an assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch and a vice president at Paine Webber and was the third Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University from 2007-08. His other academic positions include teaching finance and strategic management and business policy.

Peters has served as an elected representative since 1993 at the city, state and national levels and is the senior senator from Michigan, serving in the U.S. Senate since 2014. He is currently serving his last term, having announced he will not run again for the Senate.