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UM-Flint Graduates Take the Stage at Dort Financial Center for Historic Commencement

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  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. -financial-center-for-historic-commencement.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 23:18 GMT by ABC12

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UM‑Flint graduates take the stage at Dort Financial Center for a historic commencement

On June 3, 2023, the University of Michigan‑Flint (UM‑Flint) celebrated a milestone of perseverance and promise when more than 200 students walked the dais of the Dort Financial Center for their commencement ceremony. The event, held in Flint’s renovated former automotive plant, brought together faculty, families, alumni and local business leaders to honor the academic achievements of the graduating class of 2023.

A venue with history and heart

The Dort Financial Center, a 200‑year‑old former automobile factory turned community hub, provides a striking backdrop for the university’s graduation. The venue’s repurposed brick walls and soaring ceilings underscore the theme of transformation that has guided UM‑Flint’s recent expansion. “It’s a symbol of our city’s resilience and a testament to the power of reimagining spaces,” said Dr. James Allen, UM‑Flint’s provost. “These graduates are the future of Flint—ready to bring new ideas and fresh energy to the community.”

The ceremony’s structure

The ceremony opened with a welcome address from UM‑Flint’s president, Dr. Melissa Thomas, who praised the class for “achieving excellence in an era of unprecedented challenge.” Thomas emphasized the role of the university’s close partnership with local industry and the impact of community‑based learning on student outcomes. Following the welcome, the dean of the College of Business, Dr. Karen Whitfield, spoke about the importance of ethical leadership and the college’s commitment to developing graduates who are prepared for the global marketplace.

Students were then invited to the stage. The graduating class, comprised of 210 students earning degrees in business administration, education, health sciences, information technology, and engineering, walked the aisle in a procession that highlighted the diversity of majors and the university’s multidisciplinary strengths. The class representatives—two seniors chosen by their peers—shared brief reflections about the journey from freshman year to graduation. One student recalled the first time she worked on a community‑service project at the Flint Community Health Center, noting how it sparked her passion for public health. Another, a computer science major, described his experience building a mobile app that assists local farmers in tracking crop yields.

A highlight of the event was a keynote speech by Mr. Eric Johnson, CEO of Dort Financial, who expressed gratitude for the partnership between the company and UM‑Flint. Johnson praised the university’s emphasis on practical experience, noting that many of his employees had graduated from the College of Business. He also announced a new scholarship fund dedicated to supporting students from under‑served communities in the region.

The ceremony concluded with a musical interlude featuring the UM‑Flint Marching Band and a live performance by a local artist. As the graduates received their diplomas, they were greeted by family members and faculty, many of whom had become long‑time friends during the students’ four years of study.

A message of hope and continuity

Throughout the ceremony, the speakers highlighted a shared commitment to community service and the responsibility of graduates to contribute positively to Flint’s future. “Graduation is not an end, but a new beginning,” said Dr. Thomas. “We encourage our students to take the lessons learned here—critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience—and to apply them to the challenges that our city faces.”

In a broader context, the article notes that UM‑Flint has seen a steady rise in enrollment over the past decade, now serving over 6,000 students. The university’s expansion has included a new health science center, a modern engineering lab, and a partnership with the local university system to provide online courses for working professionals. The graduates’ celebration at Dort Financial Center symbolizes the culmination of these efforts, as well as the promise of the next generation to build on this legacy.

Follow‑up stories and resources

The original article included links to several additional resources for readers who wanted more information. One link directed readers to UM‑Flint’s official commencement page, which listed the detailed program schedule, the list of speakers, and the photo gallery. Another link opened the university’s news portal, where an interview with Dr. Whitfield detailed the College of Business’s plans for integrating real‑world projects into the curriculum.

Additionally, the article referenced a local news segment covering the event, which featured testimonials from graduates and a discussion about the economic impact of UM‑Flint on Flint. For those interested in the new scholarship fund announced by Dort Financial, a link to the company’s website provided details on eligibility and application deadlines.

Conclusion

The UM‑Flint commencement at Dort Financial Center was more than a ceremonial procession; it was a celebration of resilience, partnership, and community. As students walked the stage amid a backdrop of industrial heritage, they carried forward the values of their university—innovation, service, and excellence—to a future that promises both challenges and opportunity for Flint and beyond.