Commencement
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Titans, full replays of the Commencement ceremonies can be found .
for a full array of photos from each of the ceremonies, as well as the Multicultural Graduation and other ceremonies.
First Destination Survey
Graduating class of 2024,
Detroit Mercy’s Center for Career & Professional Development requests your assistance in helping to identify trends in the employment, continuing education, and earning potential of our graduates. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the .
The responses you provide are strictly confidential and are used by your college/school to assess student outcomes. If you are still seeking employment contact the Center for Career & Professional Development for job search assistance at 313-993-1017 or careerlink@udmercy.edu.
Video replays
Graduate Ceremony
Undergraduate Ceremony
School of Dentistry Ceremony
School of Law Ceremony
Commencement Programs
Class of 2024 Profiles
Maria Latorre Sanchez '24
Meet the Class of '24: Detroit Mercy Dental grad Maria Latorre Sanchez says, “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how fast you get up.” Latorre Sanchez came to Detroit to follow her dream of becoming a dentist. In addition, she found a close-knit community that supported her during the hardest time of her life and helped her to dream bigger.
Afsana Uddin '16, '22, '24
Meet the Class of '24: Afsana Uddin has been attending classes at University of Detroit Mercy since 2012. But it was the service learning programs that truly inspired her and helped her see that good health starts long before a person needs a doctor.
Kevin Lynch '24
Meet the Class of '24: Being a lawyer is in Kevin Lynch’s blood. After nearly a decade working in human resources, he made the decision to become the latest member of his family to attend law school. His Detroit Mercy Law experience and all that has come from it has been beyond his wildest dreams.
MacKenzie Patterson '24
Iryna Olkhovetska '24
Meet the Class of '24: Iryna Olkhovetska made the difficult decision with her family to leave their home in Ukraine and move to the United States in search of a brighter future six years ago. Today, she is proud to be an American citizen, embracing her identity as both a Ukrainian and American and striving to honor her roots while building a future in the land of opportunity.
Jacob Yasso '24
Meet the Class of '24: Jacob Yasso felt supported by the University from the moment an Admissions counselor visited his high school during senior year. The Political Science, Pre-Law graduate became a campus leader during his four years as a Titan and will be the first in his family to graduate college May 11.
Nisha Miah '24
Meet the Class of '24: Nisha Miah's tumultuous upbringing has led her to a deep sense of empathy for people and has shaped who she is today. When she read University of Detroit Mercy's mission statement and vision during her college search, she knew it was where she needed to be.Erin Letourneau '24
Meet the Class of '24: Erin Letourneau's college journey is not just one of academic excellence, it’s a testament to her relentless pursuit of personal growth and community engagement, shaping her into an influential leader within the campus community.
Commencement Speakers
Undergrad, Graduate Ceremony
Marlena Peleo-Lazar ’72, chief creative officer (Ret.), McDonald’s Corporation
A native Detroiter, Peleo-Lazar graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. She started her career in Chicago working for two legendary ad agencies — Leo Burnett and Ogilvy & Mather — where she led creative advertising for several world-class brands.
It was at McDonald’s Corporation where she was the architect of a three-word global advertising campaign that captured the imagination of the world: “I’m lovin’ it.” McDonald’s customers around the world loved it, too, and it remains the most award-winning and business-building campaign in the fast food giant’s history.
Peleo-Lazar also puts her skills to good use promoting good causes such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Institute for Therapy through the Arts and The Auditorium Theatre of Chicago among many others.
School of Dentistry Ceremony
William Chase, D.D.S. ’72
Throughout his career, Chase has exemplified the true essence of service. From his early days volunteering with the Detroit Dental Clinic Club to his transformative experiences treating refugees in Palawan, he has dedicated himself to humanitarian causes. Over 25 years, spanning 13 missions, Chase provided dental care to thousands, often funding these endeavors himself.
Although many of Chase’s volunteer and humanitarian efforts took him overseas where he treated over 10,000 patients, he has spent a considerable amount of time serving at home. He has held several leadership positions within organized dentistry, including having been president of the Michigan Dental Association. The organization closest to his heart is Rotary International of which he has been a recognized leader for the past 50 years.
School of Law Ceremony
Victoria A. Roberts, U.S. District Judge
After being appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1998, Roberts has served as a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. Prior to that, Roberts was in private practice and served as the managing partner of the Detroit law firm of Goodman, Eden, Millender & Bedrosian. She also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan.
Roberts is the only Black female to serve as president of the State Bar of Michigan. An author, teacher and lecturer, she has traveled around the world to train lawyers and judges and has taught future lawyers at University of Michigan Law.
Her many honors include the two highest conferred by the State Bar of Michigan — The Roberts P. Hudson Award and the Champion of Justice Award.
Socials and Staying Connected
Share photos and videos on social media by tagging @detmercy on or and using #DetroitMercy2024.
Remember to update your email and mailing address for access to event invitations, monthly alumni e-newsletters, our alumni magazine Spiritus twice a year and other important University updates and opportunities. Stay connected with your classmates with .
Congratulations, Class of 2024 and GO TITANS!