Commencement

The December 2024 Commencement ceremony was held at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse on December 14. Ceremonies are for students completing the following degrees: Ph.D., Ed.D., doctoral, master's and bachelor's.

Ceremony schedule

Ceremony I — 9 a.m.

🎥 View ceremony I video

College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Ceremony II — 2 p.m.

🎥 View ceremony II video

College of Education
College of Engineering
School of Information Sciences
School of Medicine
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Ceremony III — 7 p.m.

🎥 View ceremony III video

Mike Ilitch School of Business
School of Social Work
College of Nursing

Student speaker

Hayden Johnson

Hayden Johnson is an accomplished scholar and leader at Wayne State University, where he has pursued dual majors in political science and anthropology. As a second-term Student Senate president, Johnson demonstrated a steadfast commitment to representing student interests and advancing initiatives that promote engagement, inclusivity and institutional improvement. His contributions reflect a nuanced understanding of policy and governance, which he effectively applied to create tangible benefits for the campus community. Johnson was also a third-year resident advisor who fostered an inclusive, supportive and academically enriching environment for residents. His contributions to student life earned him a place on the 2024 Wayne State Homecoming Court, a distinction that highlighted his active role in shaping the university’s culture. Johnson’s interdisciplinary approach academically integrated the study of governance and cultural dynamics, equipping him to be a well-rounded leader, and his commitment to mentorship and advocacy underscored his dedication to service and personal development. Johnson’s future academic pursuits include earning a master of business administration at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, with a concentration in management and human resources. This advanced degree will position him to lead in organizational development, fostering innovation and equity in professional settings. Johnson exemplifies the values of leadership, scholarship and service, embodying a commitment to meaningful impact in every endeavor.