Photo courtesy of MTU Graduate students receiving their diplomas, with a sea of seated students wearing graduation caps in the foreground.

Michigan Tech Students Receive Diplomas at Mid-Year Commencement

More than 400 graduates stepped into their future Saturday, as they received diplomas at Michigan Technological University’s mid-year Commencement. The ceremony took place in a packed Varsity Gym at Michigan Tech’s Student Development Complex, where graduate students received their master’s and doctoral degrees and undergraduates received their bachelor’s degrees. As the capped and robed graduates marched through the opening procession, some looked solemn. Others smiled, and a few bobbed their heads as they hummed along with the traditional Pomp and Circumstance.

Graduating Air Force and Army ROTC cadets received their commissions at a separate ceremony on Friday evening at the Rozsa Center. They were recognized at Saturday’s Commencement.

“Commencement is such a joyous celebration,” said Dean of Students Kellie Raffaelli. “I am so proud of all of our Huskies for their accomplishments and perseverance. Our students continue to amaze me with their resilience and dedication during their academic journey, and I look forward to seeing them grow into the impactful leaders of tomorrow. I wish them continued success as they embark on new career paths.”

Commencement speakers were a 2023 doctoral graduate, Mehnaz Tabassum, and a graduating undergraduate, Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams. Tabassum earned a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a research focus in vehicular communication. She currently works as a teaching professor at Wichita State University. While at Tech, she received the 2022-2023 Jonathan Bara Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, the 2022-2023 Graduate Service Award and the 2019 Outstanding Teacher Award. Maxwell-Abrams received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in mathematics at Saturday’s Commencement. She has always been interested in architecture and chose to study civil engineering because she saw it as a field that would allow her to focus on green design and build a career in sustainable infrastructure. She will begin her career as a renewable energy engineer-in-training at Stantec in Chicago. She plans to pursue graduate studies in business, architecture or engineering in the future.

Mehnaz Tabassum

Tabassum said it felt deeply humbling to return to Michigan Tech as a Commencement speaker. “This campus has been a transformative place for me, where I grew academically, professionally and personally.

“Today is not only a celebration, but a challenge,” she told the graduates. She recalled scoring just 25 percent on her first midterm as a PhD student. Instead of chastising her, the instructor pointed out her many strengths and offered to help her in areas where she was struggling. She wound up with a passing grade and a new perspective. “Failure is but a stepping stone to success,” she said.

“Never underestimate the power of perseverance and community,” she went on to say. “Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, because success is rarely achieved alone. Embrace collaboration, stay curious and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the best learning experiences come from taking risks and exploring new opportunities.”

Tabussum went on to say: “Always remember where you started, and never forget who helped you along the way,” Tabassum said. “Let’s go out there and make a difference.”

Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams

Maxwell-Abrams chose Michigan Tech because of its reputation for cutting-edge work in sustainable design. She says her passion is for sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy. During her years at Tech, she studied abroad in Costa Rica, where her experiences led her to research into renewable energy access through the Sunny Buddy project, a theoretical solar-powered portable kiosk designed to provide sustainable energy solutions during power disruptions. The project explores partnerships and strategies to accelerate renewable energy adoption, with a potential for broader applications in places like the Keweenaw. She also participated in Tech’s Alternative Energy Enterprise.

“Success isn’t just one thing,” she told the graduates. “Success is about progress, not perfection. Success is about not giving up. It’s also about community empowerment.” It’s about helping each other grow. Embrace and empower the people around you. Remember how the people here embraced and empowered you. Now it’s our turn to carry that forward. We are the engineers of the future.”

After the graduates had received their diplomas, Alumni Board President Adam Mitteer congratulated Tech’s freshly minted alumni. “Welcome to the alumni family,” he said. “You’ve just finished this chapter of your life and are embarking on the next.” He urged the new graduates to stay connected to Tech, whether they remain in Houghton or venture out into the world. “Give back to Tech, not just your money, but your time and talents. Be an ambassador for Tech.”

Mitteer earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Tech in 2003 and a Master of Science in Data Science in 2017. He started as an entry level employee at Revenue Management Solutions and worked his way up to his current position as Chief Data Officer.

The renowned Michigan Tech Pep Band and Blizzard T. Husky closed the Commencement with a colorful and rousing march through the gym.