(As prepared for delivery)

Good morning, Class of 2026!

You all look amazing!

As a kid, I dreamed of ending up in the Michigan end zone with thousands of people cheering.

This … is not quite how I pictured it.

But I’m told being university president at commencement is a close second.

This morning, of course, is about greater achievements.

As I always say, it’s hard to get into the University of Michigan, and it’s hard to get out of the University of Michigan.

Congratulations! You did it!

Today, you become Michigan graduates. And not just graduates, but among the one millionth students to earn a Michigan degree.

May 2, 2026, will be a day you will always remember.

It is the first day you begin to forget everything you learned in college. Some overachievers may have already gotten a jumpstart on this.

But as Mark Twain quipped, what remains will be your true education.

This is the day you’ve been working toward.

Even if you are a little sad that your college years are ending, you should be proud of your accomplishments.

I also want to acknowledge those who have joined you on your journey.

They have been your support system, offering encouragement, advice, and help when you needed it most.

Please, anyone here who has helped these graduates reach today’s milestone, stand if you are able and be recognized.

We must also thank our distinguished faculty and dedicated staff for their hard work and commitment to providing our students with an unparalleled education. 

Graduates, you are among a fortunate minority on this planet who have had the opportunity to study, pursue your passions, and earn a college degree.

It’s a worthy undertaking.

What you learned here can never be taken from you.

Your Michigan degree will always be part of who you are.

We see that today in the contributions and example of alumnus Kent Syverud.

He reminds us that the true measure of a life is not merely in achievement, but in how one meets life’s unexpected turns.

His steadiness, courage, and grace, especially in the face of profound challenge, leave a deep impression on us all.

Graduates, you can honor him by emulating him: lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and meet whatever comes your way with resolve and humility.

What you do and how you live impact those around you in innumerable ways.

When we say Look to Michigan, we are encouraging society to turn to you. You will have the chance to make a positive change in the world.

In your time as students, you may have seen the “Michigan vs. Everybody” T-shirts. It’s a powerful slogan for our athletics teams – who are, of course, out to compete, beat everybody, and bring home national championships, like this year’s men’s basketball team.

But the broader university was founded in the public interest and has remained grounded in that mission ever since. We want the world to look to Michigan for the common good – for discoveries, ideas, and actions that advance humanity.

The real power of Michigan lies in being here for everyone.

That’s why I modified the slogan to better reflect what this great university truly stands for:

Michigan for Everybody.

Michigan, in service to humanity, is for everybody. And you will carry that forward – proving it through the impact you make in the next chapter of your lives.

There will always be injustices in our world, whether in nearby communities or in so many places around the globe.

Always commit to righting the wrongs and improving the welfare of others. Large or small, your gestures and contributions will matter.

Always aspire to make your own positive mark on this world, with humility, grace, and integrity. 

You will take the knowledge and skills you gained here in Ann Arbor and build a better tomorrow.

As you take your next steps, I want to leave you with one piece of advice:

Develop and nurture a growth mindset … stay curious.

Keep reading and learning, especially about things with which you are unfamiliar.

We do not stop being curious because we grow old; we grow old because we stop being curious.

You leave today not as students, but as alumni of the University of Michigan – the greatest university in the world!

You are joining the society of learned men and women and the pantheon of distinguished Michigan alumni – more than 680,000 strong who have shaped the world we live in.

I wish you every success and good fortune.

Go Big, Go Proud… and Forever Go Blue!

Congratulations!