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More than 360 bachelor’s, master’s and PhD recipients are expected to attend Midyear Commencement Saturday (Dec 16). Ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Wood Gym of the Student Development Complex.
James Parm, partner at Inc. CEO Project, will deliver the commencement address. Parm graduated from Michigan Tech in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
In his current position, Parm provides business strategy to corporate CEOs. He has a long and distinguished career leading international technology companies including Stratos, Inmarsat PLC and Shell Offshore Services Company.
Parm and his wife Jean, a 1982 Tech graduate, have established the Jim and Jean Parm Endowed Scholarship. The Parms live in Casey Key, Florida. At the commencement ceremony, Parm will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy.
Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy is Robert White, long-time trustee of the John Edgar McAllister Foundation. He retired after 30 years as a Chartered Professional Accountant at the University of Toronto. White was instrumental in directing McAllister Foundation funds to assist Michigan Tech in building a welcome center that houses the University’s admissions office.
For the past several years, Michigan Tech commencement ceremonies have included an address by a graduating senior. Saturday’s address will be given by an international student for the first time.
Although Valeria Suarez has only been at Tech for about two years, she has made a significant impact in that short period of time. The native of Maracay, Venezuela will graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree in geological engineering. She is a member of the International Club, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and is vice president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Suarez plans to continue her education in graduate school at Colorado School of Mines.
For those attending Saturday’s commencement, parking is available in lots 22, 23 and 24 and parking passes are not required. Parking is on a first come first served basis.
For those unable to attend commencement in person, the ceremony will be streamed live.
Following the ceremony, the community is invited to join the new graduates for a special reception in the SDC multipurpose room, hosted by the Michigan Tech Alumni Association.
