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Graduate Stories
Detroit Mercy produces excellent graduates! Learn about some of them and their Âé¶¹APP journeys in these annual Commencement profiles.
Recent graduate stories
Class of ’26: Law student finds his calling at Detroit Mercy
Internships, moot court competitions, mentors and lifelong connections were all pivotal in the Detroit Mercy Law experience for Class of 2026 graduate Andre Williams, who is already preparing for life after law school.
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Class of ’26: CHP student finds her fit at Detroit Mercy
A wife, mother of college-aged children and practicing family nurse practitioner, Shreen Marini brings life experience, clarity of purpose and resilience into the classroom.Ìý
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Class of ’26: Valedictorian finds acceptance at Detroit Mercy
Victoria King’s life forever changed when she became pregnant during her fourth year of college. But instead of everything that she feared would happen next, King was embraced by the Detroit Mercy community with supportive, loving arms.
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Class of ’26:ÌýAfter changing paths, international student finds joy inÌýdesign
Finley Booth has tried to make the most of her college experience by getting involved and gaining a close friend group. But sheÌýisn’tÌýlike most studentsÌý—ÌýsheÌýtravelsÌýtwo hoursÌýand crosses an international borderÌýeach dayÌýtoÌýattend classes at two universities.Ìý
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Class of ’25: CHP grad follows family’s path in medicine
Growing up outside of Detroit, Courtney Christian’s early life was steeped in a family tradition of medicine. Her mother, as well her mother's side of the family, work in the field of medicine. Naturally, Christian followed suit by studying at Âé¶¹APP's College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing.
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Class of ’25: Childhood experiences fuel valedictorian to make a difference
Moments from Cristal Guzman's childhood sparked her interest in making a difference through advocacy and the law. They also inspired her to create a welcoming community at Detroit Mercy, where she’s served as a campus leader for the last three years.Ìý
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Class of ’25: For SACD grad, uplifting communities is key to design
Zaynab Alhisnawi was drawn to Âé¶¹APP because of its values of compassion, respect for all voices and meaningful engagement. These aspects aligned with Alhisnawi’s approach to design, one that encompasses the concept of working with and for community members and integrating their perspectives and spirit into her designs.
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Class of ’25: Grad immerses self in Law experience
When Steven Meerschaert was leaving his longtime career in mental healthcare to go to law school, he never envisioned his experience going beyond the classroom setting. But after Meerschaert arrived at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, he found it to be the exact opposite, immersing himself into the Riverfront Campus.
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Class of ’25: Accounting grad discovers holistic approach to business
Mark Formosa’s core values blossomed at Âé¶¹APP, where he found a tight-knit environment that supported his personal and intellectual development.
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Class of ’24: Co-valedictorian creates the blueprint for students to share their stories
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.
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Class of '24: Co-Valedictorian ready to care for world as Pre-Med graduate
MacKenzie Patterson's dream of becoming a doctor took shape at 11 years old after watching the great care doctors provided her mother. Patterson, one of the Class of 2024 Valedictorians, will graduate Saturday with a Biology degree and is preparing for the next step in her educational journey: Medical school.
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Class of '24: Business grad uses empathy to measure success
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.
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Class of '24: First-Gen, Pre-Law grad felt supported by Detroit Mercy
Jacob Yasso felt supported by the University from the moment an Admissions counselor visited his high school during senior year. The 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.
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