An entrepreneur and a humanitarian will share their stories at Michigan Tech's Midyear Commencement ceremonies Saturday.
More than 325 bachelor's, master's and PhD recipients are expected to attend Midyear Commencement at Michigan Technological University. Ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, in the varsity gym of the Student Development Complex on the Houghton campus.
A Commitment to the Community
Michigan Tech alumna Jennifer (Fuller) Julien of Houghton will deliver the commencement address. Julien earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Tech. A successful entrepreneur, Julien has invested more than $25 million into the Houghton community, helping to create more than 100 local jobs. At the age of 30, she is co-owner of more than six companies, two of which she recently built to introduce world-class service to the local hospitality industry.
As a student, Julien was active both in and out of the classroom. She served on the undergraduate and graduate student governments, was an orientation team leader, completed an International Senior Design Project in Panama and served on the Homecoming Court. She traveled the country as a professional snowmobile racer for Polaris, competing in two world championships, and helped pave the way for women as competing athletes in action sports.
Julien currently serves as the Youth Advisory Council advisor on the Keweenaw Community Foundation Board, delivering grants to local youth programs.
A Winning Attitude
For the past several years, Michigan Tech commencement ceremonies have included an address by a graduating senior. Saturday's student speaker is Victoria Quinde Serrano. Tennis brought Quinde Serrano to Michigan Tech. The native of Cuenca, Ecuador has been a three-time captain on the women's tennis team, earning both All-GLIAC and All-Academic honors. She served as an assistant coach this past season.
During her sophomore year, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed much of Ecuador's coast. Even though she was more than 3,500 miles from home, Quinde Serrano organized a fundraising effort for earthquake victims.
She said her commencement speech is her way of saying thanks. "There are so many people in my life that I want to thank — my family, friends, teammates, coaches and so on. This is my way of saying thank you."
Commissioning, Parking, Reception
Prior to the ceremony, the official ROTC commissioning will take place. Six U.S. Army cadets will take the oath of office and become Army officers. A public commissioning will also occur during the commencement.
For those attending Saturday's commencement, parking is available in lots 22 (outside of the SDC) and 24 (adjacent to the football field). Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and parking passes are not required. For those who cannot attend in person, commencement 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 Michigan Tech Alumni and Friends.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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