By the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan | Photos by by Jessica Yurasek, ’04, and Katherine Fiorillo
Just after getting their faces painted amid a sea of students at the Forever Go Blue Bash, graduating seniors Jessica Middleton (BS ’24), Oluwakemi Johnson (BSEIO ’24), and Michael Beltramo (BSE Mech ’24) were discussing how different the scene was four years ago when they enrolled at the University of Michigan in the midst of the pandemic.
“Starting out in COVID, we lost orientation and all these other community-building events, so this is just such a cool send-off, to actually get to do stuff,” Middleton said.
Johnson agreed.
“We came in during COVID so I never really had the identity of aligning with a ‘Michigan student,’ but I have an M on my face and I’ve never done that before,” she said.
“I feel more Michigan pride now than at any football game,” Middleton said.
The three were among nearly 1,200 students to attend the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan’s annual celebration for graduating Wolverines on April 24, 2024, at the Alumni Center and Ingalls Mall. Members of the class of 2024 received a gift from the Alumni Association and also enjoyed free food as well as having their caricatures drawn and faces painted.
In addition, students were able to learn about U‑M alumni clubs: the Alumni Association’s career, education, and advocacy services; Camp Michigania; and their complimentary year of membership to the Association.
Graduating seniors were also able to see Bagely one last time before commencement, with many snagging a selfie, high five, or hug from their favorite Welcome Wednesday bagel.
The signature event is one of many programs funded with help from the Give Like A Victor Fund. The fund supports many Alumni Association activities, such as lifelong learning, career services, alumni engagement, and student programs. These unrestricted gifts provide the Alumni Association with the support necessary to adapt and grow as the needs of the U‑M alumni community evolve.
