Student commencement speaker announced

April 13, 2001
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Student commencement speaker announced

Stro Stromayer

ANN ARBOR—Michael Stromayer of Rochester Hills, Mich., has been chosen as the student speaker for the University of Michigan spring commencement, set for 9:15 a.m. April 28 at Michigan Stadium. 

Some 30 graduating seniors responded to the University’s invitation to submit a five-minute speech to a selection committee, consisting of U-M students, faculty and staff.  Candidates had to present written and taped versions of their speeches.

“Michigan is close to my heart and I wanted to share the experience I’ve had with everyone,” Stromayer said.  

“It was an exceptionally difficult choice this year,” said <a href=Brian Coppola, U-M chemistry professor and three-term selection committee member. “But we thought that Michael’s speech captured an overall flavor that was both thoughtful and would make people feel good upon reflection.”

Stromayer says he “went with his heart” when writing his speech. “The theme is along the lines of how we measure our experience and our years at U-M. It’s a celebration and a heart-warming look at our experiences.”

Stromayer, a 1997 graduate of Rochester Adams High School, is enrolled in the Honors Program in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He majored in Spanish and has studied in Spain. He served as president of Circle K for two years and was a member of the service organization, the campus unit of Kiwanis International, for four years, earning several Circle K honors locally and nationally. He has served on the Bursley Residence Hall‘s council for two years and was a resident adviser last year, mentoring 42 first-year students. As a computer consultant in his residence hall, he helped oversee the computing center and acted as a trouble-shooter to aid Bursley residents with computer problems. He has been a member of the University’s Artschorale, Michigan Wild! and played intramural basketball, football and broomball.

In addition to his service and academic activities, Stromayer has been involved in religious organizations on campus. He has been a member of Canterbury House, the U-M Student Episcopal Center, since 1998 and is a peer minister for the center, helping to plan programs and events for the community.

“A lot of my life has been just as important to me as my relationship with God,” Stromayer said. “That’s the reason I went into service organizations and have enjoyed the creativity and diversity in interacting with people on many levels.”

Scholastically, Stromayer was named an Angell Scholar for earning all A’s for two or more consecutive terms.

After graduation, Stromayer will work with youth before going to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in higher education administration. “I love education, it’s something I’m thrilled with,” Stromayer says. This summer he will be employed as a camp counselor and plans to work with youth and education with a spiritual link, either through community service or working with youth ministry.

EDITORS: Contact Stro

Brian CoppolaHonors ProgramCanterbury HouseAngell Scholar