Just after getting their faces painted amid a sea of students at the Forever Go Blue Bash, graduating seniors Jessica Middleton, Oluwakemi Johnson, and Michael Beltramo 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 at the Alumni Center and Ingalls Mall. Members of the class of 2024, who will graduate during Spring Commencement on May 4, received a gift from the Alumni Association, free food, were able to have their caricature drawn, and could get their faces painted.
In addition, the 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.
The 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 Forever Go Blue Bash’s presenting sponsor was University of Michigan Credit Union.
Photos by Jessica Yurasek, ’04, and Katherine Fiorillo.
