Kettering University

Kettering University awarded over 340 bachelor's degrees during its 2026 commencement ceremony on June 20, setting the stage for these graduates to take on leadership and innovation roles across a wide range of industries, including mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, AI, and sustainability. "Class of 2026, you are not waiting to begin. You are already in motion, moving into industries ready for your contributions, stepping into roles that demand your professional judgment, advancing toward a future that will be shaped in no small part by your skills," said University President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. "You have shown that meaningful progress builds over time and that true momentum carries you forward with purpose. Congratulations!" Delivering the Commencement address was alumnus Qasar Younis '04, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Intuition. A graduate of Kettering University's Mechanical Engineering program, Younis began his professional career through the University's cooperative education program before helping build companies at the leading edge of software, intelligent machines, and physical AI. Reflecting on his own path from Kettering to entrepreneurship, he challenged graduates to embrace change and pursue opportunity with purpose: "Run towards uncertainty, because that is where the opportunity lies. Go to the centers of industry and create technology that does not control us, but serves us. Build your own life, one where you are not just the byproduct of the whims of others, but the master of your own destiny." Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, Kettering students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation.

Kettering University awarded 418 bachelor's degrees during its 2024 commencement ceremony on June 15, setting the stage for these graduates to take on roles as leaders and innovators in a breadth of industries and areas ranging from mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, to AI and sustainability. "Kettering University stands out among all of higher education as an institution that provides the very best education and career preparation combined, and these graduates embody the concept of mastery that underlies our entire educational model," University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan said. "This world needs their talents and abilities, their energy, their service, their determined focus, and their spirit. They have navigated college years through turbulent and uncertain times - but also with grace, grit, and resilience. And they have done so successfully." Alumnus and Regional President of Caesars Entertainment Sean McBurney '03 (Mechanical Engineering) delivered the 2024 Commencement address. A business leader who rolled the dice on a non-traditional application of his expertise, McBurney oversees hotel, gaming, food and beverage, retail, surveillance, security operations, marketing, and human resources operations for nine of Caesars Entertainment's properties in the Las Vegas region. Over the last two years, the region set an all-time revenue record. McBurney received an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration during the 2024 Commencement ceremony. His advice to graduates? "Your success is limited only by your imagination," McBurney said. "I had an extraordinary education here. You have had an extraordinary education here. You have developed a skillset, discipline, and experience that can set you on virtually any career path you desire." Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University has continually brought STEM-focused learning to life. Through a 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment, Kettering students work shoulder-to-shoulder with professors and industry leaders and enter the job market with 2.5 years of on-the-job experience upon graduation.

Hundreds of students walked across the stage to accept their degrees at Kettering University's Commencement ceremony. The event was June 17 at Atwood Stadium in Flint.