Eastern Michigan University celebrated its fall graduates during its commencement Dec. 14, 2025. At 9:30 a.m., graduates across EMU's seven colleges gathered to receive their diplomas.
The ceremony began with a speech by Nathan Ford, chair of the EMU Board of Regents. After welcoming the crowd of family, friends, staff and graduates, he officially opened up the commencement.
Next to speak was EMU President James Smith, set to retire from his position once his contract ends at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. After ten years of service to EMU from Smith, two-time alumnus Brendan Kelly will fill the role after the 2026 winter semester.
Smith then introduced Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Rhonda Longworth, who led the ceremony, as well as the many marshals and faculty who attended the ceremony in support of the graduates.
"Graduates, I know you all want to thank EMU's faculty for the role they've played in your successes," Smith said. "They've taught you, they've challenged you and they've supported you during your time here at EMU."
Next to speak was James Bodary, the president and owner of Woods Construction, a general contractor and interior design company based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Bodary graduated from EMU in 1984, earning his bachelor's degree in construction management.
Bodary sported EMU's construction helmet when taking the stage, offered to students and staff who attend Eastern football games at the Eagle's home field.
Prior to coming to EMU, Bodary worked locally with his uncle as a Brickmason. Located close enough to EMU that Bodary could continue working once he began college, EMU offered affordability and practicality, allowing him to work enough to pay his own way through college.
"I arrived at Eastern without a plan other than avoiding a lifetime of mixing mortar by hand," Bodary said. "After taking two years of general studies, I met with a very qualified academic advisor, who suggested a recently accredited program — construction management. That one conversation changed my life."
Bodary called for EMU graduates to celebrate EMU and the strength the university represents through its commitment to diversity, support of first-generation students, and spirit of openness and grit.
"You are the next chapter in Eastern's story; you are the next generation to give back and to elevate this community, your families, your professions and yourselves," Bodary said. "Go out there and build something worthy of your talent; build something worthy of your values, your profession, and build something that stands the test of time."
Bodary and Jim Webb, chair of the EMU Board of Regents from December 2017 to December 2020, both received honorary doctoral degrees in Commercial Science, awarded to recognize contributions to society both inside and outside of the classroom.
Those interested can watch the 2025 Winter Commencement in its entirety on EMU's YouTube page, with the ceremony beginning at approximately the 30-minute mark.
