Graduating senior Haley Goeckel shows off her certificate. (photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)


On April 28, 2017, the Department of History honored the class of 2017 at its annual Commencement Ceremony, packing a Modern Languages Building auditorium with family, friends, and History faculty and staff, all celebrating the 124 students who earned history bachelor's degrees from the University of Michigan this year.

Professor John Carson, director of undergraduate education, emceed the event, which featured welcome remarks from History Department Chair Kathleen Canning and a valedictory from graduating student Lauren Gallagher. Professor Heather Ann Thompson delivered the keynote. Thompson is winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for History for her book Blood on the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. Kristen Neal and Adam Stone were presented with the department’s Undergraduate Service/Leadership Award and Michael Gawlik won the 2017 Bicentennial Scholarship Award. Link to the 2017 commencement program (PDF).

Members of the History class of 2017 pose after the department's commencement ceremony. (Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)
Professor Heather Thompson delivers the keynote address. (photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)
Professor John Carson congratulates 2017 Undergraduate Service/Leadership Award winners Kirsten Neal (left) and Adam Stone (right). (Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)
Graduating senior Laverne Miner. (Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)
Professor John Carson presents the 2017 Bicentennial Scholarship Award to Michael Gawlik (left). (Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)
Graduating senior Patrick Mullen. (Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)
Graduating senior Lauren Gallagher delivers the valedictory. (Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography)