Stenberg is NMU Student Commencement Speaker

Blake Stenberg, who will earn a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University in social studies secondary education, has been selected as the student speaker for NMU's commencement on Saturday, May 2. The Bark River native will deliver his speech not long after returning from a student teaching assignment in New Zealand.

Stenberg chose to attend Northern because of his familiarity with and love for the Upper Peninsula. His family often took weekend trips to Marquette to hike, camp and explore downtown. He said NMU was far enough away from home to give him a true sense of independence, yet close enough that he could easily return, as desired.

In his speech, Stenberg expresses surprise that he was selected for the speaker role because he was not an "accomplished student" in high school or his first attempt at college, and he wasn't involved in any clubs or student organizations. But he demonstrated persistence by earning an associate of applied sciences in business administration from Bay College before transferring to NMU.

"I didn't struggle when I came to Northern," he states in his speech. "I didn't struggle with classes, I didn't struggle to make friends, and I certainly don't struggle now to call those same friends family. This place-Marquette, Northern-has a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they belong. Whether you are a traditional student, or non-traditional like me. Whether you have everything figured out, or you don't even know where to start, it does not matter; this place opens its doors to all of us and says, 'Come in, and we will figure it out together.'

"Northern is a school that genuinely cares about community. Professors take the time to get to know their students on a first-name basis and are willing to go beyond regular office hours to provide support when needed. The campus is small enough that students frequently see familiar faces. Whether walking through Jamrich Hall, Northern Lights Dining or the Superior Dome, there are always opportunities to run into friends and spend time together. Students can also take advantage of everything the Marquette community offers alongside those friendships."

According to a prepared bio that will be shared with NMU's Board of Trustees, Stenberg describes himself as someone who loves connecting with people. He enjoys meeting new individuals, experiencing their food and learning about different cultures. He is fascinated by how environments shape individuals, while also appreciating the uniqueness of those who break from those patterns. Stenberg values opportunities to explore new places, especially when guided by locals, and hopes to continue seeing as much of the world as possible.

He explained one of his favorite experiences at NMU that took place on the last day of classes during his final semester before he left to student teach in New Zealand. Stenberg and his cohort had a final due at 11:18 a.m. on a Friday, an unusually specific deadline. That morning, he arrived at the basement library in Gries Hall around 9 a.m. and found four of his peers doing the same thing: making last-minute edits before submission. All five of them turned in their finals together with only minutes to spare. Afterward, they celebrated by going to Vango's, where they shared food and drinks before noon.

"It was a meaningful moment, marking the end of more than three years of shared classes and experiences and the beginning of our next chapters," he said. "I reflect on that time with gratitude and look forward to seeing what each of them accomplishes in the future."

After graduation, Stenberg plans to move to the Green Bay area, where he hopes to secure a position as a social studies teacher with one of the many school districts in the area.

NMU's commencement takes place at 10:30 a.m. in the Superior Dome. It will be broadcast live on WNMU-TV and streamed online at nmu.edu/commencement.