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Celebration time: MADS grads convene on campus for commencement

Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
Eunjeong Kim, Gain Han, Yujin Lee and Cheonuk Park, who traveled from South Korea, pose during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
UMSI staff member Luis Escareño takes pictures with an instant film camera during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
MADS grad Choi Teng Chao chats with students and faculty during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
MADS grad Sebastian Capp chats with others during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
People listen to a speech during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
MADS grad Wai Kho chats with interim dean Elizabeth Yakel during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
MADS faculty Bobby Madamanchi, student Guaurav Vijaywargia, faculty Christopher Brooks, and students Biswajit Kumar and Panjak Kumar Singh.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
MADS faculty Charles Severance chats with others during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.
Students mingle in space 2435, a large event space
MADS faculty Yumou Wei chats with others during the University of Michigan School of Information Master of Applied Data Science graduation reception at North Quad Space 2435.

Friday, 05/05/2023

By Martha Spall

Graduating Master of Applied Data Science students, their loved ones and University of Michigan School of Information faculty and staff gathered on campus for a reception to honor 2023 graduates of the MADS program. The community illuminated North Quad with big smiles as they captured the special day at souvenir instant photo stations and with the help of UMSI photographers. 

Visit the School of Information’s 2023 graduation archive to view the full photo gallery 📸

The new graduates traveled from all over the world to attend the reception and to walk in the UMSI and U-M commencement ceremonies. For many, it was their first time exploring campus and meeting peers and instructors in person, as the MADS degree program is fully online.

Among this year’s MADS graduates at the celebration were four data analysts who work at SK Telecom: Eunjeong Kim, Gain Han, Yujin Lee and Cheonuk Park. The group traveled together from South Korea to Ann Arbor, and have a trip planned to sightsee across the U.S. after their graduation festivities. They snapped an instant photo with UMSI assistant director of development Luis Escareño to commemorate their transition from students to alumni.

MADS lecturer Yumou Wei was honored during the reception for his contributions to the program. Wei, who joined MADS during its founding in 2019 and is departing UMSI to pursue a PhD, was presented with a certificate honoring him as “employee number 10-ish.” Since its inception, the MADS program has grown to more than 150 instructors with a 4.5:1 student-instructor ratio.

Interim Dean Elizabeth Yakel joined key faculty and staff to greet and congratulate MADS graduates. Activities included a campus tour and coffee hour with MADS academic program director Kevyn Collins-Thompson. 

“With a MADS degree comes a lifetime membership in the truly amazing network of Michigan alumni that extends around the world,” Collins-Thompson says. “I hope MADS graduates stay connected with each other, and with us.” 
 

Photos by Jeffrey M. Smith, multimedia producer

Visit the School of Information’s 2023 graduation archive to watch the graduation ceremony, view the full photo gallery, print a souvenir program and order UMSI merchandise. 

Learn more about UMSI’s online Master of Applied Data Science program. 

Read the stories of some of the students who decided to further their careers with UMSI’s Master of Applied Data Science degree program.