FirstMerit Vice Chairman and Chairman and CEO of FirstMerit Michigan, Sandra Pierce, and Dow Corning CEO and President, Robert Hansen, will address the members of Northwood University’s graduating class of 2014 on Saturday, May 10. Pierce will address graduates during a morning ceremony at 10:30 AM while Hansen will address graduates during an afternoon ceremony at 3 PM. Both ceremonies will take place in the Bennett Sports Center at 4000 Whiting Drive in Midland.
According to Northwood University President & CEO Keith A. Pretty, the timing for Pierce’s and Hansen’s commencement addresses could not be better.
“Who better for our graduates to learn from, especially as they take the next step in their lives and careers, than leaders who are driving the economies of Michigan, the nation and the world?” stated Pretty. “Both Pierce and Hansen have a wealth of experience from which to draw and each is leading in industries that are as vital to us locally as they are nationally and globally.”
As part of the day’s ceremonies, both Pierce and Hansen will receive honorary doctorates and be enshrined into the University’s Gallery of Distinction. A native of Detroit, Michigan Pierce is an alumna of Wayne State University and serves on the boards of Barton Malow Enterprises and Penske Automotive Group, the Detroit Financial Advisory Board and the Henry Ford Health System amongst others. Hansen is a graduate of Valparaiso University and serves on the board of directors for the American Chemistry Council, the Midland County United Way and Valparaiso University and is a member of the executive committee of the Society of Chemical Industry.
Northwood University’s 2014 spring class includes over 740 students, 645 from its undergraduate degree program and 101 from its DeVos Graduate School of Management.
