More than 4,000 Wayne State University students have applied for graduation this spring, concluding the university's milestone 150th academic year. The 2018 Commencement will feature two ceremonies on Tuesday, May 8, at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Ford Field, which is located in Detroit at 2000 Brush St.
During the 4 p.m. ceremony, an honorary doctor of laws degree will be bestowed upon Matthew J. Simoncini for his outstanding contributions during his career at Lear Corporation and for his tireless commitment to the community.
A native Detroiter, Simoncini attended Detroit Public Schools and earned his bachelor’s in accounting from Wayne State in 1985. In 1996, Simoncini joined United Technologies Automotive, which was acquired by Lear three years later. During his 21 years at Lear (a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems), Simonicini held a series of senior financial roles. He was named CEO, president and director of Lear in September 2011. He retired in February 2018 and will serve as an advisor of the company until the end of the year.
Simoncini has been a vocal supporter of Detroit and Wayne State University. In 2015, he led the effort to open the $10 million Lear Innovation Center. Located in downtown Detroit, the center aims to develop new business opportunities in collaboration with local groups and students, including those from the Wayne State College of Engineering and Mike Ilitch School of Business.
2018 Commencement Ceremony Schedule
Tuesday May 8
Ceremony I: 10 a.m.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
School of Information Sciences
College of Nursing
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
School of Social Work
Ceremony II: 4 p.m.
Mike Ilitch School of Business
College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts
College of Education
College of Engineering
School of Medicine (Ph.D./Master’s)
Media Protocol:
- Media credentials and advance check-in are required.
- Media representatives planning to attend the ceremonies should RSVP by emailing Tom Reynolds at treynolds@wayne.edu.