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Photo by Shawn McAfee, Learning Technologies

Nathan Michael, a 23-year-old supply chain and operations management major from Racine, was selected to speak at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s mid-year commencement ceremony Dec. 18.

During his academic career at UW Oshkosh, Michael participated in several organizations as an exceptional member and leader, including Advancing Productivity, Innovation and Competitive Success (APICS), an association for operations management. He has also participated in the Order of Omega Greek Honorary Society, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Oshkosh Student Association, Spanish Club and Phi Beta Lambda.

Michael received the 2009 UW Oshkosh College of Business Intern of the Year Award, and the Gold Seal Gold award from Southwestern, a leader in the creation and development of profitable, sales driven businesses.

Michael’s commencement speech will focus on gratitude and humility as well as the challenges graduates will face in becoming leaders of the next generation.

“We will be challenged these next few years, decades, to be a generation of change,” Michael said. “There’s AIDS, global warming and other issues we’ll have to address, and as leaders of the next century, we’re going to be the ones called upon to lead that change.”

Michael said he is gracious for the support that he and others have received over the years, especially through the University. He also acknowledges that as emerging leaders, graduates will need to be humble and recognize their mistakes.

“We’re going to have to be able to know when to ask for help, and I think just understanding how awesome the people around you are will provide us with more resources to do so.”

Michael has accepted a position with Pioneer Metal Finishing, an innovative and professional metal finishing company in Green Bay. He was offered the position after having served Oshkosh Defense for one year as a purchasing intern and plans to begin his new position following graduation.

For more information about UW Oshkosh’s commencement ceremonies, visit www.uwosh.edu/commencement.