June 10, 2025
Connections and community empowered international Ferris State alumna Alaa Hafiz Mohamed along her journey to commencement
Celebratory cries of “I made it, Dad! I finished my degree!” echoed through the hall as Ferris State University’s May commencement, as Alaa Hafiz Mohamed shouted to her father from half a world away via FaceTime.
Hailing from Sudan, Mohamed and her family moved to Saudi Arabia before she enrolled at Ferris State in the fall of 2021 to study Medical Laboratory Science. The distance from family and home posed challenges throughout her journey, especially because she hasn’t been able to visit them since coming to Michigan four years ago.
New Ferris State University graduate Alaa Hafiz Mohamed is pictured here with loved ones following her commencement ceremony in Big Rapids.
“I think the sense of community here is what really helped me along the way,” Mohamed said.
“People talk about it everywhere, other schools advertise it, but Ferris has really been a home away from home for me. I have a real second family here with my friends and community in Big Rapids. There’s nothing like it anywhere else.”
That close-knit community supported Mohamed on her big day and as she crossed the stage. Though her parents were unable to attend in person, Mohamed enjoyed the surprise of her aunt, uncle, and cousin making the trip from Virginia to support her.
Friends from her program and campus activities cheered loud and proud alongside her relatives as Mohamed’s name was announced and she shook hands with President Bill Pink.
“It means the world to me to see all these people here and feel the support,” she said, gesturing to her nearby friends and family.
“I love everyone who came to support me dearly. I love my parents, I FaceTimed my dad during and after the ceremony, and I know they watched the live stream. I’m really excited to be able to go see them soon with my degree completed.”
Ferris State’s Medical Laboratory Science program is dedicated to hands-on experiences and provided real-world training to future healthcare professionals and diagnostics leaders. The program prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare diagnostics, research and biotechnology with graduates working in roles ranging from phlebotomy to advanced laboratory research.
As for what’s next, Mohamed is preparing to return home, excited to reunite with her family and begin her next chapter. She looks forward to putting her degree to good use.
“I really want to help people,” Mohamed said. “How ever I’m able to do that, I’m ready. I’m excited to see my family, begin my career, and make a difference.”