Brito is Student Commencement Speaker

Rosalva Brito, a criminal justice major and Spanish minor from Chicago, will be the student speaker at Northern Michigan University's May 3 commencement. The first-generation student said she primarily chose to attend NMU because of scholarships she qualified for as the dependent of a veteran that made the cost more affordable, and because of its safe, friendly and beautiful environment.

"I'm from a low-income neighborhood where there was a high crime rate and I didn't always feel safe, so I knew I wanted to get away for college" she said. "When I came to Northern, it was a great change. There is so much nature, and it's a completely different atmosphere where I don't feel threatened or unsafe. It's just gorgeous. And the people here are a lot friendlier than back in the city. I love this place so much that I wasn't ready to let it go just yet, so I've decided to stay for two more years to pursue my master's in public administration."

The prevalence of crime in her neighborhood, some of which she witnessed, also influenced Brito's decision to pursue a criminal justice degree.

"I just wanted to get justice and also help my community, and I thought the program could definitely help me do that," said Brito, who may pursue work in the political science field, and is also contemplating law school. "I fell in love with it the minute Northern representatives visited my high school and explained the types of courses that they had. The Criminal Justice Department is amazing. All of the professors have always given me guidance, and they've been so patient with me. My time at Northern has been amazing. It has also helped me create a lot of connections through leadership and volunteer opportunities."

Brito joined the Latinx Student Union and immediately secured an officer position. She served for two years as president and is currently treasurer. She plans to continue on the board until she graduates with her master's in 2027. Brito also joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and served as both new member educator and president.

It was her experience watching several previous commencement speakers that convinced Brito to audition for the role.

"None of them looked like me, so I wanted to change it up, and I thought that the school needed a different type of voice speaking for different types of students. I also wanted to be a good example for the Criminal Justice Department. The main theme of my speech is being great, overcoming obstacles and celebrating academic and overall achievements.

"My mom didn't get to really start college because she had me, and at the time, she didn't have the resources or support, especially coming from a low-income neighborhood in Chicago. So when I got older, she really pushed me to pursue higher education."

Brito's mom and a dozen other family members will be at the NMU Superior Dome to watch her deliver her speech. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. It will be televised by WNMU-TV and streamed online at nmu.edu/commencement.