SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — A leader in automotive quality whose career began with degrees from Lawrence Technological University will offer her insights at LTU’s Spring 2026 Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 9.
More than 600 Lawrence Tech students will become Lawrence Tech’s newest alumni during two ceremonies, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Both will be held at LTU’s Don Ridler Field House, building 15 at https://ltu.edu/about/campus-map/.
The 10 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates of LTU’s Colleges Architecture, Arts and Sciences, and Health Sciences. The 1:30 p.m. ceremony will honor graduates of LTU’s Colleges of Engineering and Business and Information Technology.
The featured speaker at Commencement is Shannon Dare Wayne, PhD, a distinguished leader, educator, and public servant with nearly three decades of experience in the automotive industry. A proud three-time alumna of Lawrence Technological University, Wayne returns to campus not only as commencement speaker but also as a member of the graduating class, receiving her Master of Business Administration.
Wayne’s academic foundation at LTU includes a bachelor’s degree in industrial management in 1998 and a master’s degree in industrial operations in 2003. She furthered her technical expertise at Wayne State University, where she earned a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering and a doctorate in industrial engineering.
Professionally, Wayne has spent 28 years at Ford Motor Co., currently serving as the North America warranty coverages cost reduction manager. Her career is defined by a commitment to quality management and operational excellence.
Beyond the corporate sphere, she is a dedicated public servant, serving as mayor pro tem for the city of Milan and as a board trustee for Michigan Technological University. Driven by a passion for her community, she is also a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives. At LTU, she continues to shape the future of the field as an adjunct professor of operations management.
Wayne lives in Milan with her husband, Kevin, and their three children.
The graduates will also receive congratulatory remarks from LTU President Tarek M. Sobh and a greeting as the newest members of the LTU Alumni Association.
About Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU through its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale ranks Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 10% of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal also rank LTU among the nation’s top 10%. U.S. News & World Report places it among the best colleges in the Midwest. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.