She Said Yes: Michigan Student Proposes to Girlfriend During Graduation Ceremony

College graduation is probably one of the most monumental days of one's life. It is the commencement of years of dedication and drive and a final build-up to one's academic career. The day you walk across the stage in your flowy robes is a celebration of academic success. And perhaps if your significant other were to propose on graduation day, it may make the occasion even more celebratory. Something similar happened to the newly graduated student of Michigan University's David Shoemaker.

David Shoemaker, of Livonia, proposed to his girlfriend Ryann Swann, of Brighton, right in front of the ceremonial stage after he received his diploma for his master’s degree, a Central Michigan University spokesperson said.

Graduate Proposes Girlfriend At Commencement

A video shared by the official handle of the University shows the newly graduated student David Shoemaker bringing his girlfriend to the centre of the stage.

After he received his diploma, CMU’s president Bob Davies had David come down in front of the stage and invited his family up, including Ryann, to celebrate his accomplishment of receiving the degree. Ryann looks genuinely confused at first before David drops to one knee. He proposes to Ryann and she bursts into tears of joy and accepts his proposal with a sweet kiss. As nervous as David might be, all that disappears and he can be seen smiling along with Ryann. David's family also joins the duo near the stage to celebrate the occasion.

Check out the proposal video here.

The university's communications department later clarified that David had contacted the President’s office for help to carry out his plan.

The school said David and Ryann met in the Towers residence halls in 2019 while Shoemaker was working the front desk.

They dated throughout college and both graduated in May 2022, David with a degree in entrepreneurship and Ryann with a degree in psychology and sociology. David continued his education at CMU to receive his master’s degree in entrepreneurial ventures, the spokesperson said.

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