TLI Students Honored at 2026 Graduation Recognition Ceremony

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the latest group of Technological Leadership Institute (TLI) students completed their academic journey and officially became part of the TLI alumni community. Programs with 2026 graduates included Management of Technology (MOT), Medical Device Innovation (MDI), and Security Technologies (ST) master's programs as well as the Electrification Engineering and Technology Leadership graduate certificate programs.

Before receiving their diplomas at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) graduation ceremony later that day, the graduating TLI students gathered at the McNamara Alumni Center for a graduation recognition ceremony focused entirely on their accomplishments. Flanked by friends, family members, and TLI faculty and staff, the graduates listened as Dr. Andrew Alleyne, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), shared some words of encouragement.

"It's easy to be passengers, but as TLI graduates, you're equipped to be drivers," Alleyne said. "Shape the change. Don't just respond to it."

During the graduation recognition, student representatives from each master's program (selected by their cohort) stepped up to the podium to reflect on their academic achievements, look ahead to the future, and share what the time with TLI and their fellow graduates has meant.

MDI cohort student speaker Makehba Nelson stressed staying true to one's personal and professional values and said a diploma isn't proof that someone has learned how to be successful, but instead evidence they always could be.

"We already had what it takes to be successful in this field," Nelson said. "The completion of this program is further evidence of this."

ST cohort student speaker Samuel Mack shared a humorous story about how he was chosen for the role. After he messaged the cohort group chat asking who should speak at the ceremony, another student quickly nominated him because he had instigated the conversation. That process, he said, was indicative of how problems are solved in the security technologies industry.

"Ask a question, start a discussion, and suddenly you're part of the solution," Mack said.

MOT cohort student speaker Amy Basset highlighted each of her student colleagues, showing the strength and camaraderie of the cohort model, and delivered a powerful message on the importance of new ideas and bold thinking.

"Innovators should never be tamed," Basset said.

After the three student cohort speakers, TLI faculty member Chip Laingen took center stage as the chosen faculty speaker for the 2026 ceremony. Laingen, a former speechwriter, framed his message around three core takeaways: the importance of community and staying connected with TLI, the importance of being yourself and not losing energy and dynamism in the day-to-day routine of life, and the value and responsibility of serving others.

"Go back to work for the people that you serve," Laingen said. "At the end of the day, Washington D.C. doesn't fix things. St. Paul doesn't fix things. People like you fix things."