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Megan McDonald, right, poses with Janet Browne and Brittany Szekesy. McDonald was recognized as 51��Ƶ-Dearborn's 50,000th graduate.

“This is the perfect ending to my whole experience at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn,” McDonald said. “It’s an honor. I can’t believe I’m actually the 50,000^th graduate. It’s just made this experience even better than I could have imagined.”

Here are five things to know about 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s 50,000^th graduate:

She’s a transfer student
McDonald transferred to 51��Ƶ-Dearborn from Schoolcraft College. She participated in Honors Transfer Innovators and was president of the university’s chapter of Tau Sigma, a national honor society for transfer students. She received Tau Sigma’s top scholarship award in 2015.

She’s a student-athlete
McDonald is a former captain of 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s cross country team. She earned Academic All Conference and All-MCCAA Honors and was named an NAIA Champion of Character for demonstrating integrity, respect and leadership in college athletics.

She’s a Difference Maker
McDonald was named a 2015 51��Ƶ-Dearborn Difference Maker, the university’s annual awards program that recognizes students with exceptional academic achievement, integrity, leadership and engagement.

She’s made the most of her college experience
McDonald also was treasurer of Phi Mu sorority and a member of Order of Omega Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and MFit Club. “Getting involved is a way to make your college experience so much more important,” she said. “You make lifelong friends and such strong experiences and memories. You can look back on this time and really cherish everything you’ve done.”

She has her next steps all lined up
McDonald will begin working full time as a financial adviser at the Hantz Group in January.