If someone had told this year’s Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Commencement Speaker, Hannah Grace Brood that she would speak before a packed James Norris Event Center five years ago she may have given you a “deer in headlights” look.
Fast forward to May 6, 2023, the 4.0 mechanical engineering and robotics engineering degrees holder has confidently delivered a potent message that took a lifetime, plus four years at LSSU, to develop.
“I wanted to be a good student, but I honestly wasn’t even sure I wanted to be in college,” Brood admitted. “What has changed since then? Looking back at my time here at Lake State, there are three main factors that contributed to my success: The support of the people around me; my belief in God; and a stubborn commitment to excellence.”
Brood thanked her family and friends, as well the professors of Lake State for consistently providing challenge, laughter, and encouragement.
“Who is it in your life that encourages you? Who challenges and believes in you?" Brood questioned her fellow graduates. “Make sure you thank these people.”
But Brood was sure to thank God above all.
“I am not ashamed to say that I am a Christian,” she continued, confessing her imperfections before hundreds.
The list included having received C grades on papers, making mistakes during test-taking, and procrastinating on projects.
“As a perfectionist, it is easy to let these failures define me, but as a Christian I have learned that my identity is not based on what I do,” Brood said. “I believe that I am saved, and that my mistakes and shortcomings are forgiven. I believe that there is purpose in life, beyond what we do or don’t do. Whether you agree with me or not, what is your purpose? Where does your identity come from?”
Brood was raised in Rudyard by parents Arthur and Karen Brood. She was home schooled, and has a sister named Rebecca.
Active in the ongoing development of the LSSU Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) using a 16-foot-long Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V), Brood has also served as treasurer and vice-president of the RobotX club. She led her team to the 2022 Maritime RobotX Challenge in Sydney, Australia, and to the Roboboat 2023 Competition in Sarasota, Fla.
Brood worked for the Academic Success Center where she tutored students in math. She has even represented LSSU at the 2022 Automate Trade Show to discuss how to best address shortcomings in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Brood participated in Talk Math 2 Me, His House Christian Fellowship, Anchor House, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club while a student at Lake State. She was also active in off-campus church-related activities: Calvary Baptist Church and Rudyard Bible Church.
Last summer, Brood participated in a Michigan Tech APS Lab internship to work on an autonomous vehicle project with graduate students, professors, U.S. Department of Energy, Stellantis (Fiat / Chrysler), General Motors, and American Center for Mobility.
Brood received the President's FIRST Scholarship and Faculty Association Scholarship, along with several engineering scholarships to assist her along the way.
She has been inducted into Alpha Chi and National Society of Leadership and Success. Brood has also received the 2021 Outstanding Student of Mechanical Engineering and 2022 Outstanding Senior for the School of Engineering and Technology.
Brood's mother said she attributed her daughter's success to their family's unity in faith, not withholding comments regarding utter "determination in the pursuit of excellence."
Brood would like to develop autonomous outdoor vehicles in the future, always thankful for the education Lake Superior State University has provided.
