University of New Orleans alumnus Michael D. Jackson has managed ambitious construction projects, including the $1 billion VA New Orleans Medical Center project, where he was the lead engineer for the $90 million inpatient building. During his commencement speech on Friday at the Lakefront Arena, Jackson told the graduating class of 2024 to apply the principles of project management to their own lives.

“First, consider that the project is, in fact, you!” Jackson said.

Jackson is district manager of public realm and special projects at the Energy Corridor District, a Houston business hub that is home to some of the world’s largest energy companies, as well as medium and small start-up, tech and engineering firms. In 2022, Jackson completed a 20-year federal civilian career, last holding the position of construction technology subject matter expert for the U.S. Air Force.

Jackson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UNO in 2001, encouraged graduates to follow the project management playbook as they look to their future: initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close out.  

“Graduates, you have a unique set of capabilities,” Jackson said. “Each one of you is going to blaze a path in your career that only Privateers can do. Understand that UNO is the foundation of your trailblazing. This university is the catalyst to a reaction of steps you have yet to make a reality. Trust the process and make sure you do what’s best for you!” 

Rick Gallot, the president of the University of Louisiana System, of which the UNO is a member, was a special guest at the ceremony. He brought good wishes from the system and a message of not accepting the status quo. 

“As you prepare to step into the next chapter of your life, I want to challenge you with a simple yet profound analogy to guide your path,” Gallot said. “Be a thermostat, not a thermometer. A thermometer simply measures the temperature of its environment. It reflects conditions around it, but does nothing to change them. A thermostat, on the other hand, sets the temperature. It influences and transforms its environment.” 

UNO president Kathy Johnson thanked the UNO faculty and staff who helped the graduates achieve this milestone, as well as the family members in attendance who supported the class of 2024. Johnson referenced a quote from Ruby Bridges, who, as a 6-year-old, famously integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. Years later, Bridges said “Go where there is no path and begin the trail.”    

“My wish for you this morning is that you take this advice to heart.” Johnson said. “Don’t take the easy road because our state, country and our world need your leadership.”

In customary UNO fashion, the ceremony closed with a New Orleans brass band and Capt. BrUNO—the Privateer mascot—leading a celebratory second line procession out of the arena.