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Photos: Proposal surprises Central Michigan student at her graduation ceremony

She said yes!

Central Michigan University graduate student Ian Thomsen proposes to his girlfriend Zoe Reddick during her undergraduate commencement ceremony on Dec. 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of CMU. (Central Michigan University)

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – A student graduating from Central Michigan University over the weekend was met with a surprise marriage proposal on stage in front of everyone.

Zoe Reddick was prepared to receive her bachelor’s degree in theater and interpretation on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the McGuirk Arena in Mt. Pleasant -- but she wasn’t expecting her boyfriend to get down on one knee, too. According to the university, Reddick’s boyfriend Ian Thomsen had concocted a plan with the help of CMU President Bob Davies to sneak a marriage proposal into the winter commencement ceremonies.

On Saturday, Davies was “personally congratulat[ing] select soon-to-be graduates from the stage” when he asked Reddick’s family members to come up on stage. Her boyfriend, a graduate student at CMU, came up with the family and took a knee in front of Reddick and the entire arena.

Central Michigan University graduate student Ian Thomsen proposes to his girlfriend Zoe Reddick during her undergraduate commencement ceremony on Dec. 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of CMU. (Central Michigan University)

Reddick quickly said yes, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

Central Michigan University graduate student Ian Thomsen proposes to his girlfriend Zoe Reddick during her undergraduate commencement ceremony on Dec. 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of CMU. (Central Michigan University)
Central Michigan University graduate student Ian Thomsen proposes to his girlfriend Zoe Reddick during her undergraduate commencement ceremony on Dec. 16, 2023. Photo courtesy of CMU. (Central Michigan University)

You can watch the proposal unfold in the short video below.


About the Author
Cassidy Johncox headshot

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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