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.