(mellow music) - [Professor Whitaker] One, two, one, two, three, four.

(mellow music) - Hi, we are so excited to have all of you here at the Breslin Center to celebrate our newest graduates.

The Izzone stays in their seats from beginning to end of each game.

Today, we're asking you to do the same.

You're all here for your graduation of your family members.

I'm asking you to stay in your seats for the graduation of your new family, the Spartan family.

So today, congratulations to all the graduates, and remember, Go Green.

- [Professor Whitaker] One, two, a one, two, three, four.

(jaunty music) ("Pomp and Circumstance") (audience cheering) (mellow music) One, two, a one, two, three, four.

(jaunty music) A little slower.

("Pomp and Circumstance") (mellow music) One, two, three, three, four.

("Pomp and Circumstance") (mellow music) (audience murmuring) Out here, one, two.

- [Announcer] Introducing the interim president of Michigan State University, Teresa K. Woodruff.

(audience applauding) - Good morning, Spartans.

Are you ready to graduate?

(audience cheering) Welcome to the fall 2023 commencement ceremony.

Today, we recognize and celebrate our graduating seniors from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, (audience cheering) from the College of Arts & Letters, (audience cheering) from the Eli Broad College of Business, (audience cheering) from the College of Education, (audience cheering) from the James Madison College, (audience cheering) the College of Music, (audience cheering) and the College of Social Science.

(audience cheering) Welcome, everyone, to the Breslin Center, home of Spartan athletic triumphs and to the celebration of academic achievements such as this.

And to those of you joining us by livestream, welcome.

Before I go on, I want to salute all the families and friends who have been so important in our graduates' lives and are here to share in the joy.

Please join me in thanking all of our families and friends, graduates.

To our families and friends.

Please stand.

(audience applauding and cheering) (President Woodruff laughing) Well, there's another group I want to acknowledge.

Graduates, there are people here who have guided you and supported you to today's graduation in a thousand different ways.

Let's all show some love to Michigan State University's dedicated and world-class faculty and academic staff, some of whom are retiring today.

(audience applauding and cheering) Graduates, reflecting on the unique circumstances since your arrival here brings to mind the familiar quote from Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities."

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

It was the season of light, it was the season of darkness."

Spartans, some of you might say that your college experience was bracketed by the worst of times, from COVID-19 to February 13.

And while those times may have challenged you and set you back momentarily, you did not let them define you.

Because in the fullness and richness of college life here at MSU, you also experienced the best of times, deep conversations with classmates, academic accomplishments and personal growth, and club and college activities.

You took selfies with Sparty, made a big noise in the Izzone, found quiet healing in our green spaces, and discovered the joys of the MSU Dairy Store ice cream.

(audience cheering) Graduates, your degrees prepare you for a future we try to foresee.

Your shared experiences during times of unforeseeable challenge help equip you for what we cannot.

And as we shake your hands later, we will acknowledge the individuality of each of you, while your shared identity of Spartans has created a fierce and lasting bond that forever connects you to one another and to this great university.

Now I ask our guests to join students and faculty in singing one stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner," performed by the MSU Jazz Orchestra, The Be-Bop Spartans, under the direction of University Distinguished Professor Rodney Whitaker.

The singing will be led by Phoenix Miranda, a master student in music performance.

Upon conclusion of the singing, please remain standing for a moment of silence.

Please rise.

(gentle piano music) - [Professor Whitaker] One, two.

("The Star-Spangled Banner") ♪ Say can you see ♪ ♪ By the dawn's early light ♪ ♪ What so proudly we hailed ♪ ♪ At the twilight's last gleaming ♪ ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ ♪ O'er the ramparts we watched ♪ ♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪ ♪ And the rockets' red glare ♪ ♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ Gave proof through the night ♪ ♪ That our flag was still there ♪ ♪ O say does that star-spangled ♪ ♪ Banner yet wave ♪ ♪ For the land of the free ♪ ♪ And the home of the brave ♪ (audience cheering and applauding) - Thank you, and as you remain standing, I ask Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Jeitschko to join me at the lectern.

On this joyful occasion, let us also acknowledge the classmates that you have lost along your journey to reach this moment.

Those scholars are forever part of our Spartan family.

So let us pause here for a moment of silence and remembrance.

Thank you, please be seated.

- [Audience Member] Go Green.

- [Audience Members] Go White.

- And now I'd like to invite Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko to present this morning's candidates for the, candidate for the honorary degree.

- Ms. Linda Apsey, please come forward.

Interim President Woodruff, I have the honor to present Linda Apsey for awarding of the honorary degree doctor of business.

(audience applauding) - Dr. Apsey, you are a highly accomplished and inspiring business professional who has dedicated your career to providing expansive strategic knowledge and leadership in the energy industry.

You have shared your expertise in a wide variety of settings through your appointment to the Growing Michigan Together Council, as well as a multitude of boards, including the Detroit Economic Club, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, Business Leaders for Michigan, and the Nature Conservancy of Michigan.

Your current work as President and Chief Executive Officer of ITC Holdings Corporation entails important decisions and direction regarding the vision and affairs of the nation's largest independent electricity transmission company and solidifies your prominence in the world of energy.

Under your guidance, ITC Holdings Corp. has advocated for energy policy at all levels and promoted diversity and inclusion within the company.

For your notable career in the elevated business and strategic sectors and your time, expertise, advice, and dedication to Michigan State University's success, we are pleased to award you the honorary doctorate of business degree from Michigan State University.

Please take the lectern now to deliver your charge to our graduates.

Thank you, Linda.

(audience applauding) - Before I begin, let me just thank the University Interim President Woodruff for the bestowing of this honorary business degree.

I'm so humbled, I'm so honored that I get to receive this from my alma mater.

Like all of you, I bleed Green and White.

So let me begin.

So thank you, Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, and members of the Board of Trustees.

Thank you also to many, the staff, the students, families, and friends who are gathered here today.

I've sat where many of you are, sitting where you're sitting right now as an excited graduate and as a proud parent.

I understand how hard you've worked to get here and the experiences that have shaped you, the late nights, the early morning classes, the midnight scream during finals week, painting the Rock, or the first time someone yelled Go Green and you yelled back... - [Audience] Go White.

- So before I go any further, let me just say congratulations for a job well done.

I'm Linda Apsey, and it is an honor to join you from the podium to talk about my journey and the journey that lies ahead for all of you.

When I was invited to speak here today, it brought back a rush of memories that I haven't visited in quite a long time.

I remember the foods I ate, the bars I visited, and I can't believe some of those are still here today, like Landshark and those infamous shark bowls.

I thought those would be illegal by now.

(audience laughing) There's so much that brings me back to my time here at Michigan State, and much like me, you too will carry so many memories.

For me, without a doubt, the music of my youth brought me back to my time right here at MSU.

So just like in Hallmark cards where words can express how we feel, the lyrics of a song can be roadmaps that transcend generations.

So "Life Is a Highway."

Many of you are familiar with this song, first sang by Tom Cochrane in the early 1990s when I was here at MSU and later popular popularized in the movie "Cars" by Rascal Flatts.

The song uses the metaphor of a highway to symbolize the journey of life.

"One day here, the next day gone.

Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand."

And perhaps more appropriate for all of us here in Michigan, a highway can also be filled with potholes, detours, and orange barrels, and yes, I passed a few of those on my way here today.

But let me tell you, these potholes, the roadblocks, the detours, they can be the best thing that ever happened to you.

As I stand here today, the CEO of a $10 billion company, I can tell you that as I was graduating from Michigan State University, I never envisioned or thought possible where I would be today.

As I look back and I think about the highway that I traveled to get me where I am now.

When I was 10 years old, my family moved from Scotland to the US.

I suddenly found myself as the outsider.

I spoke with a peculiar Scottish accent.

I had no friends, and everything and everyone in this country just seemed different.

I felt like I didn't belong.

Years later, as an undergraduate here at Michigan State, I encountered what I perceived to be a huge pothole on my path to success.

A pothole so big that I didn't think I could continue on my journey.

100th of a point in my grade point average kept me being accepted into the business school.

I needed a 3.25, and I had a 3.24.

It seemed unfair.

More importantly, the vision, the plan I had for my next steps in life, my career journey seemed shattered.

I always envisioned myself in a corporate role, and I thought to myself, "What will I do now if I don't have a business degree?"

I realized being a Spartan was something bigger, and there were other avenues available to help me get to my destination.

Then, at age 32, I took perhaps the biggest detour of all, at least the biggest detour of my professional career, and I took the road less traveled.

I left a comfortable, dependable, predictable, safe corporate job to step into the unknown and join a small group of people to start a brand new utility company, something that had not been done in over a hundred years.

It was exciting, it was challenging, it was chaotic and inspiring, but also the biggest personal risk and decision of my life.

With 3-year-old twin girls at home, a mortgage, and a vision for a better way to deliver and transport electricity, I took a detour, and I put everything on the line financially because I believed.

I could go on and on with the many examples of the things that didn't go as planned.

I share these examples because "Life Is a Highway."

Life is a journey.

Some of you have likely encountered bumps, detours, and hurdles, while for others, you may feel like it's been smooth sailing so far.

Regardless of the path that has led you to this moment, we are all here at this crossroad.

Some of you are perhaps jubilant that you will have your degree in hand and will soon be starting a new job.

For others, you may be preparing for a few more years of continued study to achieve a higher degree.

And for some others, you may not know yet what comes next.

And while some of you are ready to leave this beautiful campus in the rear view mirror, many of you will continue to miss the friends, the connections, and being part of this amazing Spartan community.

The three examples I shared with you today that reflect my own personal journey were actually the most instrumental, pivotal, and transformative events in my life.

Not because of what they were, but because of what I learned about myself.

First was the sense of not belonging when I moved here to the US.

I reflect back to that time often, and I remember how I felt.

And I fast-forward to today and my focus and priorities as a CEO.

That experience shaped me as a leader who is doing everything possible to ensure that every employee feels like they belong and they can be successful.

So for each of you, I encourage you to reflect on your own sense of belonging.

How will that shape you as you embark on this next phase of your journey?

How can you take that feeling and your time, your energy, your passion and leverage that to find success, however you may define that?

Second, I spoke of my dashed hopes and dreams when I didn't get accepted into the business school.

After much reflection, I realized that my sense of being or purpose was not about getting accepted into the business school, but it was about being part of something bigger.

It was about being a Spartan, being someone proud, being someone humble.

It was about having the skills and abilities to persevere and make independent decisions.

It was about learning from all the different perspectives, and ultimately it was about being myself.

In all that the world throws at us each and every day, being your authentic self can often be the most difficult, but it's the most important thing that you can do.

And last, I spoke of my own risky career decision at a fairly young age, and what gave me the ability to make that decision was because I believed.

I believed in the business proposition, I believed in my team, but ultimately I believed in myself.

The power to believe in yourself has no bounds, or in the words of my favorite '80s band, Journey, "Don't Stop Believin'."

Released in 1981, Journey's classic American rock song still resonates today.

Can't believe how much I still hear it on the radio.

As the story goes, the idea for the song came from one of the band members who was struggling with his life and career direction.

At a particularly low point, he went to his father for a loan and for some advice.

His father encouraged him to stay the course and said the now famous words, "Son, Don't Stop Believin'."

The song depicts people from all walks of life.

"Just a small town girl living in a lonely world.

Just a city boy born and raised in..." - South Detroit.

- All right.

But they all share one thing in common, struggles, obstacles, and challenges, yet optimism that they could achieve their dreams.

I can tell you without a doubt, these challenges, detours, and experiences that we all have along our journey, they change us.

They make us more adaptable.

They make us more resilient, more willing to adjust and grow, more able to face the ups and downs of life.

This adaptability will serve you well as you set out on this next stage of your journey.

For those of you entering the workforce, it will help you as you transition from being a student to a new employee, learning the ropes, trying new things, asking a million questions.

As you transition from being an employee to a leader, you'll take on more responsibility, mentor others.

And ultimately perhaps being a leader to a CEO, setting a strategic vision, taking control of your destiny, and leaving your mark on the world.

And perhaps someday you'll be back here as a proud parent, just like I was not long ago when my daughters graduated, looking back on your own experiences and how they shaped you and how you overcame your own potholes and orange barrels, how these experiences made you stronger, more open to change, how they made you part of something bigger, how they made you a Spartan.

So let me give you a little lyrical advice before you set out.

In the words of Green Day, you're at "another turning point, a fork stuck in the road."

Or as Willie Nelson said, "There's only one map to the journey of life, and it lives within your heart."

Always stay humble and kind.

"And when the dreams you're dreaming come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind."

That's from Tim McGraw.

And from Drake, "Live without pretending, love without depending, listen without defending, and speak without offending."

And as J. Cole says, "You need to enjoy the journey if you're ever gonna enjoy the destination."

"Life Is a Highway," and the road is wide open to all of you.

Thank you very much.

(audience applauding) - Thank you so much, Dr. Apsey.

And now we have the pleasure of hearing the MSU Jazz Orchestra and The Be-Bop Spartans under the direction of University Distinguished Professor Rodney Whitaker.

The selection for this morning is "Superstition," composed by former commencement speaker Stevie Wonder.

- [Professor Whitaker] One, two, three.

(dynamic music) (audience applauding and cheering) (audience applauding) (audience applauding) (audience applauding and cheering) - Well, thank you, Professor Whitaker and members of the jazz orchestra, for that distinctive MSU sound.

The Honorable Rema Vassar, Chairperson of the MSU Board of Trustees, will address the graduates and guests, and afterward, Provost Thomas Jeitschko will continue with the introductions.

- Thank you, Interim President Woodruff.

Whoa, so this speaker was phenomenal.

I want to give her another hand.

She was phenomenal.

(audience applauding) Dr. Apsey, so you took us from Journey to J. Cole?

(audience laughing) - Yeah.

- And then "Superstition."

Like what kind of morning is this?

You all are awesome.

This is a great celebration and it already started.

Now I'll forgive you your Drake reference.

(sighs) (audience laughing) Besides that, though, this is a great moment, and I, on behalf of the MSU Board of Trustees, extend our warmest welcome to the graduates and to all of the people who got you here, the aunties, the uncles, the cousins, the play cousins, the ones who put five on it so you can make sure you get some gas money.

I appreciate you for all of your hard work in getting our graduates right here today.

Under the Michigan Constitution, the Board of Trustees is the governing body of the university by whose authority these degrees are awarded.

We view each commencement ceremony as a memorable occasion, and we appreciate that you've given us this opportunity to share it with you.

This special time is not often one that we get an opportunity to see and enjoy, so thank you for having us.

Today's ceremony represents the culmination of myriad achievements.

Along with the degrees you've earned, you've also thrived when most people would struggle to survive.

MSU is a unique place.

It has many memories for you to give, to take with you, but really it's a testament to your strength and your fortitude, your resilience and your grit that you made it today to this moment.

You are Spartans, warriors, battle-tested.

You are coming away from here with academic success and a degree that you've earned, but you've also had life experiences that make you the most prominent leaders of tomorrow.

I would just say, in the words of Beyonce... (audience laughing) - Period?

- Period.

I mean, I could just stop there, right?

That's just period.

(audience laughing) You didn't let any of these things break your soul.

You can go and tell everybody.

The renaissance is right here.

(audience cheering and applauding) Our wish for you is that you will use this intelligence and the knowledge that you've created here to improve the quality and life of your community and to advance the common good.

Our faculty, administrators, and trustees are so, so, so very proud of you.

Please, please take our congratulations and celebrate for the rest of this weekend.

Congratulations and welcome to the alumni.

(audience applauding and cheering) Provost Jeitschko, I think you're up next.

- Thank you, Trustee Vassar.

I join you in congratulating our newest degree recipients.

(audience applauding) Graduates, each of you embodies a unique confluence of knowledge.

These scholarly achievements culminate today in the conferral of degrees, along with the conferral of our great faith, our hope, and our pride in what you will now do with these achievements.

Indeed, as we send you forth, we are counting on you to become the thought leaders and innovators of the 21st century.

It is my pleasure to introduce Alexandra Allers, a social relations policy major in James Madison College and an English major in the College of Arts & Letters.

Alexandra was chosen by the Senior Class Council to represent the class of 2023.

(audience applauding) Forward.

- Thank you.

- Good morning.

Thank you, Interim President Woodruff.

Interim Provost Jeitschko, EVP Beauchamp, Board of Trustees, and deans.

My name is Alexander Allers, and I'm truly honored to be speaking to you today on behalf of the graduates of 2023.

It is hard to believe this day has finally come, this pivotal moment in our lives in which we transition from MSU students to Spartan alumni.

While we have all taken different paths along our journeys to reach this point, we should be proud of everything we have accomplished and overcome together as a Spartan family.

When I was deciding where to go to college, I was terrified to leave the only family I had ever known.

Most people in my hometown knew me and what I might need, and I was scared of losing that sense of community and understanding when I left.

I was especially uncertain about MSU.

I knew the campus was huge, and I thought there was no way I could ever feel at home amidst thousands of students I didn't know.

However, the moment I stepped onto campus for the first time for a tour, I immediately knew Michigan State was the place for me.

Every single person I met that day was friendly and welcomed me with eagerness, and their enthusiasm for MSU was palpable as we walked across the gorgeous campus.

In that moment, I realized I would soon call MSU home, and my sense of family would expand to include my fellow Spartans.

Throughout my time here, the connections I've made and experiences I've shared with peers, faculty, staff, and alumni continuously reminded me of what it means to be a Spartan.

The friends I made inside and outside of the classroom were always there to encourage me to try new things and support me as I ventured out of my comfort zone.

My professors recognized my potential to succeed and challenged me to open my mind to new ideas and diverse perspectives.

Most people I've encountered here at MSU have been extremely accommodating and always willing to help out whenever I need it.

To me, this is what family is all about, an evolving support system that empowers us and provides us with a sense of belonging and identity.

As students here, we have all become a part of the MSU family.

We met new people and formed lifelong relationships in the classrooms, dorms, dining halls, and student clubs and organizations.

We received guidance from mentors, faculty, and staff that uplifted us and inspired us to do our best.

We gathered in times of celebration, proud to wear Green and White, but we also came together during, to overcome obstacles and unexpected hardships.

Despite the isolation and additional stress of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted our learning experiences, we managed to adjust to our new normal, continue our studies, and maintain connections to fellow Spartans until the day finally came when we could come back together on campus again.

And then, we endured a horrific tragedy that no one should ever have to experience.

But once again, the MSU and East Lansing communities came together to collectively process the tragic loss and trauma, try to heal, and reclaim our home.

The ways in which we stood together during times of triumph and united in moments of adversity are a true testament to the Spartan will that has been instilled in us throughout our time here at MSU.

But this sense of solidarity doesn't end after we graduate.

While we will all embark on different life journeys, some of us continuing our education, others joining the workforce, and some of us still trying to figure out exactly what to do next, we will forever be bonded by the time we spent here together.

To conclude, I would like to share a brief story that I think captures the spirit of those in the Spartan family.

One Saturday during my first year on campus, I decided to challenge myself and attend a meeting in a location I had never been to before.

With my white cane, GPS, and plenty of extra time to get lost and problem-solve, I headed out.

While I was able to successfully find the building and attend the meeting on my own, I got turned around on my way back.

My GPS lost connection to a satellite and couldn't provide any direction, and I was very unfamiliar with that area of campus.

As more time passed, I grew increasingly panicked, wondering how I was ever going to find my way.

Suddenly, I heard voices, and a couple approached and asked if I needed any help.

I explained that I'd gotten lost, and without any hesitation, they offered to walk with me back to my dorm.

As we crossed campus together, we chatted, and I learned they were both MSU alumni headed to a tailgate when they saw me.

I cannot begin to express how grateful I was not only for the assistance they provided me, but for the care and compassion they showed me that day by not just giving me directions, but taking the time to ensure I made it back to my dorm safely.

It is moments like that that exemplify what it means to be a part of the MSU family.

No matter how far from East Lansing we go, a fellow Spartan is never too far away.

No matter what obstacles or opportunities life has in store, we can achieve anything with our Spartan will and the support of our Spartan family.

Congratulations, graduates.

Thank you and Go Green.

- [Audience] Go White.

(audience applauding) - Thank you so much, Alexandra.

The Senior Class Council has worked tirelessly in support of the Senior Class Gift Campaign.

Presentation of the Senior Class Gift will be made by Shruti Elango and Alli Harkenrider.

(audience applauding) Do you accept that or do I accept it?

- Good morning, fall class of 2023.

We hope that you're able to take the time you need to not only relax, but soak in the joy of the major milestone that you just completed.

I am the Senior Class Council GA Liaison Shruti Elango.

- And I'm the Senior Class Council Secretary Alli Harkenrider.

- On behalf of ASMSU, the Associated Students of Michigan State University, the Senior Class Council congratulates you on accomplishing something that your younger self would be so proud of, and we hope that you push yourself to continue that drive, passion, and dedication throughout the rest of your life - As we prepare to leave MSU's campus and start a new chapter of our lives, the Senior Class Council wanted to ensure that we focus our efforts on a fund that creates meaningful change and that truly embraces Spartans' will.

Every year, we advocate for an organization on campus and encourage our fellow seniors to support any cause that they, that has a deep meaning to them.

This year, this Senior Class Council would like to highlight one specifically.

- There are a lot of great efforts to support, such as the MSU Food Bank.

Founded in 1993, the MSU Student Food Bank was the first in the nation to be run by students for students.

It was founded to help fight student food insecurity, which is a considerable obstacle to academic success.

We highly encourage you to consider the Student Food Bank when making your Senior Class Campaign Gift.

- With this in mind, we are proud to present this check to Michigan State University and President Woodruff.

We are thankful to those who have donated.

(audience applauding) - Very good, awesome, thank you.

- Can you take this back?

- I'll take this here.

- Okay.

Thank you, Shruti and Alli.

(audience applauding) I would now like to acknowledge the outstanding faculty and academic staff who are here to celebrate with our graduates.

We're also honored to welcome a number of the university's leaders who are seated on the platform, but who will not be speaking today.

In their varied roles, they provide support across our academic mission and are deeply invested in fostering academic excellence and student success at Michigan State University.

Their presence and participation mark the solemnity and significance of this moment.

Colleagues, please remain standing as your name is read.

Members of the audience, please hold your applause until all are introduced.

Lisa Frace, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Vennie Gore, Senior Vice President of Student Life and Engagement.

Mark Largent, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Dave Weatherspoon, Vice President for Enrollment and Academic Strategic Planning.

Rebecca Malouin, Professor, Vice Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, MSU Academic Governance, and the university mace bearer.

(audience applauding) We pay tribute today to graduates who have the distinction of maintaining the highest grade point averages in the class, thereby meriting the Board of Trustees Award.

To be eligible for this award, at least three-fourths of the credits for the degree must be earned in residence at Michigan State University.

This summer semester, 16 students qualified for the Board Award.

This fall semester, 62 students qualified for the Board Award.

All 78 earned a great point average of 4.0.

We recognize these students, these 15 students this morning.

Students, please rise and remain standing as your name is read.

Audience, please hold your applause until all are introduced.

Anna Brown, a criminal justice major in the College of Social Science from Ionia, Michigan.

Evie Cook, an anthropology major in the College of Social Science and Honors College member from Franklin, Tennessee.

Nathaniel Dantzer, a marketing major in the Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College member from South Lyon, Michigan.

Mariah Fletcher, a criminal justice major in the College of Social Science and Honors College member from Grand Ledge, Michigan.

Tyler Huebner, an accounting major in the Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College member from Livonia, Michigan.

Songyang Ma, a finance major in the Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College member from Hefei, China.

Leland Macke, a supply chain management major in the Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College member from Traverse City, Michigan.

Tyler Mussen, a finance major in Eli Broad College of Business and Honors College member from Plymouth, Michigan.

Ryan Newcomb, an arts and humanities major in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities from Brighton, Michigan.

Miquela Ochoa, a hospitality business major in the Eli Broad College of Business from Birch Run, Michigan.

Advait Rathi, a psychology major in the College of Social Science and Honors College member from Ghaziabad, India.

Rai Rishabh, a psychology major in the College of Social Science and Honors College member from Novi, Michigan.

Francesca Rea, a kinesiology major in the College of Education from Macomb, Michigan.

Jay Stevons, a supply chain management major in the Eli Broad College of Business from DeWitt, Michigan.

Sydney Tomlinson, a graphic design major in the College of Arts & Letters and advertising creative major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and Honors College member from Colon, Michigan.

Award recipients, you should be proud of your outstanding academic records that honor you and the university.

On behalf of your classmates, the faculty, and the trustees of the university, I congratulate you and wish you the best.

(audience applauding) I ask my colleague, Dean Christopher Long, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters and Dean of the Honors College, to acknowledge graduates.

- Good morning.

It is my great joy and pleasure to congratulate the graduates from the Honors College who have completed an enhanced program of study.

You will recognize these graduates by the stole that they wear with the Honors College and the Michigan State University seal.

Will the students who are graduating with distinction from the Honors College please rise if you are able?

(audience applauding and cheering) Congratulations.

- Thank you so much.

You may be seated again.

Students who attain a minimum grade point average of 3.95 are awarded University High Honor.

University Honor is awarded to students who earn a minimum grade point average of 3.81.

These honors are designated by the gold cord worn with the academic robe.

All students graduating with High Honor and with Honor, please stand and accept our congratulations.

(audience applauding and cheering) You may be seated, thank you.

All first-generation graduates, please stand and accept our congratulations.

We are so very grateful you selected Michigan State University and so very proud of your achievements.

(audience applauding and cheering) In recognition of Michigan State's ongoing commitment to study abroad and our commitment to engaging internationally, I ask graduates who have had an international experience as either a study-abroad student or as an international student who traveled from around the world to study at MSU to please stand.

(audience applauding and cheering) Thank you very much.

Please be seated.

We will now confer baccalaureate degrees upon the candidates.

(audience cheering and applauding) The deans will present their candidates.

Interim Dean Glenn Chambers from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities.

(audience applauding and cheering) - Will the bachelor's degree candidates from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities please rise and remain standing if you are able?

(audience applauding and cheering) Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, Board of Trustee members, on behalf of the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, I am pleased to present these highly creative, conscientious, community-engaged candidates who have fulfilled the requirements for the conferral of their degrees.

- Thank you, Dean Chambers.

(audience applauding) Dean Christopher Long from the College of Arts & Letters.

- Will the candidates for the bachelor of arts and bachelor of fine arts from the College of Arts & Letters please rise if you are able and remain standing?

(audience applauding and cheering) Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Vassar, on behalf of the world-class faculty of the College of Arts & Letters, I present to you the next generation of citizen leaders and artists who will lead us into the future with integrity and grace for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauding and cheering) - Thank you, Dean Long.

Interim Dean Judith Whipple from the Eli Broad College of Business.

(audience applauding) - Will the amazing candidates from the Eli Broad College of Business please rise and remain standing if you are able?

(audience cheering and applauding) Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, members of the Board of Trustees, and platform party, on behalf of the faculty and staff of the Broad College of Business, I am delighted to present to you for the conferral of their degrees these candidates, who having fulfilled all degree requirements, are now ready to go forward to lead and inspire the future of business.

Broad Spartans, Go Green.

- Go White.

(audience applauding) - All of you actually should stay, remain standing if you can.

Dean Jerlando Jackson from the College of Education.

(audience applauding and cheering) - Will the undergraduate degree candidates from the sensational Michigan State University College of Education please stand if you can?

(audience cheering and applauding) Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, MSU Board of Trustees Chair Vassar, on behalf of the College of Education, I am pleased to present these candidates who are opulently brilliant, elegantly proficient, and lavishly talented future educators and health professionals as candidates who have fulfilled the requirements for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauding and cheering) - Associate Dean Robert Brathwaite from the James Madison College.

(audience cheering and applauding) - Will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from James Madison College, MSU's residential college in public and international affairs, please rise and remain standing if you are able?

Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Vassar, it is my pleasure to present the future state, national, and global leaders of public affairs, our candidates who have fulfilled the requirements, for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauding and cheering) - Associate Dean Michael Kroth from the College of Music.

(audience applauding) - Will the candidates from the College of Music please rise and remain standing if you're able?

Interim President Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Vassar, on behalf of the faculty and staff, I'm delighted to present these candidates from the College of Music who have completed all the requirements for their various degrees and who will now go out into the world and help make it a better place with the power of music.

(audience applauding) - Dean Brent Donnellan from the College of Social Science.

(audience applauding) - Spartan social scientists, rise.

Will the degree candidates rise and remain standing?

(audience cheering) To quote the late, great Tina Turner, "You're simply the best."

(audience cheering) Interim Provost Woodruff, Interim Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Vassar, on behalf of the College of Social Science, where our science transforms the human experience and inspires leaders, I am so very pleased to present these outstanding candidates who fulfill the requirements for the conferral of their degrees.

Go Green.

- Go White.

(audience cheering and applauding) - Thank you.

(audience cheering) Thank you very much.

I ask Trustee Vassar to join me.

Graduates, by the authority of the State of Michigan vested in the Board of Trustees and delegated to me, I confer upon you the degrees for which you have qualified with all of the rights and distinguish, and distinctions to which they entitle you.

As a symbol of your achievement, it is a tradition to move the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left.

You may do so at this time.

(audience cheering and applauding) Graduates and families, this act represents a great accomplishment.

At today's ceremony, we honor you.

Congratulations and please be seated.

(audience applauding and cheering) - We will now present diplomas.

Jody Knol and Scott Pohl will announce the names of the graduates as Interim President presents their diplomas.

I will ask the new graduates to be escorted to the platform.

We ask the audience to please be considerate in applauding your graduate as names are read so each graduate's name is heard.

Degree recipients, we ask you to return to your seat following the presentation of your diploma and to respectfully remain seated for the recognition of your fellow graduates.

(audience cheering) (audience laughing) - From the College of Social Science.

Alison Andrews.

(audience applauding and cheering) (audience laughing and applauding) Madison Peskin.

(audience applauding) Jonah Wiegand.

(audience applauding) Imani Sujik.

(audience cheering) Kaijah Sledge.

(audience cheering) Jordan Tompkins.

(audience cheering) Andrea Quist.

(audience cheering) Abby Gabler.

(audience applauding) Brianna Llamas.

(audience cheering) Olivia Decator.

(audience cheering) Suha Khan.

Nicole Kaminski.

(audience cheering) Alix Matzke.

(audience applauding) Cody Vogt.

(audience cheering) Basma Balal Mustafa El Sayed Hegazy.

(audience cheering) Zaria Nelson.

(audience cheering) Garian Cook.

(audience cheering) Joseph Bondoni.

(audience cheering) Ashley Pumford.

(audience cheering) Alyssa Long-Cuba.

(audience cheering) Carmen Alyse Campbell.

(audience cheering) Isabel Rang.

(audience cheering) Emma Van Maele.

(audience cheering) Makenna Silverman.

(audience cheering) Natalie Uhazie.

(audience cheering) Jun Kim.

(audience cheering) Tyler Bandy.

(audience cheering) Katelyn Zaagman.

(audience cheering) Marissa Raterink.

(audience cheering) Maxim Matskevych.

(audience applauding) Kade Peck.

(audience cheering) Dominik Molotky.

(audience cheering) Maria Devroy.

Santina Alfano.

(audience cheering) Molly Postma.

(audience cheering) Maiya Sanaa Mashack.

(audience cheering) Gregory Roy.

(audience cheering) Munachimso Akwali.

(audience cheering) Madison Pride.

(audience cheering) Andrea Kimmel.

(audience cheering) Philip Bates.

(audience cheering) Daiah Williams.

(audience cheering) Kayla Sharp.

(audience cheering) Ajinay Agastine.

(audience cheering) Taylor Dudley.

Abbigail Dutkiewicz.

(audience cheering) Nicolette Lucas.

(audience cheering) Kaelan Reece Masako Small.

(audience cheering) Khloe Fage.

(audience applauding) Sydney Cheyenne Foreman.

(audience cheering) Evie Cook.

(audience cheering) Stephanie Lynn Danner.

(audience cheering) Abbegale Becraft.

Anna Parcells.

(audience cheering) Christian Kitti.

(audience cheering) Maryam Alshankool.

(audience applauding) Hayden Salter.

(audience cheering) Gabrielle Rose Ragatz.

(audience cheering) Lauren Rahn.

(audience cheering) Erica Lee Ann Delwisch.

(audience cheering) Mariyah Collins.

(audience cheering) Mariah Fletcher.

(audience applauding) Jeweliyn Homa.

(audience cheering) Tyler William Eisenhaer.

(audience cheering) Erika Rose Crandell.

(audience cheering) Josephine Kuchek.

(audience cheering) Anna Brown.

Isabel Slesnick.

(audience cheering) Mariah Wesner.

(audience applauding) Hannah Bechinski.

(audience cheering) Madison Braxton.

(audience cheering) Talia Goldberg.

(audience cheering) Jalen Fergerson.

(audience cheering) Elizabeth Sarah George.

(audience cheering) Ethan Crawford.

Kira Binkowski.

(audience cheering) Lily Edwards.

(audience cheering) Caitlin Metzger.

(audience cheering) Jordan Nacker.

(audience cheering) Audrey Channell.

(audience applauding) Ashley Kim.

(audience cheering) Tyller Maeve Schlesinger.

(audience applauding) Samone Ortiz.

(audience cheering) Julia Hooker.

(audience cheering) Shay Sullivan.

(audience applauding) Sophia Verzosa.

(audience cheering) Sydney Westin.

(audience cheering) Madison Krink.

(audience cheering) Jacob Schaeff.

(audience applauding) Marshall Lockyer.

(audience cheering) Caitlin Martin.

(audience cheering) Luke William.

(audience applauding) Christian Nichols.

(audience cheering) Marin Elizabeth Luxgrant.

(audience applauding) Kennedy Torain.

(audience cheering) Avery Cook.

(audience cheering) Hailey Shea Smith.

(audience cheering) Erin Elizabeth Smith.

(audience cheering) Isabella Gianna Morabito.

(audience applauding) Raegan Wellman.

(audience cheering) Kaylee Grace Sochocki.

(audience cheering) Isabella Gaston.

(audience cheering) John Armento.

(audience applauding) Peyton Pryor.

(audience cheering) Dylan Morgan.

(audience applauding) Colin Cooper.

(audience applauding) Evan Hassien.

(audience cheering) Christian Burkeheiser.

(audience cheering) Ryan Snyder.

(audience cheering) Noelle Stults.

(audience cheering) John Conor Warren.

(audience applauding) Jasmine Balcarcal.

(audience cheering) Harold Joiner.

(audience cheering) Haoyuan Tian.

(audience cheering) Xueying Zhou.

Mia Kolanowski.

(audience cheering) Daniel Dillon.

(audience cheering) Luke Jones.

(audience cheering) Elizabeth Rountree.

(audience cheering) Jacob Holstege.

(audience cheering) Alex Shemke.

(audience cheering) Joe Shafer.

(audience cheering) Thomas Wilson.

(audience cheering) Gabriel Sierra Kamar.

(audience cheering) Timur Dunaev.

(audience cheering) Aedan Mulcrone.

(audience cheering) Abigail Petz.

(audience applauding) Megan Mikota.

Meghan Boss.

(audience cheering) Nicole Morgan.

(audience applauding) Jayvia Torrance.

(audience cheering) Rachel Cox.

(audience cheering) Luke Jernigan.

(audience cheering) Demyra Farley.

(audience cheering) Cindy Le.

(audience cheering) Renny Glenn.

(audience cheering) Colton Tinsley.

(audience cheering) Hannah Donelan Rhatigan.

(audience cheering) Angeles Lopez Varo.

(audience cheering) Taylor Marie Grieson.

(audience cheering) Hunter Stuck.

Jack Butterman.

(audience cheering) Devin Addison Fites.

(audience cheering) Scott Slater.

(audience cheering) Andrea Julie Sawaf.

(audience cheering) Justin Appelman.

(audience cheering) Rupinkrishnan Praveenkumar.

David Mundakkal.

(audience cheering) Victoria Rose Schmitz.

(audience cheering) Mackenzie Schick.

(audience cheering) Abigail Koshoshek.

(audience cheering) Sasha Ximena Sarinana Polania.

(audience cheering) Carly Ann Warda.

(audience cheering) Lamont Gaskins Jr. (audience cheering) Kohen Weirlangt.

Abigail Mignon Perkins.

(audience cheering) Nicole Westphal.

(audience cheering) Sarah Arlin Miller.

(audience cheering) Jasmin Banks.

(audience cheering) Makayla Patten.

(audience cheering) Courtney Bozung.

(audience cheering) Ashley Jane Werthmann.

Stephen James Bush.

(audience applauding) Elan Newbeck.

(audience applauding) Jeffrey Katrebaum.

(audience applauding) Makayla Smith.

(audience cheering) Tomas Shaliman.

(audience cheering) Cameron Toton.

(audience cheering) Danielle McDaniel.

(audience cheering) Taihyung Kwon.

(audience cheering) Spencer Meyle.

(audience cheering) Henry Johnson.

(audience cheering) Kush Saparia.

(audience cheering) Pedro Garcia Meza.

(audience cheering) Advait Rathi.

(audience cheering) Avian Jiminez.

(audience cheering) Alexia Sanchez.

(audience cheering) Gayun Zhan.

(audience cheering) Celeste Rubino.

(audience applauding) Emma Crabtree.

(audience cheering) Justin Michael Duvall.

(audience cheering) Kennedy Townsend.

(audience cheering) Aries David McFadden.

(audience cheering) Nathan Rinke.

(audience cheering) Sevita Leoni Martha Anjelin Naroba.

(audience cheering) Stephanie Segura-Guerrero.

(audience cheering) Sachi Williams.

(audience cheering) Brandon Wright.

(audience cheering) Jacoby Windmon.

(audience cheering) Tishani Ray Hutch II.

(audience cheering) Ariannie Foster.

(audience cheering) Aarae Byrd.

(audience cheering) Joshlyn Johnson.

(audience cheering) Iben Votruba.

(audience cheering) Henry Szymecko.

(audience cheering) Apeksha Ramasani.

(audience cheering) Alayna Taber.

(audience cheering) Madilyn Feige.

(audience cheering) Emily Schilling.

(audience cheering) Therese Reinhold.

(audience cheering) Mara McKenzie.

Brendan Timothy DuRivage.

(audience cheering) Andrew Nicholsen.

(audience cheering) Ashton Dillon.

(audience applauding) Alexandra Mison.

(audience cheering) John Morad.

(audience cheering) Collin O'Neil.

Michael Sandoval.

(audience cheering) Matthew Sigers.

(audience cheering) Ahmed Alsomali.

(audience cheering) Ahmed Alsadah.

(audience cheering) Ikmal Hafdz Bin Jeefri.

(audience cheering) Ilana Weiler.

(audience cheering) Joseph Nicole Richter.

Travis Dukes.

(audience cheering) Hunter Black Jackson.

(audience cheering) George Paul Aren.

(audience cheering) Charles Chigbo Odenigbo.

(audience cheering) Leslie Marie Gordon.

(audience cheering) Malena Gibson Malena Gibson.

(audience cheering) Benjamin Vercellino.

(audience cheering) Madeline Mary Sopiarz.

(audience cheering) Logan Wedder.

(audience cheering) Ben Yentz.

(audience applauding) Jennah Samelko.

(audience cheering) Addison Yeager.

(audience cheering) Rishabh Rai.

Jiechen Yu.

Jiangjia Xu.

Macy Lee.

(audience cheering) Andrea Lawson.

Jose Concepcion Lopez.

(audience cheering) Michael Shane Norris.

(audience cheering) Colin O'Connor.

Andrew Swiecki.

(audience applauding) - From the James Madison College.

Alexandra Allers.

(audience cheering) Claire Drake.

(audience cheering) Taylor Ephriam.

(audience cheering) Neely Reign Bardwell.

(audience cheering) Adrianna Roth.

(audience cheering) Abigail Locke.

(audience cheering) Henry Traverse Sparrow.

(audience cheering) Brigit Sampson.

(audience cheering) Sydney Connors.

(audience cheering) Megan Ann DeLong.

(audience cheering) Paige Rissman.

(audience applauding) Aditi Kulkarni.

(audience applauding) Aidan Walsh.

(audience applauding) Kate Breukink.

(audience cheering) Kennedy Jones.

(audience cheering) Justin Appelman.

(audience cheering) Carter Smith.

Jonathon Berzins.

(audience cheering) Brady Johnson-Hill.

(audience cheering) Sean Farnum.

(audience cheering) Darby Mason.

Shruti Singh.

(audience cheering) Rhea Rajendran.

(audience cheering) Prutha Raghava.

(audience cheering) Maya Kalsi.

(audience cheering) Amrita Umamaheswaran.

(audience cheering) Michelle Sekoni.

(audience cheering) Mohamed Omar.

(audience cheering) Eric Chapoy Weisenberger.

(audience cheering) Chase Colligan.

(audience cheering) Shelby Marie Dedvukai Otterman.

(audience cheering) Haig Kadian.

(audience applauding) Gavin Trostle.

(audience cheering) Zelal Houssein.

(audience cheering) Frank Falzetta.

(audience cheering) Haley Archambault.

(audience cheering) Megan Walker.

(audience cheering) Lydia Chapelo.

(audience cheering) Abigail Brown.

Stephania Marika.

(audience cheering) Trevor Klatt.

Brenden William Kevelighan.

(audience cheering) Tony Maurer.

(audience cheering) Ethan Karapatsakis.

Isabel Damer.

(audience cheering) Mallory Debono.

(audience cheering) Madelyn Rose Snider.

(audience cheering) Kai Kurobe.

(audience cheering) Annie Gibson.

(audience cheering) Samuel Flores.

(audience cheering) Jack Bocker Archema.

(audience cheering) Chloe Austin.

(audience cheering) From the College of Arts & Letters.

Once again, Alexandra Allers.

(audience cheering) Sydney Nicole Tomlinson.

(audience cheering) Angela Britt.

(audience cheering) Emily Hollenbaugh.

(audience cheering) Abbey Behan.

(audience cheering) Madisyn Jackson.

(audience cheering) Patrisio Michael Lamb Jr. (audience cheering) Mythreyi Parameswaran.

(audience cheering) Faith Pan.

(audience cheering) Samirah Pulos-Copeland.

(audience cheering) Julia Pachia Lee.

(audience cheering) Briauna Travis.

(audience cheering) Elle Taverna.

(audience cheering) Taja Carroll.

(audience cheering) Deanna Efosova.

(audience cheering) Aleksandra Beloglazova.

Lia Massey.

(audience cheering) Faith Mersier.

(audience cheering) Ellie Saur.

(audience cheering) Karla Flores.

(audience cheering) Ariana Moreno.

(audience cheering) Tony Garza.

(audience cheering) Zachary Michael Stone.

(audience cheering) Amanda Michelle Kiefer.

Jayden Miller.

(audience cheering) A. J. Skidmore.

(audience cheering) Jamstel Ivan Christofer Bayoneto.

Tabitha Stanton.

(audience cheering) Alban Tarazhi.

(audience cheering) Joanna Hensley.

(audience cheering) Madeleine Quintanilla.

(audience cheering) Anna Adele Charles.

(audience cheering) Sabrina Herman.

Samantha Somach.

(audience cheering) Ella Mott.

(audience cheering) Hannah Rene Hummel.

(audience cheering) Kaitlyn Wehner.

Nolan Rachocki.

(audience cheering) Mikayla Thompson.

(audience cheering) Diana Cisneros.

(audience cheering) Zoe Beers.

(audience cheering) Catherine Blair.

(audience cheering) Carsyn Manke.

(audience cheering) Corinne Newman.

(audience cheering) David Peter Handy Seddon.

(audience applauding) Vanessa Johnson.

(audience cheering) Luaye Adnan Alwazir.

(audience cheering) Samir Levitt.

(audience cheering) Tori Bickley.

(audience cheering) Sashi Abe.

Kayla Marie Wikaryasz.

Jett Storm Mitchell.

(audience cheering) Kaltham Anwar Ismail Mohammad Altaher.

Renaye Greenwood.

Victor Sewicki.

Jamie Pantalion.

(audience cheering) Alexandria Barron.

(audience cheering) - From the College of Music.

Kyler Keck.

(audience cheering) Joanne Stampley.

(audience cheering) Lars Van Wells.

(audience cheering) From the Residential College of Arts and Humanities.

Ryan Newcomb.

(audience cheering) Dellta Waldburger.

(audience cheering) Ava Bennett.

(audience cheering) Lauren Hauler.

(audience cheering) Marielena Silva.

(audience cheering) Angela Demas.

Delaney Henderson.

(audience cheering) Grace Paliewicz.

(audience cheering) Louis Konkoly.

(audience cheering) From the College of Education.

Joan Rissman.

(audience cheering) Francesca Rea.

(audience cheering) Nesiah Yasmine Henderson.

(audience cheering) Brooke Lorenz.

(audience cheering) Gabby Scott.

(audience cheering) Madeline Bade.

(audience cheering) Bryan Minhnhan Ho.

(audience cheering) Jake Kennedy.

(audience cheering) Adrian Jones.

(audience cheering) Gurneelam Nijjer.

(audience cheering) Adrianna Brown.

(audience cheering) Cheyenne Herren.

(audience cheering) Emily Vido.

Rachel Schultz.

(audience cheering) Russell Hunt.

(audience cheering) Jasmine Ragin.

(audience cheering) Lynette Way.

(audience cheering) Bradley Egeler.

Caden Karabetsos.

(audience cheering) Aubrey Braschaber.

Isabella Barbacci.

(audience cheering) Shay Lafran Pickens.

(audience cheering) Kevin David Pritula.

Michael Wheathoff.

(audience cheering) Michael McGinnity.

(audience cheering) Madelyn Elizabeth Toth.

(audience cheering) Maxym Ostafiichuk.

(audience cheering) Jessica Williams.

(audience cheering) Arieana Hernandez.

(audience cheering) Isabella Jo-Lynn Blakely.

(audience cheering) Ami Yezman.

(audience cheering) Regan Hamilton.

(audience cheering) Anna Gasior.

(audience cheering) Kelsey Militzer.

(audience cheering) Lacie Flinsky.

(audience cheering) Megan Fairchild.

(audience cheering) Vanessa Rico.

Zenaya Unique Smith.

(audience cheering) Michael Biecker.

(audience cheering) Jacob Renfer.

(audience cheering) Trenten James Toliver.

(audience cheering) Hassan Alzayadi.

(audience cheering) From the Eli Broad College of Business.

Lauren Grace Klump.

(audience cheering) Nayana Nagaraj.

Euni Baik.

(audience cheering) Jada Jackson.

(audience cheering) Griffin Smith.

(audience cheering) Trevor Callaghan.

(audience cheering) Ryan Gregory Heethouse.

(audience cheering) Collin Baldwin.

Nico Bakenhus.

(audience cheering) Trenten VanderKamp.

(audience cheering) Matthew Kloc.

(audience cheering) Miquela Ochoa.

(audience cheering) Nikita Kale.

(audience cheering) Thomas Schmitz.

(audience cheering) Lydia Khalid.

(audience cheering) Lily Roberts.

(audience cheering) Cameron Jacob Sisco.

(audience cheering) Logan Tressel.

(audience cheering) Andrew Schorfhaar.

(audience cheering) Jay Stevons.

(audience cheering) Pari Shah.

(audience cheering) Maria Nicole Krstevski.

(audience cheering) Garrett Tremble.

(audience cheering) Mason Godbold.

(audience cheering) Jianglin Selena Shan.

Waner He.

Jingyuan Chen.

Joy Chatlain.

Natalia Taylor.

(audience cheering) Tristan Croteau.

Sydney Rutledge.

(audience cheering) Jason Wilkinson.

Justin Trantham.

(audience cheering) Qiongzhi Gao.

(audience cheering) Shaobo Du.

(audience cheering) Yihang Ren.

(audience cheering) Tang Tianyu.

(audience cheering) Zhang Yexiang.

(audience cheering) Xiwen Chang.

(audience cheering) Joseph Wroblewski.

(audience cheering) Akarsh Alapati.

Zachary Bertz.

(audience cheering) Hannah Carnell.

(audience cheering) Daisy Kelly.

(audience cheering) Abigail Owens.

(audience cheering) Ian Worst.

Wesley Obetts.

Justin Gylys.

Joseph Fons.

(audience cheering) Erin Martino.

Miranda Georgeson.

(audience cheering) Aaron Mince.

(audience cheering) Taylor Smith.

(audience applauding) Nicholas Pollack.

(audience cheering) Jialong Jin.

Songyang Ma.

Yufei Tao.

(audience cheering) Shravya Ramesh.

Hannah Bagaric.

(audience applauding) Guyi Chen.

(audience cheering) Jiayu Tong.

(audience cheering) Bonnie Guo.

(audience cheering) Nichole Pancho.

(audience cheering) James Dominic Valenti.

Devin Reilly.

(audience cheering) Patrick Trout.

(audience cheering) Tyler Mussen.

(audience cheering) Michael Lampos.

(audience cheering) Hengjia Liu.

Dylan Schaffer.

Neel Shah.

(audience cheering) Autumn Sears.

(audience cheering) Benjamin Nottmeier.

(audience cheering) Nevil Thomas.

(audience cheering) Muslam Aldamen.

(audience cheering) Luc Coulibaly.

(audience cheering) Jing Yang.

(audience cheering) Feiboer Wang.

(audience cheering) Juncheng Xu.

- Peixuan Yang.

Maverick Walter Gustave Hansen.

(audience cheering) Cullen Curnutte.

(audience cheering) Stephania Marika.

(audience cheering) Tyler VanKirk.

(audience cheering) Riley Huyser.

(audience cheering) Erica Toshok.

(audience cheering) Yu Xiuyuan.

(audience cheering) Emilee Nussdorfer.

Riana Surati.

(audience cheering) Hannah Hassan.

(audience cheering) Aaron Embrey.

(audience cheering) Calvin Feng.

(audience cheering) Johnathan Ancel.

(audience cheering) Trevor Lee Brown.

(audience cheering) Marshall Besko.

Jerry Sanchez.

Lucas Michael Lasowski.

(audience cheering) Samuel Tarling.

(audience cheering) Nathaniel Dantzer.

(audience cheering) Kevin Lenard.

(audience cheering) David Michael Valent Jr. (audience cheering) Dalton Wright.

(audience cheering) Jake McNenly.

(audience cheering) Sydney Twietmeyer.

Madison Walling.

(audience cheering) Ela Erder.

Joan Langan.

(audience cheering) Jessica Doley.

(audience cheering) Chase Bell.

(audience cheering) Atharv Agasti.

Leland Macke.

(audience applauding) Lavaanya Jain.

(audience cheering) Arjun Gawri.

(audience cheering) Ivan Redondo.

(audience cheering) Brad Jacob Miller.

(audience cheering) Adeline Elute.

Jack Hankins.

Hunkins, I'm sorry.

Avery Elizabeth Behnke.

(audience cheering) Taylor Jo Visscher.

(audience cheering) Nicholas Keelin.

Nicholas Armando Ragucci.

(audience cheering) Daniel Erno.

(audience cheering) Kelsey Lavery.

(audience cheering) Hayden Elizabeth Knowlton.

(audience cheering) Quinn Wuerfel.

(audience cheering) Thomas Quade.

(audience cheering) Keya Patel.

(audience cheering) Kailey Mangold.

(audience cheering) Seamus Odonnell.

(audience cheering) Darin Apria.

(audience cheering) David Augustyn.

(audience cheering) Chesidio Tersini.

(audience cheering) William Deluca.

(audience cheering) Maximilian Buse.

(audience cheering) Ben VanAcker.

Hassan Jaber.

(audience cheering) Aidan Johnson-Hill.

(audience cheering) Andres Jaquez.

(audience cheering) Tyler Huebner.

(audience cheering) Mia Bermudez.

(audience cheering) Nick Greene.

(audience cheering) Peter Brown.

(audience cheering) Andrew Neumann.

(audience cheering) Sophie Elizabeth Helz.

(audience cheering) Jack Whittemore.

(audience cheering) Brandon Kearney.

(audience cheering) Max Robbins.

(audience cheering) Connor Doyle.

(audience cheering) Justin Stanley.

(audience cheering) Brett Broyles.

(audience cheering) Jacob Thomas.

(audience cheering) RJ Ellington.

(audience cheering) Claudia Helena Lim.

(audience cheering) Jaren Bishop.

(audience cheering) Mikaela McWethy.

(audience cheering) Cassandra Grace North.

(audience cheering) Morgan Hannah Smith.

(audience cheering) Lilian Huynh.

(audience cheering) Terran Loughman.

Jack Falk.

Nicholas Butler.

(audience cheering) Ganin Thompson.

(audience cheering) Dominic Pianto.

(audience cheering) Xialang Zhang.

Jolene Polecka.

(audience cheering) Wayne Tu.

(audience cheering) Jennifer Hasaj.

Lauren Golden.

Abigail Grace Tuggle.

(audience cheering) Adriana Raquel Ranelli.

(audience cheering) Chase Johnson.

(audience cheering) Jacob Boyd.

(audience cheering) Ethan Gaines.

(audience cheering) Kelly Paul Murray.

Jarrett Kinville.

(audience cheering) Chris Mars.

(audience cheering) Matt Daul.

(audience cheering) David Wawrzynski.

(audience cheering) Lexie Sparks.

(audience cheering) Sophia Athena Talmers.

(audience cheering) Anthony Wroblewski.

(audience cheering) Connor Simmons.

(audience cheering) Adrian Wylan.

(audience cheering) Julia Pelini.

(audience cheering) Nicole Howard.

(audience cheering) And Alissa Gallop.

(audience cheering and applauding) (audience applauding) (audience cheering) (audience cheering and applauding) - Graduates, please rise.

(audience cheering and applauding) You are now MSU alums.

(audience cheering and applauding) I want to give a special thank you to Interim Provost Jeitschko.

We are all proud of the achievements of our graduates.

And graduates, I will always remember the special comfort of joining a community to hold one another up in the worst of times, and I will miss the best of times we shared.

And now as we arrive at such a moment, one brings to mind Emily Dickinson's poem, "I Dwell In Possibility."

Know that you join a distinguished line of Spartan graduates who have contributed so much to their families and communities and the world over the past 162 years.

So my charge to each of you as you go forward is to dwell in possibility.

I wish you lives that are joyful, loving, and rewarding, and I hope you stay connected to your classmates and this special place on the banks of the Red Cedar River.

Go Green.

- [Audience] Go White.

(audience cheering and applauding) - I now invite everyone to join in singing the first stanza of the alma mater, "MSU Shadows."

Ms. Miranda will lead us in the singing, and following the singing, we ask guests to remain seated until the recessional of the platform party, faculty, and students has concluded.

(gentle music) ♪ MSU, we love thy shadows ♪ ♪ When twilight silence falls ♪ ♪ Flushing deep and softly paling ♪ ♪ O'er ivy covered halls ♪ ♪ Beneath the pines we'll gather ♪ ♪ To give our faith so true ♪ ♪ Sing our love for alma mater ♪ ♪ And thy praises, MSU ♪ (audience applauding and cheering) (energetic music) (audience clapping) ♪ Go right through for MSU ♪ ♪ Watch the points keep growing ♪ ♪ Spartan teams are bound to win ♪ ♪ They're fghting with a vim ♪ ♪ Rah, rah, rah ♪ ♪ See their team are weak ♪ ♪ We're going to win this game ♪ ♪ Fight, fight, rah, team, fight ♪ ♪ Victory for MSU ♪ (energetic music) ♪ Fight, fight, rah, team, fight ♪