Introducing the President of Michigan State University Dr. Kevin M. Guskiewicz Good morning, Spartans.

Good morning.

You may be seated.

May be seated.

Welcome to Michigan State University's fall 2024 commencement ceremony here at the Breslin Center.

To those joining us by livestream, greetings.

Today, we recognize and celebrate our graduating seniors from the residential college in the Arts and Humanities the College of Arts and Letters, the Eli Broad College of Business and the College of Education.

James Madison College.

The College of Music and the College of Social Science.

I love to look out on so many happy faces in a sea of Spartan green graduates.

For the last year I've had the pleasure of meeting many of you in our dining halls, classrooms, events, and even climbing the steps of Beaumont Tower, a new graduation tradition.

I've enjoyed introducing this year's Baccalaureate graduates, or a diverse group ranging in age from 19 to 61.

I think that deserves a round of applause.

You represent 41 countries and 40 states.

About 260 o you are in the Honors College.

85% of you made the dean's list at least once.

And 66 of you represented MSU in intercollegiate athletics.

In our meetings, I always come away impressed with your curiosity and engagement in your studies and humbled by the welcome you've extended to me and my family and for a new university president.

You know that you've made a impression when a young person shows up on Halloween trick or treating dressed as you.

And it happened a younger, better looking you.

I guess that's when you know that you've truly made it.

But now it's all of you who are on your way.

Graduates.

Today is your day.

We're thrilled to celebrate your accomplishment of earning a michigan State degree.

To clos one chapter in your life story while celebrating the opening of a new chapter with new possibilities in an unfolding future.

A phrase I'm fond of quotin from the late Raymond Lindquist is this courage Is the power to let go of the familiar?

You are a determined group who push through the uncertainty and adversity of the COVID pandemic.

And while keeping your eyes on your destination, Congratulations.

You arrived.

As with any long journey you might have had some detours.

Most of you switched your major along the way and maybe even moved to a different college or school here on campus.

And that's great.

The whole point of being here is to explore and learn, and that includes learning what destination you'd like to arrive at.

If there's one thing I would send you on your way with, it's simply this.

Always stay curious.

It'll help point you toward your true north.

Well, I can't tell you what your true north should be.

I do know that if you always stay curious, if you always ask why, you'll be on the right track to leading lives of purpose and meaning.

That's important for you and our world, which needs engag citizens and leaders to address the grand challenges of today and tomorrow.

That's what your MSU education has prepared you to do.

You go forth today equipped to view the world through different lenses, to identify those challenges, to process all the inputs of our diverse, interconnected world, and to exercise informed, critical reasoning to support democracy.

I am confident that in five or in 25 years you'll look back at your college career and realize how much better prepared you became to adapt to the challenge and opportunities ahead and say, I got this.

I'm built for this and I can reach my destination and achieve my aspirations.

Now I ask our guests and everyone to please join students and faculty in singing one stanza of the Star Spangled Banner, performed by the MSU Jazz Orchestra one the bebop Spartans under the direction of university.

Distinguished Professor Rodney Whitaker.

The singing will be led by Amanda Jane Ross, a master student in the College of Music.

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

Please rise.

Oh, say, can you see by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd a the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and brigh stars through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bomb bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave Thank you.

And as you remain standing, I'll ask interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Jeitschko to please join me at the lectern.

Last month we lost a trul memorable and impactful Spartan.

Dr. Clifton Wharton, Jr.

The 14th president of Michigan State University.

Among his lifetime of firsts, he was the first black president of a major public U.S. research university.

And on this joyful occasion, let us briefly acknowledge the Spartans like Clifton Wharton, as well as the fellow student you have lost along your journey to reach this moment.

Those scholars are forever part of our Spartan family.

I'll return to President Wharton later, but for now, let us pause here for a moment of silence and remembrance.

Thank you.

Please be seated.

Now, I invite interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko to present this morning's candidate for an honorary degree.

Mrs. JillianLawrence, please step forward.

President Guskiewicz, is my distinct pleasure and honor to introduce to you Jillian Lawrence for the bestow of the honorary degree Doctor of Business.

You are a highly accomplished entrepreneur and a true trailblazer in the world of business.

Having devoted your lif to reaching and helping others in myriad ways, you have utilized your expertise by becoming a business leader coach, helping entrepreneur to overcome their own challenges while continuing to guide your own business ventures.

Your remarkable dedication to your career and the well-being of others is truly commendable.

After graduatin from Michigan State University in 2000, you entere the world of business consulting and wea and were met with great success.

You co-founded the Bar Code in 2010, a bar fitness company which quickl expanded to national recognition with its powerfully positive joint messages of self-acceptance and personal growth.

The bar code has been feature in publications such as Forbes Inc, the Wall Stree Journal, Vogue Self, and ranked in the Entrepreneur franchis 500 for four consecutive years.

Its successful sell in 2023 allowed you to continue your journey of helping others in new ways and create one of the largest women owned boutique fitness brands in the world.

You have continued to share your hard earned expertise as an executive coach for entrepreneurs at Soul.

You coaching a keynote speaker and venture partner at Exit Quotient Ventures, where you invest in the next generation of business founders and helps them reach their full potential.

You have been a valuable part of MSU's Burgess Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, where you now serve as a member o the External Resource Council.

You were even voted the Spartan Innovator of the Year in 2018 by MSU alumni.

Your widespread involvement and lasting impact are impressive and are an inspiration to all Spartans for your inspirational career, lifelong commitment to excellence and dedication t improving the lives of others.

I am pleased to award yo the honorary Doctor of Business degree from Michigan State University.

Is this height good for you?

Thank you.

President Guskiewicz, Interim Provost Jeitschko, and Board of Trustees.

What a gift it is to share this day with you.

Congratulations, Class of 2024 on a tremendous achievement.

You are your greatest investment, and you earned this college education.

Your accomplishment is to be shared with the people who have supported you along the way.

Family, friends, professors.

Education is one of the greatest foundations for growth.

Setting the stage of a lifelong long journey of learning.

When one chapter closes and another opens, our minds are filled with uncertainty.

Fears of the unknown.

Our brains fire nearly 70,000 thoughts a day of which 80% are negative.

Constant dialog.

Running.

Anticipating future events.

What could go wrong?

Or analyzing the past and missing the most precious moments where all power and possibility exist, which is now.

What is the first thing we do in this life?

We take a breath.

And what is the last thing we do in this life?

We take a breath.

It's a tool given to us to cultivate presence, to calm our nervous system to help us make right choices.

At its core, life is simply a series of inhales and exhales, each one a chance to connect, reset and align closer to who we truly are.

Let's connect to this life changing moment togethe with a few collective breaths.

I invite you to close your eyes and we're going to fill the belly and the lungs, taking a big deep breath in.

Inhale and exhale again.

Big deep breath in.

Inhale and exhale.

What if the only thing standing between you and your greatest potential is the courage to live your truth?

Each one of us has a light, a truth within and in every moment, with each thought, belief or action, we are using our energy to either shrink and play small or shine and expand.

If we stay committed using our Spartan will to make the choices that allow our souls to shine full power, our highes and greatest expression of self, regardless of what others think or what is happening around us, we can together illuminate the world.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

When we are children, we live in our inner world, full of curiosity, imaginatio or judgment, free on ourselves or others.

And we are true dreamers.

We believe in possibility.

I remember vividly at the age of five, sitting in the back of my parent's station wagon.

I was born with a health condition, so as a child I had a patch in my eye, taper on my face, thick glasses over it, but I would hold a pretend microphone with conviction and lip sync Janet Jackson, imagining myself on stage, singing and dancin my two favorite things in life.

Everyone passing would always be grinning ear to ear.

Of course they were laughing, but I thought they were affirming what I knew in my heart that one day I was going to be on a big stage.

Well, I planted the seed and then let it go because, well, I can't sing.

Yes.

I packed karaoke night at the Ri reenacting Cher, but not because I was a good singer.

Rather The Comedy Hour.

But the seed was planted and th dream stayed alive in spirits.

It's not our job to figure out exact only how, why, when or what it's going to look like.

But to allow we need to trust there is something bigger always guiding us.

I am living my childhood dream this morning on stage with a mic using my voice as inspiration.

Life is an unfolding.

It's a journey with twists, turns, dead ends, disappointments, and monumental moments.

We strive to achieve.

Just like this morning.

But as I look back, I can assure you that the joy is in the process of the becoming, not the arrival.

You are at a crossroad right now.

You may know your next move o your future path may be unclear.

It's all okay.

My passions were movement and music, but I graduated in the field of engineering because I was good at math.

And I'll never forget the last internship when I reali Knowing what you don't want is as good as knowing what you do want.

Because you can change after graduating.

I made a move toward business consulting and I enjoyed it.

I had a great ten year career.

I worked hard.

I learned a lot, but there was still something nagging in my soul.

That childhood dream.

And then the perfect storm happened.

Boutique fitness just started and I met my business partner.

We would work out together and noted that every time we went to class, we were told to be smaller, less then something I personally struggled with.

And it started in my time here in East Lansing.

So we had the idea to creat a best in class fitness program and pioneer body positivity, creating a place where people would gain everything, gained strength, gain love and confidence for themselves.

Looking back, all of the connections align, even though I didn't know it at the time from my childhood dream.

My passion for dance and music to getting a degree in mechanical engineering because the body is the greatest machine to changing course.

Moving into business consulting, where I learned management and leadership to my struggles with self-esteem, which drove my greater purpose to help others feel whole, which ultimately led me to co-founding and scaling a national fitness franchise where our instructors use their voice, music and movemen to change lives for the better.

I grew the business alongside my partner with my partner for 14 years and then again decided to change.

I am now teaching, guiding investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs to help them see their visions through.

Was making any of these changes easy?

No.

In each seat I could see my life five, ten, 15 years ahead.

The comfortable thing to d was to stay right where I was.

But when I closed, my eyes, turned inward, took a breath.

There was this knowing leap.

We have two guides within us.

The voice in our mind.

The inner critic that was built by design to keep us safe.

Early humans relied on this voice of cautio to avoid danger and rejection.

It was crucial for our survival, and it still is.

But it is also that voice that will spin out of control and tell us we'r not good enough to do it later.

To stay small makes us feel unworthy.

It dims our lights.

The other guide, the voice of truth.

A knowing end of our body.

A quiet guidance that feels like it's coming from something far greater than ourselves.

It doesn't shout.

It doesn't demand.

It doesn't make you panic.

Instead, a whisper that gently nudge nudges u in the direction of our truth.

Each one of us is unique with a purpose that we are on a journey to rediscover.

No path the same.

No one way to get there.

And no one path is greater than the other.

We need all of u to live our purpose on purpose.

We need teachers, writers, designers, accountants, engineers, business owners, athletes, songwriters, entrepreneurs, coaches, lawyers, actors, musicians, artists.

We need all of it.

And all of us matter.

Life will throw unexpected twists your way, and failure is inevitable.

There will be no's, rejection, pain, loss.

But let me tell you, those detours shape you.

They are where the magic happens.

They often fast track you right back to your true path.

The key is to go inward, to breathe and release fear.

Trust in your becoming.

Early in my career, I saw work and play as two separate buckets.

But what I have learned is that it is just life.

We are meant to live on purpose, blending our passions to create a lif that makes us feel truly alive.

Happiness and success are not achieved by wishing, but by taking small daily inspired actions.

It's the discipline that leads to our greatest victories.

I'd like to offer a few principles that may hel you stay aligned to your truth.

First, sit in silence every day even if only for a few minutes.

Quiet.

The noise of the world.

Tame the inner critic and connect to the essence of who you truly are.

Be intentional with your thoughts.

They have the power to create harmony or havoc.

Choose thoughts that uplift your family, yourself, and those around you.

Before you speak, ask yourself.

Is it kind?

Is it truthful?

Is it useful?

Treat your body and mind with love.

They are the home to your soul and the greatest tools for living fully own your energy.

It is your superpower power.

Bring the energy you want t feel into every space you enter.

Bring joy.

Bring love.

Don't wait for others to make you feel it.

Dream bigger and get clear.

Ask yourself continually.

Who do I want to become?

How would that version of me think, feel and act?

Then begin to embody that vision every single day.

Be bold.

Risk being seen.

Take action.

Ask for what you want.

And celebrate your wins no matter how small.

Embrace every single failure.

They often lead to your biggest wins.

And finally, trust in yourself.

You have everything you need within you to create the life you envision.

The question isn't whether it's possible, but whether you'll commit to becoming the person who makes it so.

True, success is never achieved in isolation.

Community is the foundation for growth, whether it's family, friends, mentors, they hel you see your strengths, push you when you doubt and celebrate as you rise.

Together, we are stronger.

You are now a part of an alumni family of over a half a million, a worldwide lead on its and many ancient traditions.

Our bodies are see as having energy centers, each with their own color, meaning and purpose.

It is no coincidence that green is the color of the energy center in the hearts, symbolizing growth, love and compassion.

While whites is the color associated with the energy center at the Crown, representing higher consciousness wisdom and spiritual connection, I'm not going t be singing for you this morning.

Don't worry.

No share.

But I will leave yo with this poem I composed for me to you.

Beneath this Spartan green gown, our hearts beat strong home with a will unshaken.

Where all of us belong.

Connection to source a white crown.

We all wear bleeding with wisdom, curiosity and hearts that care.

Life will twist, turn and challenge our direction.

But Spartan will never strays.

It's not about perfection.

Each journey unique, moving us toward our true soul is a path unfolding with growth as the goal green the heart where our purpose is known.

White The crown where our vision is grown.

Togethe we stand tall, united and bright in Spartan colors, our strength, our lights.

So as we rise, let our hearts guide the way with resilience and courage.

Come what may four in green and white, we forge our true path.

Making a difference in the world.

Never looking back.

Let our colors guide us.

Lead with your hearts.

Be open and willing.

As you embark on a new start moving forward one breath at a time with a will that is spartan, strong and unique.

Devine.

Congratulations, Class of 2024.

Go green.

Go white.

Thank you, Jillian.

That was incredible.

Inspirational and sound words of advice that I know will benefit our nearly 4000 graduates today as they set off on the next stop on their journey.

So thank you so much.

So thank you.

We will now have the pleasure of hearing the MSU Jazz Orchestra one the bebop Spartans under the direction of university.

Distinguished Professor Rodney Whitaker.

The selection is entitled I Love Being Here With You.

Composed by Norma Delores Peggy Lee Eckstrom.

(performing music) Professor Whitaker and members of the Jazz Orchestra.

You knew how to set the mood for a celebration.

And that's what we're here to do today.

So thank you.

The Honorable Kelly Tebay vice chairperson of the MSU Board of Trustees Will, now address the graduates and guests after trustee tbe interim Provost, Thomas Jeitschko will continue with the introductions.

Vice Chairperson Tebay Thank you, President Guskiewicz, on behalf of the MSU Board of Trustees, I extend our welcome to graduates and your friends and family under the Michigan Constitution, the Board of Trustees is the governing body of the University by whose authority the degrees are awarded.

As trustees, we view commencement ceremony as a very memorable occasion, and we appreciate the opportunity to share this special time with you.

Today's ceremony represents the culmination of your academic achievement.

The degree that you have earned acknowledges your success, and it honors those who have encouraged and supported you.

Our wish is tha you will use your intelligence and knowledg to improve the quality of life for your communit and to advance the common good.

Our faculty, administrator and trustees are proud of you.

Please let us add to our congratulations.

Go green.

Thank you.

Trustee Tebay I join you in congratulating our newest degree recipients.

Graduates.

Each of you embodies a unique confluence of knowledge.

The 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 this achievement.

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

It is my pleasure to introduce RijulMahajan a supply chain management major in the Eli Broad College of Business Rijulwas chosen by the senior class counsel to represent the class of 2024.

Hi, everyone.

Well, this is a really big room.

I know this.

Pardon fans love our sports, but I didn't realize commencement could fill up the presence and do a faster than a basketball home game night.

Thank you.

Michigan State University for this incredible honor.

This past few week has been hectic for us all.

You've got finals.

We're moving out and juggling a hundred other things.

So let's take a moment to take a pause, take a deep breath, look around you and truly take in this moment.

And with that being said, congratulations to us, the class of 2024, and we made it.

Now, when we first set foot here at MSU or in my case, when I was first logged i to my Zoom class, Times Square, I had never stepped foot in Michigan before.

In fact, the only thing I knew about the state was that it looked like a mitten.

And I still remember the first time in Michigan was to show me where they were from.

And I was like, Oh, they're trying to give me some kind of a weird high five.

But these past fe years have taken me from a place I had never been to before, to a place I now call home.

We spend our time discovering new passions, pulling on lighters and living off of combos and coffees.

It's bee a mix of unforgettable memories and some questionable life choices.

I mean, who thought any of them class was a good idea?

But if I were to some of my time at MSU, down to one important thing that learned throughout this journey, it would be the importance of one small word.

Yes, saying yes has borders, countless new experiences, somewhat incredible.

They joining student organizations, cheering in these on and maybe even trying our best to not fall asleep in a class and some word let's jus call them learning opportunities but seeing yes open new doors to new experiences.

It allowed us to create meaningful connections, whether with the fellow Spartans from across the world or with our mentors who are our teachers and professors.

It helped us deepen our understanding through a journey of discovery growth and relentless curiosity.

And most importantly, it made life a whole lot of more fun.

Right now, don't get me wrong, I'm not asking you to go out.

I used to go Shepherd after graduation or do something crazy but I'm asking you to understand what it truly means to be a Spartan and the confidence that comes along with it.

Being a Spartan means standin tall in the face of challenges.

It means knowing you have the strength and resilience and the support o an entire community behind you.

It means striving for something bigger than yourself while lifting others along the way.

Because that's the Spartan way.

Because every step misstep and step again that we took wa a part of our Spartan journey.

We learned that it's oka to not always have the answers.

It's okay to struggle with differential equations, but most importantly, it's okay to struggle with finding a parking spot for your 10:20 a.m. class.

The real value of MSU is it taught us how to keep moving forward, keep saying yes to learning growth and even to the challenges, beca as we stand on the brink of the new beginnings, that the next chapter of our life brings us.

I encourage you all in this room to carry this spirit with us.

Keep saying ye to the new things in your life that scare you even a bit, or a lot.

Don't be afraid to accept a new opportunity that feels just out of reach.

Just that if you leap, you will figure out how to learn.

If MSU has taught us anything, it's how to figure it out.

Our way through this labyrinth of life, even if it takes u through a couple of wrong turns.

First.

Now, let's face it, our generation has some huge challenges to tackle Global challenge like climate change, inequality, big dog dances and a lot more.

We need to bring everything that we've learned throughout our journey to perseverance, the resourcefulness, the ability to function on way too little sleep.

The world doesn't just need more graduates.

It needs Spartans who aren't afraid to step up, who won't back down, and who can tackle challenges with creativity and with determination.

So as we take our final steps across this stage, I want you to remembe to keep that yes mindset alive.

Say yes to the opportunities to the adventures and even the challenges.

And once in a while, say no to those 18 commitments, because let's be honest, we've all learned that.

Thank you.

Class of 2024 for Making MSU Unforgettable.

Thank you to the faculty who pushed us to expose the family members who supported us and the friend who became family along the way.

It's been an amazing rid from our first steps on campus to the moment we realize we could call this place home.

Congratulations.

And forever and always go green right.

Thank you.

Renewal.

The senior class council ha worked tirelessly in support of.

The senior class gift campaign.

The presentation of the senior class gift will be made by Manvi Bumrah and Christina Drabcheck.

Good morning, Fall class of 2024.

We hope that you are able to take the time that you need after today to not only relax but to soak in the joy of the major milestone that you just completed.

I'm the senior class counci vice president Christina Jacek and my name is Manvir.

I'm the chief of staff at the ASEM.

As you your undergraduate student government on behalf of the Senior Class Council as MSU, the Associated Students of Michigan State University.

Congratulations on accomplishing something that your younger self would be so proud of, and we hope that you continue to push yourself with that drive.

Passion and dedication throughout the rest of your life.

As you prepar to leave Michigan State's campus and start a new chapter of our lives, the Senior Class Council want to ensure that we focus our efforts on a fund that creates meaningful, meaningful change and truly embodies Spartans well and also makes an impact in the lives of students.

The support our Students Emergency Needs Fund was set up to provide students with immediate financial support to cover educational costs and unanticipated expenses during crises such as accidents, illnesses, family emergencies, fire damage and temporary housing.

We highly encourage you to consider the support.

Our Spartans Student Emergency Needs Fund when making your senior class campaign gift.

With this in mind, we're proud to award this check to President Guskiewic and Michigan State University.

We're beyond thankful for those that have donated to the senior class campaign and encouraged those that have not to do so soon.

Our work as advocates of change will only continue as we walk across the stage and into the bigger world.

As we go forward, it is up to every single one of us to stand together and be the change we want to see in the world.

When we do this, we can ensure a better future for every generation that comes after.

Thank you.

And as always, go green.

Thank you, Manvir and Christina.

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

We are also honored to welcome a number of the university's leader 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 investe in fostering academic excellence and student success at Michigan State University.

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

Colleagues, please remai standing as your name is read.

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

Bill Beekman, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.

Stefan Fletcher, Chief of Staff to the Board of Trustees.

Lisa Frase, Senior Vice President, Chie Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Ashley GREENE, Chief of Staf for the Office of the Provost.

Mark Largent, Vice Provost an Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Angela Wilson, Associate Dea and Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, MSU Academic Governance and the University Mace Baer.

Lastly, I'd like to thank our live capture, Andrea Cleaver and the teleprompter technician Doreen who are on such just Jessica.

Thank you.

And faculty, please also rise.

Thank you very much.

We pay tribute today to graduates who have the distinction of maintaining the highest grade point average is in the class, thereby meriting a 4.0 grade point average.

Names o the 4.0 students present today on the screens behind me to be eligible for a 4.0.

At least three fourths of the credits for the degree must be earned in residence at Michigan State University.

This honor is designated by the green, white and gold braided corn worn with the academic robe.

This summer semester, 18 students qualified and this fall semester 75 students qualified.

All 93 earned a grade point average of 4.0.

Students, please rise and remain standing to accept our congratulations.

93 in total Award Recipients.

You should be proud of your outstanding academic records that honor you and your university on behalf your classmates, the faculty, administration, and the trustees of the university.

I congratulate you and wish you the best.

I now invite my colleagues Glenn Chambers Jr. interi dean of the Residential College of Arts and Humanities and interim dean of the Honors College, to acknowledge graduates.

Good morning.

Students who participate in and fulfill the required minutes of the Honors College by completing enhanced programs of study are identified as graduating with Honors College and distinction.

These graduate wear white stole like this one with the AEC designation will all students who are graduating as members of the Honors College.

Please rise if you are able and accept our congratulations on behalf of the Honors College.

Thank you.

Students.

Students who attain a minimum grade point average of 3.97 are awarded University High Honor.

University.

Honor is awarded to students who earn a minimum grade point average of 3.88.

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

All students graduatin with high honor and with honor.

Please stan and accept our congratulations.

All first generation graduates, please stand and accept our congratulations as we are so very grateful.

You selected Michigan State University, and we are very proud of your achievements in recognition of Michigan State's ongoing commitment to study abroad.

I ask graduates have had an international experienc as either a study abroad student or as an international student who traveled fro around the world to study at MSU to please stand.

We will now confer baccalaureate degrees upon the candidates.

The deans will present their candidates interim Dean Glenn Chambers from the Residential College of the Arts and Humanities Would the degree candidates from the Residential College of the Arts and Humanities.

Please rise and remain standing if you're able.

President Guskiewicz, Interim Provost Jeitschko The Board of Trustees members on behalf of the Residential College of the Arts and Humanities, I am pleased to present the creative, innovative community engaged scholars poised to change the world who have fulfilled the requirements for the conferral of their degrees.

Thank you.

Interim Dean Yen-Hwei Lin from the College of Arts and Letters.

Where are the degree candidates from the College of Arts and Letters?

Please rise and remain standing if you are able.

President Guskiewicz and interim Provost Jeitschko, board of Trustees members on behalf of the faculty and academic staff of the College of Arts and Letters.

I am pleased to present to you the generation of artists and citizen leaders for the Conferral of the Degrees.

They are all ready to lead us into a brighter future with integrity and grace.

Thank you.

Dean David Sauder from the Eli Broad College of Business With our fantastic Broad Spartans please rise and remain standing if you are able.

President Guskiewicz, interim Provost Jeitschko, Board of Trustees members on behalf of the Eli Broad College of Business.

I am pleased to present to you these innovative and dedicated candidates who have fulfilled the requirements for the Conferral of their degrees and are now ready to go forward to inspire the future of business.

Thank you.

Dean Jerlando Jackso from the College of Education.

Will the undergraduate degree candidates from the world class, yet to be duplicated, College of Education.

Please rise and remain standing if you are able.

President Guskiewicz, Interim Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Tebay, It is my profound honor to introduce an illustrious cohort of graduates.

These students are exemplars of intellectual curiosity masters of educational artistry and torchbearers of a brighter tomorrow with unparalleled dedication and extraordinary talent.

These future educators and health professional have fulfilled the requirements for the conferral of their degrees.

Thank you.

Dean Cameron Thies from the James Madison College Will the degree candidates from James Madison College, please rise and remain standing if you are able.

There you are.

President Guskiewicz, Interim Provost Jeitschko Board of Trustees Member Tebay, On behalf of James Madison College, I am pleased to present these candidates who have fulfilled the requirements for the Conferral of their degrees.

James, These graduates are prepared to tackle complex policy challenges and seek out opportunities fo meaningful change in Michigan, across the United States and around the world.

Thank you.

Dean James Forger from the College of Music.

Will the candidates from the College of Music, pleas rise and stand as you are able.

President Guskiewicz.

Interim Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Tebay.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I am delighted to present these candidates from the College of Music, who completed all the variou requirements for their degrees and who will now go out and help make the world a better place through the power of music.

Thank you.

Dean Brent Donnellan fro the College of Social Science.

Last but not least, will the curious, courageous and extremely cool degree candidates from the College of Social Science.

Please rise and remain standing if you are able.

President Guskiewicz Provost Jeitschko, Trustee Tebay on behalf of the faculty and staff of the College of Social Science, I am pleased to present these outstanding candidates who are ready to change the world.

They have fulfilled the requirements for the conferral of their degree and are proud to be called Spartan graduates.

Will all degree candidates please rise?

Thank you.

And I'll now ask Trustee Teba to please join me at the podium 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 the rights and distinctions to which they entitle yo as a symbol of your achievement.

It is tradition to move the tassel from the right side of your cap to the left side.

You may do so at this time.

This act represents an incredible achievement for each one of you.

At today's ceremony, we honor you.

Congratulations.

One more round of applause for these amazing graduates.

Please be seated.

Yes.

We are all proud.

Okay.

We will now present diplomas.

Jody Knoll and Scott Pohl will announce the names of the graduates as the president presents their diplomas.

I ask that the new graduates be escorted to the platform, and we ask the audience to please be considerate in applaudin your graduate as names are read so that each graduates name is heard.

Degree Recipients.

We ask you to return to your seat following the presentation of your diploma and be respectfully remain seated for the recognition of your fellow graduates (reading of graduate names) (reading of graduate names) (reading of graduate names) (reading of graduate names) Okay, we are just about to the finish line now, so graduates, we are very proud of all of you.

There are many people who celebrate you, many of them here today.

People who have been with you throughout your academic journey, who rooted for you and perhaps helped cross that finish line.

They might be friends, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles or grandparents, perhaps a multiple generation Spartan family.

So let's take an opportunity and show our appreciation to all the family members and friends who have been so important in your journey.

Well, family and friends, please stand as you are able to receive appreciation of today's graduates.

There's another group of people who deserve a shout out the amazing world class faculty and dedicated staff who supported your success in Michigan State University.

Can we show them our appreciation to Graduates, as I referenced quoting Raymond Lindquist as we began today's ceremony, you about to once again let go of the familiar for something new and exciting.

There might be many such moments in your lives.

So before I close, I want to return to Dr. Clifton Wharton Jr.

He served as Michigan State's president from 1970 to 1978.

I'll always treasure my time spent with him and the advice that he offered me as Michigan State's new president.

But I want to quote something Wharton said a few years ago, which I think is applicable to everyone here today.

Be prepared, he said.

Be prepared and always look for the kind of opportunities where you think you can make your own way and contribution to society.

Graduates, I'm confident your education at MSU has prepared you to do so as you blazed your own trail forward.

Now members of the fall graduating class of 2024, please rise as you are able.

You might have begun your collective experience separate, separated by distance, but not by spirit.

And we've seen that today in time, you came together to share this campus, your fellowship and all that it had to offer.

You celebrated each other's triumphs and console each other in adversity.

I urge you to stay curious, to stay engaged.

And as President, Wharton would have it apply your preparation to the benefit of society.

And I hope you remai connected to this magical place as you join the ranks of half a million degreed Spartans making the world a better place.

Go green.

In closing, I now invite everyone to join in a singing the first stanz of the alma mater, MSU Shadows.

Miss Ross will lead us in th singing, following the singing.

We ask guests to remain in their place until the recessional of the platform party faculty and students.

Thank you 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 (MSU Fight Song)