(gentle music) (people chattering) - [Announcer] Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of Michigan State University, Samuel L. Stanley, Jr.

- Thank you.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) You may be seated.

You may be seated.

Good morning, and welcome to the Fall 2019 commencement ceremony as we recognize and celebrate our graduating seniors.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) As this is my first graduation as a member of the MSU community, I'm particularly honored to be a part of this celebration and help recognize the hard work that so many Spartans have put into their education.

This event is an affirmation of Michigan State University's commitment to making a positive difference in the world by transforming students who are ready to learn into citizens who are ready to lead.

And we honor our 160-year-old land-grant mission by certifying with their degrees that our graduates are fit to meet the challenges, today and tomorrow.

Graduation is a joyful milestone for students and the families and friends who support them.

It also is a vital service to those communities to which graduates bring their knowledge, ideas and energy.

It is immensely satisfying feeling to look out on this group and see the faces of those who will be the next generation of problem-solvers and contributors, creators and leaders.

In this ceremony, we honor our graduates and also salute those who have achieved academic distinction.

We celebrate the special unity and diversity of the Spartan family, represented by the flags of the native lands of our students and by the banners heralding our colleges.

Now, we ask our guests to join students and faculty in singing the first stanza of "The Star Spangled Banner," on page nine of the program, accompanied by the MSU Orchestra One, under the direction of University Distinguished Professor Rodney T. Whitaker.

The singing will be led by bachelor's degree student Sean Holland, II.

Upon conclusion of the singing, I ask that you remain standing.

Please rise now.

(drum roll) ("The Star Spangled Banner") ♪ Oh, 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 rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ Gave proof through the night ♪ ♪ That our flag was still there ♪ ♪ Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪ O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ♪ (audience applauds) - Thank you for remaining standing.

Graduates, I'd like us to pause silently, to allow you a moment of reflection and gratitude on the opportunities for growth you've enjoyed at MSU and the relationships you've formed.

You may now be seated.

Dr.

Stephen Hsu, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation, will present this morning's honorary degree candidate.

- [Stephen] Mr.

Meijer, will you please come forward?

President Stanley, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Doug Meijer for awarding of the degree, Doctor of Humanities.

(audience applauds) - You are a highly accomplished philanthropist, community leader, and business executive.

You serve on the board of Meijer, a retailer that has grown to more than 245 locations in six states, providing jobs for nearly 80,000 employees.

You joined the family business at a young age, working in the receiving areas of the stores.

Upon graduation from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in business administration, you resumed your career with the company in 1976 and later held the position of co-chair.

In recent years, you have become an advocate for mental health care.

You are actively involved with and serve on the board of i understand, an organization that works to raise awareness around the topic of mental illness and supports those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

You are also passionate about research and new treatments for cancer and have invested significant resources with Michigan State University and other cancer research entities in West Michigan and beyond.

For your dedication to philanthropy and community service, I am pleased to award you the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from Michigan State University.

(audience applauds) - Well, good morning and thank you for the warm welcome.

And as a U of M graduate, it's a bit difficult for me to say go green.

- [Audience] Go white!

- That really is difficult for me to say.

(audience laughs) But I was a Michigan State fan growing up.

And, in fact, I was all set to attend Michigan State.

I had my dorm assignment at Hubbard Hall, I was all set to come here and get my education.

However, a friend of mine invited me down to Ann Arbor for a weekend.

We toured the campus, went to a concert, I really had a good time, and I changed at the last minute and went to that school down the road.

And you're probably thinking now that I may have had a four-year lapse of judgment.

And I'll say it again, go green.

- [Audience] Go white.

- I did spend a lot of time on the Michigan State campus over the years, and fortunately or unfortunately, the last time I was in the Breslin Center was attending a Michigan-Michigan State basketball game.

Well, needless to say, it didn't go very well for somebody from the school down the road.

And we were getting beat by, I think, 25 or 30 points midway through the second half.

And I was all decked out in maize and blue.

And so, how do I make a graceful exit in my maize and blue?

But I did, and again, that was the last time I was here.

And I wasn't allowed to bring my favorite piece of sports memorabilia on stage.

It's a Michigan cap signed by Tom Izzo.

(people laughing) Saying that I was one of the good Wolverines.

(people laughing) Anyway, it's an absolute honor to be here this morning to celebrate each one of you.

And congratulations on your well-deserved achievements.

It's not easy to get here.

You had to do a lot of hard work over the past few years.

And it's not supposed to be easy.

That which is most worthwhile can also and is also the most challenging.

It takes dedication to your studies, motivation in knowing that someday your efforts and hard work will pay off, and persistence because things don't always go as well as planned.

These qualities are essential in life and will take you wherever you want to go.

They mirror those my grandfather had.

He possessed all of those.

He tried and failed numerous times to find his career path.

He was a Dutch immigrant, arriving in America in 1907.

He was a dreamer, an entrepreneur.

(clears throat) He worked multiple jobs.

He worked in steel mills, furniture factories.

He did sales and eventually learned to become a barber in Chicago.

He finally settled in Greenville, Michigan and bought a building and opened a barber shop in the lower level, the basement of the building.

He also bought 16 acres and a couple of cows and started a small dairy business.

My dad also loved the farm life and would help him deliver milk at a very young age.

Well, unfortunately, along came the Great Depression in 1934.

The grocery store that was above the barber shop was paying the mortgage.

That grocery store went out of business.

The price of milk plummeted, and their small dairy business was losing money.

Well, instead of foreclosing on the building, the bank loaned my grandfather $338 to open a grocery store of his own.

The first day, he took in a whopping $7.

And with 22 other grocery stores in the area, he wasn't given much of a chance to succeed.

But right from the start, my dad and grandfather focused on their customers and innovation, from low prices to shopping carts to automatic check lanes.

And in 1962, they opened what we called at the time Thrifty Acres, combining food and general merchandise.

Which what we know of today was the birth of the supercenter.

Today, with almost 250 stores, we continue to focus on our customers and innovation.

They truly did beat the odds.

Dedication, motivation and persistence paid off.

They exemplified the courage and strength necessary to not give up despite numerous doubters, setbacks and numerous growing pains.

My dad also said once, "To be successful, "you need a couple of qualities: "maverick, juvenile delinquent and even a non-conformist."

I believe I have managed a couple of those as well.

Getting here to where all of you are today takes a lot of self-advocacy.

You must be able to ask questions, ask for help.

And I can tell you personally that those qualities are not sign of weakness.

We all need help, and we all need to ask for help periodically.

Eight years ago last month, I received a phone call that no one wants to hear, "You have cancer."

it was five o'clock in the morning.

I was in a hotel in LA.

I was about to attend a three-day Tony Robbins seminar, try to improve myself.

And the first day ironically was on conquering fear.

It ended at one o'clock in the morning, walking on hot coals.

It was a very empowering experience, and I was ready to take on that cancer.

The following week, my divorce was finalized.

Three days later, after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, my dad past away.

That was a lot to handle in a week.

With the unexpected loss of a loved one, or the cancer phone call, the first came to my mind was, "Why me?"

My depression worsened.

It was another challenge, but I didn't give up.

I focused all my energy on getting better, and as they say, thriving, not just surviving.

Like so many people with cancer, I underwent so many scans, tests, too many to count.

I had a couple of surgeries.

The one good news is I racked up a lot of frequent flier miles, flying from UCLA to Germany several times, and many stops in between.

Through revolutionary nuclear medicine, my prostate cancer is now under control.

And the innovative diagnosis and treatment that brought me to Germany will soon be available here.

Thanks to Michigan State University's commitment to build the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building in Grand Rapids, overseas prostate cancer treatment as well as other cancer treatments and diagnosis will soon be available here.

And I am living proof that the technology works.

I believe everything happens for a reason.

(audience applauds) Thank you.

I believe everything happens for a reason.

I was able to conquer my fears and am now able to help make a difference in not only improving my life and quality of life, but in that of others.

So, now, I think to myself, "Why not me?"

It has been a very difficult personal journey.

But I am so grateful to so many people who have helped and supported me throughout this journey and throughout the past several years of my life.

My parents have always been passionate about health care and giving back to the communities.

I am so thankful and grateful to be able to continue that legacy.

There are many people who are successful in this world.

Though not very many that are significant.

You have the opportunity to be not only successful but to be significant.

You can acknowledge your fears and persevere over whatever comes your way.

You have the skills and the knowledge to pave your own paths and create your own destiny.

Put your life in perspective.

Your wisdom, with love and passion, will get you wherever you want to go.

If I can do it, I'm absolutely convinced that all of you can do it.

So go out and make a positive difference in, again, not only your own lives, but that of others.

Congratulations on everything you have achieved and earned.

You are prepared to do great things, and you will.

And thank you once again for this great honor, and for allowing someone from that school down the road to have this honor and opportunity today.

And, again, I'll try to say it one more time, go green!

- [Audience] Go white.

(audience applauds) - Thank you so much again.

Let's hear it again for Doug Meijer please.

Thank you.

(audience applauds) That was inspirational.

And, again, I applaud so much your willingness to share your story, but also, of course, to make such a difference, so thank you.

We will now have the pleasure of hearing the MSU Jazz Orchestra One, the Be-Bop Spartans, under the direction of University Distinguished Professor Rodney T. Whitaker.

The selection is entitled "Things to Come," composed by John Banks and Dizzy Gillespie.

- [Rodney] One, two, one, two, one, two, two.

("Things to Come") (audience applauds) Thank you, Professor Whitaker and members of the jazz orchestra.

Let's hear it again.

(audience applauds) The Honorable Dianne Byrum, Chairperson of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, will now greet graduates and guests.

After Trustee Byrum's remarks, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Teresa Sullivan will continue with the recognition of graduates.

- On behalf of the Michigan State Board of Trustees, I welcome all graduating seniors, and their family and friends who are joining us today.

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

I would like to take a moment to recognize my colleague on the MSU Board who is joining us this morning.

The Honorable Melanie Foster.

(audience applauds) 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 that you will use your intelligence and knowledge to improve the quality of life for your community and to advance the common good.

Our faculty, administrators, and Trustees are proud of you.

Please let us add to your congratulations.

(audience applauds) - Thank you Trustee Byrum.

And now it is my pleasure to introduce Lamont Davis, a Hospitality Business Major, (audience applauds) (audience cheers) who was chosen by the Senior Class Council, to represent the Class of 2019.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - So first I would just like to start by thanking my family, friends, faculty, mentee students because it takes a village to raise a child, and this child is a man now.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Good morning and welcome Michigan State.

My name is Lamont Davis, and I am honored to serve as this year's class speaker.

Thank you, President Stanley, Board of Trustees, Interim Provost Sullivan, Deans, and faculty.

So today I wanna have a conversation with you all about this process called the journey.

While it is promoted that the traditional college career is done in four, realize, graduates, that you are here today by no mistake.

Each of you made the decision to commit and persevere to get to this moment right here.

Last year, I was made aware that my graduation had been changed from May 2019 to December.

I wasn't doing the things that I needed to do.

I made mistakes along the way, but as young adults we learn from our decision.

Nonetheless, today, I stand proud before you as a graduate of five-and-a-half years from Michigan State University.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) And I wouldn't have it any other way because what you have to understand that, graduates, all of you have had different journeys, but we have the same end goal.

No matter what life threw at you, that is what makes this December graduation such a unique honor to be a part of.

It's because you have completed your journey.

It was your journey itself.

The beginning of the journey can be the most exciting and even the most nerve-wracking.

Understand that as we transition out of college into adulthood, it is okay to still be figuring it out.

Some may see the road ahead with the expectation that it's a straight-ahead pathway.

When in reality, it comes with speed bumps, detours, caution signs, for us to overcome.

Your journey is specifically tailored to construct you for your tomorrow.

You might be starting your full-time Fortune 100 job.

You might be applying for medical school, and for some of us, we're still figuring it out.

I want you to look back to your freshman year, and look to see that it was an adjustment.

But now see the man or woman that is standing here today.

Right now I wanna share three piece of advice that can help you succeed in any journey that you take in life.

So number one, know your worth.

Graduates, understand that you are the next best this world has to offer.

In those moments that others don't see you, love yourself.

Appreciate yourself, congratulate yourself.

Repeat this every day if you have to.

Be your own greatest fan and affirm who you are.

You see, you really have to understand that $100 bill, think about that, $100 bill gets crumpled up, it doesn't mean that it's not worth $100.

It's only been through some trials and tribulations.

Your value does not change.

So it's up for you to know your worth.

Number two, write your own story.

I understand that there are many things in life that we cannot control, but I wanna challenge your minds today, that no longer say it is what it is.

But rather control what you can control.

Life is all about how you respond to it.

Your attitude, it's everything.

Live and lead a life of integrity.

Your name, character, and brand is the most valuable currency that you will ever hold.

But just know this, Spartans, we are built and move differently.

That's our Spartans' will.

Day by day, we persevere through life's many challenges to create solutions as creators, innovators, and disruptors.

Create an opportunity for yourself, or perform an act of altruism for someone else.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

That was said by Wayne Gretzky.

If there isn't a road created for you on your journey, guess what?

Become that creator, and make the pathway for somebody who follows after you.

Number three, community matters.

We built this community.

In many ways, communities are created through shared experiences when we are inclusive of one another.

So maybe for you it was that summer program before your freshman year, an organization, maybe Greek life, where you met a life-long friend.

Others of us, advocated for our voices with others of similar interests.

While some of us, we grabbed passports to study abroad and experience what this world has to offer and discover some cultures or identities we might not have otherwise.

Who knows where this world will take us?

But, understand, wherever you go, meet someone new.

It's all about the people.

That is what will excel you on your journey in life, building those meaningful and genuine relationships with those around you.

Begin to look for what connects us and not what separates us.

Because, graduates, if you look around us in the Breslin Center today, it is the love and the support of everyone here, family, friends, and Spartans of all generations, that have came to celebrate us.

That is why community matters.

One Spartan in particular from my community, my momma, Cedrina Davis at the age of 56, returned to complete her bachelor's degree, during my third year here at Michigan State University.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) It wasn't the easiest for her coming back, but she did it.

A mother and loving wife, a mother of three at that, and two grandchildren, she learned not only what it took to be a student in the classroom, but outside the classroom.

Because, graduates, as you know, we balance more identities than just the academic when we go in those classrooms every day.

So there she was on her journey of commitment and perseverance, that after 28 years, Cedrina Davis received her Bachelor's of Science in the Human Development and Families Studies in May of 2018.

So, graduates, I share my story about myself, my community, and my advice because no matter where you go in life, no matter what journey you take, commit and persevere.

So now we gonna review these piece of advice right now, graduates, so if you haven't listened to anything right now, listen right now.

After I say each piece of advice, I ask that you join in repeating it after me because this is not for me, this is for us.

We are taking the lead in our own lives.

So number one, know your worth.

- [Graduates] Know your worth.

- Number two, write your own story.

- [Graduates] Write your own story.

- And number three, community matters.

- [Graduates] Community matters.

- I love y'all, family.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Life is a series of beginnings and not just endings.

So now, it is with my most sincere gratitude and appreciation that I present to you the last class of the decade, Michigan State University Class of 2019, create your own opportunity and own it.

Congratulations, thank you.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - Thank you, Lamont.

The Senior Class Council has worked tirelessly towards the senior class gift campaign.

The presentation will be made by Jordan George and Jessica Hopson.

(audience applauds) - Good morning, President Stanley, Board of Trustees, Interim Provost Sullivan, Deans, faculty, staff, graduates and family.

I am president of the Senior Class Council, and I am here today with my fellow council member Jessica Hopson, on behalf of the Senior Class Council to present the senior class gift.

Each of you graduating today have made an impact on campus that will be felt long after you graduate.

And the senior class gift is our collective legacy as a graduating class.

- Good morning, this year the Senior Class Council helped to find this legacy by campaigning for multiple causes.

We worked to support the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, which allows the university to assist students who as a result of unexpected emergency situations make it difficult for students to make their tuition payments.

We also campaigned for both the MSU Student Food Bank, which serves students experiencing food insecurity and Safe Place, which provides free services in a safe environment to survivors of violence.

But while the class gift is collective, each student who supported the campaign and left their individual mark by indicating how he or she wanted their gift allocated.

Whether that was the libraries for all the hours, day and night spent there studying, reading, and meeting with friends.

And to collegiate athletics to help support the programs for future students could have the same opportunities.

The museum to not only continue to showcase students' exhibits, but also to provide programs that enrich the campus experience.

Or for one specific college in return for the education and the tools for success acquired there.

Through the class gift, we each gave to causes that were near and dear to us personally.

- The senior class gift is the way that we as a class define ourselves and help the university to grow and be able to continue to support students for years to come.

It is how we show our appreciation to the institution that has gotten us to this point in our lives, to the college, which has given us so much in and out of the classroom, to the school, which has given us a reason to proudly shout, go green.

- [Audience] Go white.

Thus, it is with great pleasure that we present this check totally $6,200 to President Stanley on behalf of the senior class.

(audience applauds) - Thank you Jordan and Jessica, and thank you to all the members of the senior class who contributed to this gift.

And now I would like to introduce the members of the platform party who will not be coming to the microphone this morning.

Each of them fulfills an important University role and they join us this morning to celebrate our graduates' accomplishments.

I ask them to remain standing as their names are read, and I ask the audience to please hold your applause until all are introduced: Norman Beauchamp, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences.

John Gaboury, Associate Provost for Academic Services, Enrollment Services, and Academic Initiatives, and the Chairperson of the Commencement Committee.

Mark Largent, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, and Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

Denise Maybank, Vice President and Associate Provost for Student Affairs and Services.

Nick McLaren, Executive Director of the MSU Alumni Office.

Kathy Wilbur, Executive Vice President for Government and External Relations.

Matthew Zierler, Associate Dean of the Honors College.

And, Deborah Moriarty, Professor and Chairperson for Academic Governance, and the University Mace Bearer.

(audience applauds) 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 semester, 17 students qualify for the Board award.

All 17 earned a grade point average of 4.0.

We recognize five of these students this morning.

I ask them to stand and remain standing when their name is read.

And I ask all of the audience to please hold your applause until they're all are introduced.

Ashley DePew, a Psychology major, and Honors College member, from Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Gina Duff, a Supply Chain Management major, from Utica, Michigan.

Grace Gelpi, a Music Performance major and Honors College member, from Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Kate Lafrenz, an Arts and Humanities major, from Stevensville, Michigan.

Amanda Pohl, a Kinesiology major, and Honors College member, from Portland, Michigan.

Let's give them a hand.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Thank you, please be seated.

Each of today's recipients should be proud of the outstanding academic record that honors you and your university.

So on behalf of your classmates, the faculty, and the trustees of the University, I congratulate you and wish you the best.

Students who participate in and fulfill the requirements of The Honors College by completing enriched programs of study, are identified as graduating with Honors College distinction.

These graduates wear a white stole with the HC designation.

All students who are graduating as members of The Honors College, please stand and accept our congratulations.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Thank you, you may be seated.

Students who attain a minimum grade point average of 3.92 are awarded University high honor.

University honor is awarded to students who earn a minimum grade point average of 3.77.

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 applauds) Thank you, you may be seated.

In recognition of Michigan State's ongoing commitment to Study Abroad, I ask graduates to stand who have had an international experience as either a study abroad student, or as an international student who has traveled from around the world to study at MSU.

(audience applauds) Thank you, you may be seated.

We shall now confer baccalaureate degrees upon candidates.

The deans will present their candidates.

Dean Stephen Esquith from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities.

(audience applauds) - Will the students from the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities please stand and remain standing if you're able?

Provost Sullivan, President Stanley, honored members of the Board of Trustees, distinguished honorees, it's my great pleasure to present these students who've met all the requirements of their degree for the conferral of the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

(audience applauds) - [Teresa] Dean Christopher Long, from the College of Arts and Letters.

- Will the candidates for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Arts and Letters, please rise if you're able?

(audience applauds) - Provost Sullivan, President Stanley, honorable members of the Board of Trustees, on behalf of the world class faculty in the College of Arts and Letters, it is my pleasure to present these artists and scholars for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauds) - [Teresa] Dean Sanjay Gupta, from the Eli Broad College of Business.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - Yeah, will the outstanding candidates from the one and only Eli Broad College of Business, please rise and remain standing?

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Honorable Trustees, President Stanley, Provost Sullivan, it is my pleasure to present these candidates on behalf of our faculty and staff for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - [Teresa] Dean Robert Floden, from the College of Education.

- Will the students from the highly ranked College of Education please rise and remain standing?

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) President Stanley, Interim Provost Sullivan, honorable Board of Trustees members, on behalf of the faculty and staff in the College of Education, I present these students to you for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - [Teresa] Associate Dean Linda Racioppi, from James Madison College.

(audience applauds) - Would the candidates for degrees from the small but mighty James Madison College please rise?

Where are you?

(laughs) Ah.

(Teresa laughs) (audience applauds) (audience cheers) Remain standing if you can.

(laughs) President Stanley, Provost Sullivan, Board of Trustees, it's my great honor and privilege to present to you these outstanding 2020 December graduates of James Madison College.

(audience applauds) - [Teresa] Dean James Forger, from the College of Music.

- Will the candidates from the College of Music please rise?

(audience applauds) All right.

President Stanley, Provost Sullivan, honorable Board of Trustees, on behalf of my colleagues I am delighted to present these candidates from the College of Music who have completed all the requirements for their various degrees.

(audience applauds) - [Teresa] Dean Rachel Croson, from the College of Social Science.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - Will the graduates from the College of Social Science please rise and remain standing?

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Provost Sullivan, President Stanley, honorable Trustees, on behalf of the faculty and staff of the largest college at Michigan State, with 110,000 alumni, I proudly present these students for the conferral of their degrees.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) - [Teresa] Will all of the candidate for baccalaureate degrees please rise and remain standing?

- I invite the Trustees Byrum and Foster to join me in conferral of the degrees, please stand.

By 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 you.

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

You may do so at this time, and congratulations.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) This act represents a great accomplishment and marks the beginning of your lifetime of achievement.

At today's ceremony, we honor you.

Again, congratulations, you may now be seated.

(audience applauds) - And now the presentation of diplomas.

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

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

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

We ask all degree recipients to return to your seats following the presentation of your diploma and to remain seated for the recognition of your fellow graduates.

(people chattering in distance) - [Jody] From the Eli Broad College of Business, Gina Pauline Duff.

(audience cheers) Won Bin Choi Jackson Taylor Bleibtrey.

Lamont Cedric Davis.

(audience applauds) (audience cheers) Kyle Nicholas Jaggi.

Amrou Tulaimat.

Brianna Katie Rebeca Dingman.

Juan Manuel Centeno.

Turro Haikis.

Reem Ahmed.

(audience cheers) Hannah Marie Cutri.

Shannon Kilbride.

Jacob Gross.

Andre Ceman.

Haley-Jo Elizabeth Engels.

Danielle E. Mahar.

Madelyn G. Valeria Bak.

John Robert Rieth.

Ethan Jeffrey Sloan.

Bailey Noah Agnew.

(audience cheers) Alexander Kiiskila.

Cameron Tyson Edlin.

Mason Thomas Bennett.

Kaley Rose Leuffgen.

Daniel Paul Southern.

Jaren Alan Scoggins.

Zorek Garo Garabedian.

Jacqueline Danielle Mercier.

(audience cheers) Kailey Lynn Peterson.

Joseph Thomas Dokho.

Nicholas Russell Badamo.

Mundi Wong.

Shang Xu.

Xun Sun.

Austin Tyler Farrington.

Cameron Golich.

Matthew David Helisek.

Kevin Matthew Barnes.

Christian Alexander Rodriguez.

Ashley Marie Simone.

Eunseo Park.

Jared Steven Appel.

Drew Michael Bartlett.

(audience cheers) Baylie Gold.

Brooklyn Rae Holler.

Wynter Cheyenne Mortz.

Dante James Razzano.

(audience cheers) Matthew Warren Lindeman.

Emily Margaret Oehmke.

Jiawei Li.

Ziqi Li.

Shea Ross Mulvany.

Peri Ann Pung.

Kaitlyn Deanna Yenor.

Genevieve Ayoub.

Noah Philip Gekiere.

Donica Nichole Bebai.

Jessica Hope Langeneker.

Ellie Michelle Olszewski.

Abbigail Elizabeth Balaka.

Samantha Lu.

Chelsea Paige Spano.

Ashley Taylor Wormser.

Brandon Jeffrey Gielniak.

Nicholas Baur Franz.

Bailey Anthony Paxton.

Austin Grant Loper.

Alexis S. Gardner.

Dasia Marie Stewart.

(audience cheers) Cadealia Denise Turnage.

Logan Benjamin Parth.

Soneea Noelle Solly.

Kimberly Lou Anderson.

Taylor Renee Koltunchik.

Lauren Michelle Levinson.

Braeden Antoine Houle.

Audrey Joyce Blegen.

Lindsay Diane Hickox.

Brooke Eileen LaFontaine.

Julianna Peggy Nicholas.

(audience cheers) Claire Lynn Young.

Kristen Marie Losey.

Fabian Hernandez.

Thomas Matthew Massa.

Arthur Linhatti Mallmann.

Michael James Deschaine.

Holly Taipala.

Melissa Harvey.

Madelyn Paige Andrews-Cuba.

Lara Christiane Zacharewski.

Olivia Cook.

Daniel Thomas Sosnowski.

John Grant.

Nathanial Vincent Rose.

Steven Quach.

Hafsa Shariff Abass.

Estella Marie Massey.

Nikita Nainesh Patel.

Stephen Joseph Kent.

Patrick A. Evans.

Benjamin Forrest Baker.

Daniel McMahon.

Natalie DePerno.

Thomas James Littlefield.

Mia De Angelis.

Samuel David Hansen.

Julia Rose Verkest.

CJ Weiss.

Adam Elias.

Alaina Marie Schmidt.

Tyler Anthony Matel.

Michael Barrett.

Aaron Messerschmidt.

Alexander David Gillen.

Madison Mackenzie Nestico.

Christian Philip Rosenberger.

Alec Douglas Sharp.

Tin Mong.

Philip James Kody.

Lindsay Ann Murphy.

- [Scott] Alex Christopher Wiegel.

Devin Robert Buit.

Samantha Jo Galvan.

Jasper Jubilee DeJesus.

(audience cheers) Gabriel Lane Whitaker.

Jakob Roger Powers.

Elizabeth Nicole Jenness.

Muhammad Shanzer Khan.

Jorge Enrique Caicedo.

Kenneth Mark Guldi Jr.

Jiawei Zhou.

Bradley Thomas Austin.

Joshua Joseph Sebastian.

Jordan Robert Kilgren.

Lauren Catherine McLean.

Jennifer Michelle Mylett.

Ja'Nelle Latisha O'Neal.

(audience cheers) Tomas Busshaus.

Alexander Joseph Pivetta.

Daniel Patrick Hennessy.

Jose Alexis Barajas.

Alec Michael Preston.

Christopher Lee Dolce.

Alexis Corrigan.

Justin Wyatt Zabinski.

Vaske Pallanguri.

Kyle James Kwiatkowski.

Jessica Lynn Mijal.

Sydney Kayla Rosen.

Julia Elizabeth Sattler.

Conor David Van Dusen.

Matthew Joseph Burr.

(woman shrieks) Christopher John Tower.

Hanqi Sun.

Yingin Hao.

Jing Cai.

Mei Mei.

Hongqianli Yuan.

Mingzheng Liu.

Bingqing Wang.

Pouya Dai.

Yin Tung Lau.

Angus Kunchung Lin.

Kenneth DeWayne Reinhart.

Su Chang Guo.

Chia-Wei Chang.

Jared Christopher Merandi.

William Arthur Simms.

Minkyung Hi.

Ling Hau Xiang.

Chen Lu Wang.

Jing Zi Yu.

Chon Yi Li.

Xiang Yi Wong.

Guandi Wang.

Chunwei Xiang.

Yigi Jiang.

Dario John Gusmano.

Dong Min Yung.

Jadarria Jestine Williams.

(audience cheers) William Robert Maurice Murphy.

Andrew M. Stewart.

Jarett Joseph Riffel.

Matthew Harris.

Christian John LeClair.

Christian Burks Poelstra.

Sophia Shurmer.

Elias Matthew Najar.

Scott Michael Tobin.

Charles Leonard Kolacki.

Ryan Michael Plumstead.

Anton Winn.

Gianfranco Scanabissi.

Sunyoung Shin.

Andrea Salsito.

Kathleen Grace Raymond.

Cian McCarthy Seibert.

Nathan Douglas Thurston.

Alexander Joseph Blitstein.

(audience cheers) Samuel Henry Lizzio.

Quentin James Prokopetz.

Kaylyn D. McGhee.

(audience cheers) Sybil Suzanne Robinson.

Sean Edward Doherty.

Jiawen Li.

Ruiqi Wang.

Yanni Ren.

Yiwen Jen.

Wimi Tau.

Yusi Chen.

Mohammed Jehad Aljedah.

Mohammad Albakshy.

Ankur Jayantilal Patel.

(audience cheers) Thomas Michael Apling.

Mathew Troy Millenbach.

Ganesh Reddy Ramasani.

Kuixi Zhao.

Ray Wang.

Connor James McCarthy.

Ryan James Abel.

Zachary Louis Scheid.

Yijie Zhang.

Yilin Chen.

Roxie Liao.

Lingyi Ye.

Yating Shi.

Luther Leilu Dai.

Kangni Wang.

Ji Chen.

Ryan J. Turner.

Paul McKay Tierney.

Omandip Singh.

Oliver Donevski.

Kaiqi Zhang.

Kaiyang Gao.

Nigel A. Sadek.

Dylan Alexander Venard Kinney.

Steven Peter Bill.

Shakia Mone Bell.

(audience cheers) - [Jody] From the James Madison College, Arshi Baig.

Alexis Madison Spector.

Jackson Howard Mills.

Mateusz Michal Leszczynski.

Adam Robert Majestic.

(audience cheers) Jacob John Pulice.

Messiah Akim Williams.

(audience cheers) Nicholas Dean Baugh.

Grace Elizabeth Johnson.

Jacob James Little.

Katie Michelle Olkowski.

Danica Noelle Bebble.

Harris Van Pate.

Daniel Allen Jordan.

William Bruce Wise.

Arzelia Janae Williams.

Ryann Leigh Scherdt.

Sarah Elizabeth Witten.

Sydney Evelyn Leonor Gibbs.

Patrick John Dunstone.

Brenden Michael Smith.

Kelsie Jo Luokkala.

Ian Edward Briggs.

Samuel Phillip Hurwitz.

Mitchell Ryan Hards.

Julia Salamey.

James Michael Lynn.

(audience cheers) Dylan Alexander Colby.

Spencer Thompson.

Stephanie Nadia Tegler.

Sophia Cupal.

J. Jong.

Emily Eve Osika.

Savannah Grace Reinink.

DeOnna McKay.

(audience cheers) Alexander Brown.

Madison L. Ackley.

Anne Marie Leuker.

Jasen Erbeznik.

Alexis Frederick.

(audience cheers) Adriana McKinley.

From the College of Education, Amanda Marie Pohl.

Laura Katherine Waylan.

Iman Salim.

Kate Lynn Cavataio.

Emma Brown Clark.

Emma Loralee McParland.

John Thomas Lenga III.

Hannah Fearing Peterson.

Alexis Magnolia Smith.

Ashleigh Marlene-Gillian Cole.

Dylan Connor McCormick.

Matthew Ryan Cohan.

Andrew Joseph Cataldo.

Hailey Elizabeth Hodgson.

Davon Royale Moseley.

(audience cheers) Noah Patrick Cavera.

Miranda Silvie Carter.

(audience cheers) Angel Andrianne Punzalan Gumapac.

Jonathan Alsip.

Jacqueline Nicole Kilby.

Ahmad R. Spiller.

(audience cheers) Alexander Cyril Canu.

Austin Meyer Pondt.

Jakob Richard Pankonin.

Samantha Ray Getty.

Cody Michael Stokes.

Christopher M. Geldhoff.

Kent R. Strobl.

Jordan Tyler Scovi.

Liam Odea Grathoff.

Rachael Elizabeth Unverferth.

Timothy Joseph Herd.

Sarah Ann Washegesic.

Kelly Zackrison.

Hannah Louise Worth.

Tyler Gardner.

Ronald James Rogers.

Brittney Marie Tanner.

Molly Eileen Huron Fagan.

Hui Yi Liu.

Ruben Vela Jr.

Samantha Marie Kitzens.

(audience cheers) Sky Jillian Hammond.

Sarah Anne Szuba.

Jordan Lynn Bowdish.

Isabella Sortzi.

Trevor Michael Day.

Deion Michael Smalley.

Erykah Murphy.

- [Scott] From the Residential College of Arts and Humanities, Marisa Amanda Elzy.

(audience cheers) Elle Merrill Callahan.

Amelia Rae Paliewicz.

Kate Elizabeth Lafrenz.

Arzelia Janae Williams.

Norrlyn-Michael William Allen.

Taja Belcher.

Sierra Hamilton.

From the College of Music, Mary Kathryn Sopelak.

Johnathon Yuto Scharf.

Laura Michelle Schram.

James Ryan Armbrecht.

Ainsley Doralynne Jasso.

Demiah Williams.

(audience cheers) Zachary Joseph Bohenick.

Caroline Tess Griffin.

Paige Coleman.

From the College of Arts and Letters, Sharon Liyang.

Catherine Elizabeth Mohalik.

Marissa Lee Shoemaker.

Anderson Scott Day.

Joseph John Colmer.

Francesca Potochick.

Emily Madison Caldwell.

Rachel Madison Ogne.

Mikayla Elise Frick.

Alexis Nicole Flint.

Anna Ann.

Danielle N. Stickney.

Cindy Yasmin Ochoa.

(audience cheers) Yassin Vitodrog Herbeznik.

Julia Paige Segar.

Yiwing Jia.

Zoe Elizabeth Howard.

Melissa Marie Fillimon.

Andrew M. Brusso.

Rachel Elizabeth Stone.

Zinod Jafar.

Christian Matthew Perry.

Zoe Vanessa Armstrong.

(audience cheers) Azya Lashelle Moore.

Isabelle Lynn Bush.

Carter Raymond Page.

Miranda Rose Kalinowski.

Clarice Ann Sheedlo.

Matthew James Gillespie.

Azucena Susie Rodriguez.

Trevon Smith.

(audience cheers) Andrea Danesha Lambert.

Alexander Acosta Go.

Stephanie Stobierski Walker.

Kelsey Tate Hensenforzland.

Noah Gerard Whitney.

Chen Wang.

Lu Hungwin.

T'nia Shanice Burse.

Kyle Matthew Parsley.

Kyle Robert Spitzley.

Jhaira Nicorhey Johnson.

Kevin Michael Savich.

Jingyi Meng.

Yongyi Zhang.

Yoletzi Alanese.

Michelle Alexandria Ried.

Sarah Rhiannon Nowack.

Logan Mann.

Anthony Vakanti.

Elaina Lisa Schaeffer.

Cheryl Lynn McCormick.

Lydia M. Cotner.

Robin Nicole Cook.

Shannon Victoria Lemons.

Alberto Gonzalez.

(audience cheers) From the College of Social Science, Lynnea Kay Miller.

Arnold Torres Sanchez.

Francisco Javier Morales.

Adam Bryce-Ziebart Hagedorn.

Rider Lee Swanson.

Abbey Elizabeth Ozeranic.

Sarah Jane Prescorn.

Carter Raymond Bradley.

Rajul R. Pillai.

Amelia Rae Palowitz.

Adam Nathan Holcom.

Nancy Jane Coppernal.

Zachary Christian Bonzheim.

Kyle Joseph Jordan.

Chen Win Jiao.

Xin Ghi Lo.

Brenna Joan Hatch.

Gabrielle Joan Bunker.

Natalie Alexandra Karris.

Catherine Lynn Huska.

Alexis Elaine Dalton.

(audience cheers) Jordan Marie Armstrong.

(audience cheers) Bahar Rose Haste.

Rosemary Anna Kurbitz.

Joseph Robert Kyle.

Nicole Ashley Speckin.

Christine Noelle Francor.

Amber Ray Skinner.

(audience cheers) - [Jody] Oceana Yi Huttar Bailey.

Neely Irene McQueen.

Paige Kreswell Ackerman.

Madeline Claire Lamb.

Ashley Nicole Depew.

Rebecca Elizabeth Gordan.

Mackenzie Lauren Jankowitz.

Alisha Kutch.

Emily Louise Eel.

Elizabeth Anne Liner.

Arianna Kirsten Powell.

Maria Catalina Carvahall.

Hannah Louise Wellman.

Stephanie Kristen Wright.

William Stone Kelly.

Alexandra Griffin.

Timothy Ryan Solesky.

Jacob Logan Wazalu.

Andrew Taylor Johnson.

(audience cheers) Danielle Justine Auger.

Joshua Martin Resio.

Tyler Bowen.

Tara Marie Lee.

Nicole Elise Moffet.

Hailey Brown.

Kylie Marie Densmore.

Huio Wu Te.

Brionna Renee Ringmaiden.

Michelle Ashley Nawicki.

(audience cheers) Jacob Damien.

Spencer James Wills.

Luke Moraf.

Jacob Harrison Wynzinski.

Mark Alan McMahan.

Evan Kozinski.

Chengji Ma.

Rachel Elizabeth Burns.

Fletcher Anthony Coyle.

Jacob William Hargrove.

Alexander David Rogish.

Paige Rausch.

Joel Pritchard.

Stephen Matthew Hosinski.

Jiasung Jiang.

Brian Omar Blanco.

Molly Elizabeth O'Sullivan.

Imran Sanbul.

Casey Lynn Warmon.

Rowosi Ma.

Jian Ming Wa.

Kathleen Jervasi.

Makenna Rose Landstra.

Madeline Jean Schaetzlein.

Yibing Sun.

Yupung Seng.

Parker Edward Muleck.

(audience cheers) Elaina Megan Lawrence.

Preston Thomas Hards.

Andrew Fathman.

Harrison Coe.

Morgan Anne Parlaman.

Patrick Connor Standell.

Zihan Lu.

Xiho Xu.

Ying Ji.

Cameron James Haze.

Alexa D. Frost.

Roarke McAllister.

Adrian Lee Walker.

Evonnia Elizabeth Evans.

(audience cheers) Antonio Terry Williams.

Danya Lamia Brown.

(audience cheers) Kyle Dean Beret.

Blake Wurtleib.

Akia Hewett.

Nurul Nadiah Abdul Majid.

Seba Ali Jabali.

Darryl Stewart Jr.

(audience cheers) David Frederick Beetle.

Mike Panoshuck.

Aria M. Chandler.

Anastaja F. Chandler.

Xuanye Jin.

Stephanie Alondra Raya.

Ivana Elise Bisha.

Carly Boshel.

Shareetha Doles Rayford.

(audience cheers) Erin Birdie Brooks.

Erica Montgomery (audience cheers) Han Liu.

Ting Ting Wu.

Yiyi Liu.

Pedro Povani Cuyanga.

Angel Craighead.

Deja Oliver.

(audience cheers) Stanley Ihejirika.

(audience cheers) Elaina Rene Williams.

Hai Ming Wong.

Jing Xu Chu.

Ji Chao Yung.

Stella Jiang.

Taylor Kolockio.

Ryler Jane Rhodes.

Magalene Elizabeth Orlando.

(audience members shouting) - [Scott] Micah Marshelle Anderson.

Celina Isabella Toberio.

Madison Erin Gavalik.

Olivia Maureen Granon.

Ryan Lance Moran.

Jayla Marcia Jones.

(audience cheers) Emily Marie DePalo.

Kristen Marie Martin.

Lisa Marie Poveta.

Abdulkadir Abukar Muridi.

Reagan Shay Henry.

Michelle Suwan Park.

Bailey Sue Gozen.

Madison Rae Lewis.

Devin Daurice Johns.

Kelsey Freedman.

Anjana Biswas.

Alicia Kimberly Kenner.

Klacey Allison Wojeck.

Eric Michael Himes.

Erica Lee Pasco.

Samuel Tristan Fobel.

Jackline Umariwa.

Mikayla Morgan Morestockard.

Sarah Ivy McCloud.

Veronica Salazar.

(audience cheers) Lena Marie Meyers.

Alexis Kathleen Yenshaw.

Jack William Spane.

Adam Chasovich.

Daniel Wiener.

Grant Edward Gunther.

Evan William Flor.

Nicole Ramos.

Fransesca Elise Stringer.

(audience cheers) Oluwadamilar O. Shokonbi.

Alana Mia Jackson.

Christina Marie Conner.

Lexie Isabella Kay.

Jessica Renee Luski.

Praneeth Kumar.

Mohit Anil Gopwani.

Sintu Liu.

Yuji Wang.

Qisin Yang.

Matt Kreeger.

Junhao Si.

Ella Patrona.

Johnallen Robert McKinney.

Alia C. Ward.

(audience cheers) Luke Matthew Brewer.

Jenna Claire Michaelson.

Diego Hernandez.

Dianne Vanessa Avila.

Mishelle Herrera.

Grant Robert Henderson.

JaBre' Moneice Wallace.

(audience cheers) Emma Anne Peck.

Naomi Blake Evans.

Zuyen Wu.

Adam James Ackerman.

Jack Mardalutzi.

Jack Tyler Sawyer.

Jenna Ti Lei.

Lindsay Paige Cher.

Amir Laurie Franklin.

(audience cheers) Sin Gao.

Puyu Yang.

Jawi Jiang.

Stephanie Nicole Crocket.

Macy Thomas Fetzer.

Angela Nicole Luna.

Delaney Marie McFarlan.

Nolan Ray O'Brien.

Erin Olivia Blackwell.

Emma Frances Putney.

Keegan Margaret Granza.

Katelyn Rose Ringler.

Michaela Beauchamp.

Emily Ann Carup.

Dejane Monet Barton.

(audience cheers) Navia Verlynn Miller.

(audience cheers) Trinli Yang.

Brian Chen.

Xiaoli Sun.

Yiuqion Wei.

Ali Mohammed Hussein.

Brandon Ryan Rankowitz.

Alyssa Marie McCormick.

Yipeng Wei.

Jiawen Deng.

Brianna Yelder.

(audience cheers) Maya Blocker.

Brady Anthony Basteen.

Juliana Maria Ruggirello.

Jacob Timothy Mathis.

Benjamin Jacob Mazer.

Jiari Jiang.

Timothy A. Thomas.

Jewell Lolita Michael.

Kyra Imon Brooks.

(audience cheers) Robert William Cort.

Jordan James Selv.

Jarret Randall Gregory.

Larry J. Johnson.

Neman Hallak.

Tuan Nguyen Mahadeo.

Justin Taylor Baldwin.

Darren Leslie Nulen Jr.

(audience cheers) Alexander Russo Gilhood.

Benjamin Gahli.

Jada Janae Perkins.

Dante Lamar Booker.

And Dominic Jude Sacca Jr.

(audience cheers) (audience cheers) (audience applauds) (audience cheers) (audience applauds) (people chattering indistinctly) (people cheering and shouting) - All graduates, please rise.

(audience cheers) (audience applauds) Congratulations, you are now MSU alumni.

(audience cheers) (audience applauds) You may be seated.

May your MSU degree provide a path to a future filled with happiness, service, and many personal and professional achievements.

A great University and a world-class education are the result of the combined efforts of many dedicated people.

The contributions of MSU faculty are essential to your achievements and they are also a great source of pride to us.

I ask that the faculty rise and accept our gratitude for their contributions, please rise.

(audience applauds) You may be seated.

And now will the families and friends of our graduates who have contributed their love, understanding and support, please rise if they're able and accept our appreciation?

(audience cheers) (audience applauds) You may be seated.

Thank you very much.

I mentioned earlier that graduation is a joyful milestone for students and a vital service to society.

It also is an important achievement for the university.

It illustrates the transformative effect of higher education and validates the efforts of our community of faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and donors.

You are the foundation on which to seek truth and accumulate wisdom, and that will be firm for you.

Your qualifications as aware, critical citizens have been established.

Now you join a long line of Spartans who have contributed so much to their families, our nation, and the world over the last 160 years.

You join a peer group of more than half a million Spartans around the world.

I hope you find ways to engage with this amazing global family.

And I wish you all a life graced by the joys of engagement and discovery and the fulfillment of making a positive difference in others' lives.

I now invite all of you to join in singing the first stanza of our Alma Mater, "MSU Shadows," on page nine of your program.

Mr.

Holland will lead us in the singing.

Following the singing, we request that all be seated during the recessional of the platform party and faculty.

("MSU Shadows") ♪ 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 cheers) (audience applauds) (jazz music) - [Rodney] From the top, top, two, top, two, three, four.

(jazz music) ("Pomp and Circumstance")