(Music Playing) Good evening.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I am Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, and I serve as the dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Woo hoo!

Welcome to the commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2025.

We are so proud of you and honored to celebrate your accomplishments today.

Please stand and join Amira Coleman, a doctoral student in music performance in the College of Music and the singing of the National Anthem.

She is accompanied by the MSU Wind Symphony conducted by Michael Gabriel at the conclusion of the song.

Please remain standing for a moment of silence.

O say can you see by the dawns early light What so proudly we haild at the twilights last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Oer the ramparts we watchd were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets 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 Oer the land of the free and the home of the brave Today we bring you together.

You, our graduates, along with your families and friends to honor your accomplishments.

As we begin to shift to a celebration, let us pause for a moment of silence to consider how we can liv our lives in a way that honors all Spartans, including those who are no longer with us.

Please be seated.

We are privileged tonight to have a member of the Board of trustees with us.

The Honorable Rebecca Bahar-Cook.

Trustee Bahar-Cook will now welcome you to tonight's activities.

Thank you.

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the MSU Board of Trustees, I welcome all the graduates, families and friends who are with us at this evening's undergraduate commencement.

Today's ceremony represents a culmination of disciplined intellectual work and creative imagination.

Certainly no small accomplishment for many of you and your families here today.

The sacrifices have been long and great.

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

Our wish i that you will always be leaders who generously use you intelligence and your knowledge to improve the quality of lif for your community, to advance the common good, and to renew hope in the human spirit.

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

Please accept our warmes congratulations and best wishes.

Thank you.

Trustee Bahar-Cook, class of 2025.

You will be joining a large and impressive group of graduates from the College of Communication, Arts and Sciences.

We are the first colleg of communication in the nation.

And our students and alumni an faculty make it the very best.

Tonight you become alumni of the college, joining over 58,000 others worldwide.

Like those before you, you will leave a unique mark on this campus.

This is a day you will never forget.

The day you pu on the green robe and graduated from Michigan State University.

This is true whether you are graduating with a degre from the School of Journalism.

The Department of Media and Information.

The Department of Communication.

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

And the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.

Congratulations.

Congratulations to each of yo on what you have accomplished.

We believe in you.

You will achieve great things in the years to come.

Now, please direct your attention to the screen as we take a look bac at your time at MSU and showcase some of your most memorable moments.

(Music Playing) (Music Playing) Thank you.

Now let's celebrate your everyday heroes, your community, your team of ardent fans who have stood beside you in your highs and lows.

They are here today to cheer you on.

On this special day, let's thank your family and friends who are here to celebrate with you.

We'll begin by acknowledging our grandparents and great grandparents in the audience.

Please stand if you are able, and let us thank you.

Next.

Parents please stand and be recognized.

Parents.

Spouses and partners, please stand.

Children, friends and others who came to celebrate.

It's your turn.

Please stand.

Thank you.

You may be seated.

This is an important day for our faculty and staff as well.

As we bid you farewell.

We are honored and pleased to have played a small but significant role in your lives.

Faculty, staff, academic advisors and career services personnel.

Would you please stand and be recognized for your contributions?

I imagine this past year includes special moments that will linger i your memories for years to come.

Maybe you were watchin with friends when the Spartans were victorious against U of M. Not once, but twice.

This basketball season.

Perhaps you had a group project that you wanted to get just right, and before you knew it you and your teammates ended up pulling an all nighter over at ComArtSci Yeah, we know about that.

And while I don't recommend making a practice of it, I can't deny that it's a rite of passage.

You're also among the first year of graduates to participate in the newest Spartan tradition, the Beaumont Tower climb.

Yes.

As a Spartan, you've been a part of something, and you've left your mark.

And now you're prepare to not lead meaningful careers, but also to lead meaningful lives.

As we send you off into the world today, I'd like to take a few minute to impart a few words of wisdom here at Michigan State University and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

We recognize that the world's biggest problems can only be solved justly and sustainably, with a diversity of voices, expertise and experiences.

Graduates, today marks the culmination of your hard work, dedication and passion for the art and the science of communication.

You leave here not just with degrees, but with a profound responsibility to help shape the way the world listens, understands, and connects.

In an age of informatio overload, where messages travel at the speed of light an opinions collide with intensity.

There is one skill that remains more powerful than any technology.

Empathy.

The ability to truly listen and to understand the world through another's eyes.

To craft stories that bridge divides.

This is the great essence of communication.

Empathy gives words their weight, stories their soul and conversations, their meaning.

It allows us to move beyond echo chambers, to challenge assumptions, and to build relationships rooted in understanding rather than division.

As communicators, you have the unique ability not just to share information, but to create change by amplifying voices that may be unheard.

And by fostering dialog where there is discord, and by reminding the world that behind every story is a human being.

Whatever is next for you in your career?

Remember that excellent communication is abou more than technical expertise.

The best communicators know to first listen with empathy.

The better you understand your audience an the circumstances around them, the more engaging and impactful you will be.

This approach takes time, but it centers peopl and it is well worth the effort.

This advice applies also to being a good citizen.

You'll have many opportunities to practice empathy in your neighborhood, your place of work.

Worship your local government as Spartans.

This is part of our DNA.

Respect for others and excellence without arrogance combined with our land grant.

Ideal of empowerment through knowledge.

Spartans are a force for good that will create a better world.

So as you step into the next chapter of your journey, I hope tha you let empathy be your guide.

Use your skills not just to be heard, but to listen.

Not to just inform, but to connect.

Not just to speak, but to inspire.

Congratulations, class of 2025.

The world is waiting for your voice.

Make it one that brings people together.

It is now my pleasure to introduce Avery Mclean, an Information science senior who will speak on behalf of the class of 2025.

Good evening.

Communication arts and Sciences, faculty, staff, proud parents and most importantly, the incredible graduating class of 2025.

My name is Avery Mclean and am an information science major.

It is an immense honor to stand before you today and an opportunity I will never forget.

For most of us sitting in the bleachers tonight, our initial weeks at MSU were far from typical, marked by remote classes pandemic precautions.

And while this period presented challenges, it also provided an opportunity to rediscover rediscover essential skills in a heavily digital world.

We learned to build a new toolkit of digital communication, collaboration and learning strategies.

The class of 2025 uniquel navigated the pandemic's impact during our high school years.

Transitioning from in-perso learning to virtual classrooms and then relearning social connection in college, we adapted from zoom breakout rooms to real life study groups, demonstrating resilience and innovation and ultimatel defining ourselves as Spartans.

Despite an unprecedented start to my college career, I would not change a thing.

It has made me so grateful for the relationships I've been able to make and the opportunities I was able to have throughout my academic career.

Pursue those very connection and support that I discovered.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned at MSU.

The importance of advocating for myself.

I discovered that the professors here are not just lecturers.

They are mentors and guides eager to share their knowledge and support our growth.

I remembe one of my first in-person, zoom or in-person classe after all of the zoom sessions.

It wasn't a huge lecture hall, and that was what was so exciting.

It was a class that thrived on discussion, participation and engagement.

At first it was pretty quiet, but with each session, something shifted.

Everyone gained confidence, a desire to contribute, and a genuine excitement to learn from each other.

Speaking up, showing that curiosity led to something invaluable.

Connections with professors who opened up so many doors within within MSU and beyond.

Their recommendations aided me in securing scholarships and internships, allowing m to continue my academic journey.

It was a powerful reminder that seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength, and that the professors here truly want to see us succeed.

Learn and grow.

I want to specifically acknowledge two professors who had a profound impact on my experience.

Professor Stern, who taught my media and information research methods and ethics class, reignited my love for the classroom and the excitement of learning together.

He encouraged discussion, participation, and valued student curiosity.

And Doctor Wyche with her passion for teaching and human centered design.

How does to pre-COVID expectations fostering a collaborative environment?

These professors exemplify the dedication and support found within the ComArtSci faculty and staff.

This experience reinforces how vital mentorship and genuine connection are in shaping our growth and our future success.

We have also faced a unique challenge relearning how to connect how to build communities again, and how to learn together in person.

After years of pandemic isolation, we rebuilt our social muscles and forged bonds that will last a lifetime.

And because of that, we are stronger.

We learned how to communicate again, to read body language again, and to make in-person connections again.

In this process, we rediscovered the power of shared laughter, crowded lecture halls, and late night projects.

These bonds, along with the incredible MSU alumni network, will last a lifetime.

As an information science major, I have had internships spanning from computer science to user experience design that have given me a front row seat to the evolution of the tech world.

And here's what I've learned.

In a world driven by algorithms and code, the human element can easily be forgotten.

However, the most successfu tech innovations and solutions demonstrate the importanc of user experience and empathy.

Throughout my internships I saw firsthand how prioritizing user research and empath led to truly impactful products.

Our ComArtSci background our understanding of human interaction is our greatest asset in this digital world.

Thinking back on my whole journey here, I realized that my entire MSU experience has been a series of unexpected opportunities due to the connections that I've made that began by simply raising my hand to ask a question, or being brave enough to say hello to a stranger.

And that's exactly what awaits you.

Class of 2025.

You have the tools.

The resilience that came from navigating the pandemic and the Spartan spirit to make a real difference.

Go out there.

Advocate for yourselves, build meaningful connections, and use your voice to create a more compassionate and connected world.

The world is waiting for your unique perspective, your empathy, and your ability to connect.

Step up Spartans and let your voices be heard.

You are the future.

Congratulations, class of 2025.

Thank you.

Go green.

Thank you.

Avery.

Now, I'd like to take a moment to recognize, some of the students who are with us today.

First, we pay tribute to graduates who have the distinctio of maintaining the highest grade point average in the class, thereby meriting a 4.0 grade point average.

Names of the 4.0 students present today are on the screens behind me.

To be eligible for a 4.0, at least three fourths of the credits for the degree must have been earned in residence at Michigan State University.

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

This spring semester we have nine qualified students in our college who earned a grade point average of 4.0.

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

Award recipients.

You should be proud of your outstanding academic record that honors you and the university.

On behalf of your classmates, the faculty administration, and the trustees of the university.

I congratulate you and wish you the best.

Next, students who participate in and fulfill the requirements of the Honors College by completing enriched programs of study are identified as graduatin with Honors College Distinction.

These graduates wear a white collar stole with the HC designation.

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

Next, let us recognize the many other students here today who have achieved distinction through their participation in the fabric of university life.

Please stand and remain standing.

If you have participated in education abroad.

Varsity athletics.

Varsity athletics.

Student associations.

Campus media.

Student government.

MSU band.

Internships.

Mentoring or volunteering.

Well, you guys have been busy.

You've helped make this university stronger through your dedication.

And we thank you for your hard work and your contributions.

Please be seated.

Before we officially confer your degrees, please direct your attention to a short video that features word of encouragement from ComArtSci faculty, staff, and alumni.

All right.

Are we ready?

It's now time to confer the baccalaureate degrees upon candidates.

The candidates from the Department of Advertising and Public Relations will be presented by interim department chair Andy Corner.

All right.

Here we go.

It's about to get real.

Will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the Department of Advertising and Public Relations please rise?

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the facult in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, I present these candidates to you for the awarding of the appropriate degree.

Please stay standing.

The candidates fro the Department of Communication will be presented by department chair, Doctor Monique Turner.

Will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the Department of Communication please rise?

Woo, awesome Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the faculty in the Department of Communication.

I present these candidates to you for the awarding of the appropriate degree.

The candidates from the Department of Communicative Science and Disorders will be presented by Associate Professor Bridget Walsh.

Will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders please rise?

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the faculty in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, I present these outstanding candidates to you for the awarding of the appropriate degree.

The candidates from the School of Journalism will be presented by director Doctor Tim Vos.

Will the candidates for the bachelor's degree from the School of Journalism please rise?

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the world class faculty of the School of Journalism, I present these candidates to you for the awarding of the appropriate degrees.

The candidates from the Department of Media and Information will be presented by department chair, Doctor Michael Stern.

Last but not least, will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the Department of Media and Information.

Please rise.

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the faculty and the Department of Media and Information, I present to you these candidates for the degree awarding of the appropriate degree.

On behalf of President Guskiewicz, who has delegated to him the authority of the State of Michigan vested in the Board of Trustees, I confer upon all of you the degrees for which you have been recommended, with all of the rights and distinctions to which they entitle you, according to custom.

You may now move your tasse from the right side of your cap to the left.

Congratulations!

You are now and forever will be alumni of Michigan State University.

We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

Please be seated.

With the assistanc of department representatives.

It now gives me great pleasure to recognize individually each graduate from today's ceremony.

A professional photographer is stationed at the platform to take pictures of the graduates as they receive their token diplomas.

Picture proof will be mailed to each graduate.

We ask all other photographers to remain in their seats, or within the roped off area to the left of the stage to take pictures.

We ask the audience to be considerate in applaudin your graduate, as names are read so that we can hea the name of each graduate today.

Following the presentation of your diploma, we ask all degree recipients to return to your seats and remain for the duration of the ceremony.

Each graduating senior i a member of the Spartan family, and we ask that you please show the same respec for the last graduate tonight, as we show for the first.

We understand that commencement is a long event, but we encourage everyone to stay until the end.

To show our appreciation, we have a special gift for all graduate s who remain with us for the entirety of this celebration.

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

The graduates of the School of Journalism are being escorted by Doctor Christina Myers, assistant professor in the school and winner of the 2025 ComArtSci Faculty Impact Award.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) The graduates of the Department of Media and Information are being escorted by Ricardo Guimaraes, Senior specialist in the Department of Media and Information.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) The graduates of the Department of Communication are being escorted by Doctors Dustin Carnahan and Erika Oh, associate and assistant professor in the department.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) The graduates of the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders are being escorted by Jeff Searl, associate chair in the Department.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) The graduates from the Department of Advertising and Public Relations are being escorted.

Are being escorted by Alexandrea Stanley, instructor in the department.

And Tiffany Wahl, assistant instructor in the department.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) Congratulations, graduates.

I'd now like to introduce members of the platform party who have not been to the microphone.

Kari Schueller Lopez is the assistant dean for undergraduate education.

Lauren Gaines is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jamie, Jamie Paisley and doctor Lind Kernohan, I'd like to thank you for assisting us as readers today.

I would also like to thank Susan Haie for providing real time captioning for tonight's ceremony.

And graduates, thank you for staying.

Please be sure to see your advisor to collect your token of appreciation from the college before you leave.

Once again, I would like to thank Amira Coleman, Michael Gabriel and the MSU wind sympathy for their participation tonight.

I now invite all of you to join in singing the first stanza of the alma mater, MSU shadows.

After the alma mater we ask our guests to be seated and to remain there until after the recessional of the platform party.

MSU we love thy shadows When twilight silence falls Flushing deep and softly paling Oer ivy covered halls Beneath the pines well gather To give our faith so true Sing our love for Alma Mater And thy praises MSU.

(Music Playing) (MSU Fight Song)