(Music Playing) Ladies and gentlemen.

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

Welcome.

Yes.

Welcome to the commencement ceremony for the graduating class of 2026.

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

Pleas stand and join Ameera Coleman, a doctoral student in music performance in the College of Music and th singing of the National anthem.

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

Please remain standing for a moment of silence.

(Singing and performance of Star-Spangled Banner) Please be seated.

Class of 2026.

We bring together you your families, and your friends to honor your accomplishments this evening.

This is a day you will never forget.

The day you put on the green robe and graduated from MSU.

Tonight you will be joining an impressive group of over 60,000.

Comartsci alumni world wide.

We are the first colleg of communication in the nation.

Our students and alumni make it the very best.

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

Whether you are graduating with a degree from the School of Journalism.

The Department of Media and Information.

The Department of Communication.

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.

Or the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.

Congratulation 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 look back at your time at MSU and showcase some of your most memorable moments.

(Music Playing) let's celebrate your everyday heroes, your community, your team of ardent fans who have stood beside you in the highs and the lows.

They are here today to cheer you on.

On this special day, let's thank your famil and friends who are here today.

Let's begin by acknowledging our grandparents and great grandparents in the audience.

Please stand if you are able.

Next, parents, please stand and be recognized.

Spouses and partners, please stand.

Children, friends and other who came to celebrate with you.

Please stand.

Thank you.

You may be seated.

This is an important day fo 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.

Career services personnel.

Would you please stand and be recognize for your amazing contributions?

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

Maybe you were watchin with friends when the Spartans made it to the sweet 16 this basketball season.

Perhaps you had a group project that you wanted to get just right.

Or maybe you waited a little too late.

And before you knew it, you and your group ended up pulling an all nighter over at Commerce side.

Well, I don't recommend you making a practice of it, but I can't deny that it can be a rite of passage.

Some of you may have participated in the inaugural illuminating of the Beaumont Towe during this past holiday season.

Yes.

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

And now you're prepared not just to lead meaningful careers, but to lead meaningful lives.

Carrying forwar the Spartan commitment to serve, strengthen communities and mak a difference beyond your work.

As we send you off into the world today, I'd like to take a few minute to impart my own 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 arts 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, and that is empathy.

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

To craft stories that bridge divides.

This is the essence of great communication, empathy.

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

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

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

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

Whatever is next for you in your career, remember that excellent communication is about fa more than technical expertise.

The best communicators know to listen first with empathy.

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

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

And guess what?

This advice applies to being a good citizen as well as a talented professional.

You'll have many opportunities to practice empathy in your neighborhood, your place of 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 far 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 b heard, but to truly hear others.

Not just to inform, but to connect.

Not just to speak, but to inspire.

And congratulations, class of 2026.

The world is waiting for your voice.

Make it one that brings people together.

It is now my pleasure to introduce Edona Prenaj.

A Communicative Sciences and Disorders senior who will speak on behalf of the class of 2026.

Hello, graduates, faculty and loved ones.

In a special surpris to my parents, who are just now finding out that I'm tonight's students speaker.

Now.

Now, before I begin, I want to share a special message to my parents in Albanian.

(Albanian) In English, that's mom and dad.

I'm here today because of you.

Thank you for everything you've done for me.

And for every sacrifice you've made for our family.

What an honor it is to be here with you all this evening.

I want to start by being completely honest.

I almost didn't stand here today because I kept telling myself others were more deserving and more qualified to be in this position.

Simply put, I was afraid.

Afrai my words wouldn't be good enough and afraid that maybe they would be.

And I'd have to stand up her and actually say them out loud in a room full of calm, artsy Spartans who are very good at analyzing a speech.

That fear felt familiar, and I think it feels familiar to many of you to fear has a funny way of following us into exams, interviews, applications, and now graduation.

Because while today is a celebration, it's also a question mark.

Some of us are excited for what's next new jobs, grad school, new cities, and some of us are honestly terrified.

Not sure what comes next, but most of us are somewhere in between.

Excited for what's ahead, but wishing we had just a little more time to figure it all out.

Graduation can make it seem like we're supposed to have everything figured out the moment we cross this very stage, and for some of us, maybe that's true, but for others, our plans may still be buffering.

And that's okay.

What matters most is this.

Getting here was never an accident.

Our journeys did not start when we declared our majors or stepped onto this campus.

We've come to call home.

They started wit the people who believed in us.

For me, that includes my immigrant parents who came to this country not knowing exactly what life would look like, but willing to work long days, make sacrifices, and start over so I could have the opportunities that brought me here today.

My sisters who believed in me in moments I struggled to believe in myself.

My peers and friends who turned study groups into therapy sessions and reminded me I was never in this alone.

My teachers, professors, and advisors who dedicated their career to helping us reach this moment.

And though our journeys differ, we have found our way here at MSU.

During our tim here, we've learned how humans communicate through language and speech, through signs and gestures, through stories, in silence.

And we've learned that communication is not something to be taken for granted.

It is something to protect, to restore and to share.

So even if you don't have everything figured out, know this you have not failed.

You are here because of your hard work, your persistence, and your empathy.

And the world will always need people who can listen and understand and communicate thoughtfully.

Especially now, because in a time where it's easy to talk over each other, we have learned how to truly listen to each other and that is powerful.

So today, let yourself feel proud.

Let yourself celebrate.

You've earned this.

And if fear follow you beyond today, remember this.

The very skills that brought you here, your voice, your insight and your empathy will carry you forward.

I am so proud to stand alongside all of you here tonight.

Congratulations.

College of communication, Arts and Sciences, class of 2026.

Go out there and use your voice to not only be heard, but to make space for others to be heard too.

Because as communicators, we know words that shape the world and silence can carry consequences.

So speak with purpose.

Listen with intention.

And remember the future belongs to those who refuse to stay silent.

Go green.

Go White.

Thank you Edona.

Now, we'd like to recogniz some other students here today.

We pay tribute to graduates who had the distinction of maintaining the highest grade point averages in the class, thereby meriting a perfect 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 be 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 20 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 honor you and the university.

On behalf of your classmates.

The faculty administration an the trustees of the University, I congratulate you and wish you all the best.

Students who participate in and fulfil 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 stool with the HC designation.

All students who are graduating as members of the Honors College.

Please stan and accept our congratulations.

Please be seated.

Students who attain a grade point average of 3.98 and higher are awarded University High Honor.

University honor is awarded to students who have earned a grade point average of 3.88.

These honors are designated by the gold cord added to the academic robes.

Would all students who are graduatin with high honor and with honor please stan and accept our congratulations.

In recognition of Michigan State's ongoing commitment to study abroad.

I asked graduates who have had an international experience as a study abroad student outside of the United States to please ris and accept our congratulations.

In addition to those students that traveled abroad.

Michigan State is committe to supporting students traveling from other countries to study here at MSU.

I asked graduate who are international students that have traveled here to study to please ris and accept our congratulations.

Next all first generation graduates, please stan and accept our congratulations.

We are so very grateful you selected Michigan State University.

And we are so very proud of your achievements.

Graduates, if you transferred to Michigan State University to complete and earn your baccalaureate degree, please rise and accept our gratitude and 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 varsity club or intramural athletics.

Student organizations.

Campus media.

Stay standing.

Campus media.

Student government.

Undergraduate research.

Education abroad.

MSU band.

Internships.

Mentoring or volunteering.

You have helped make this university stronger through your dedication and participation.

And we thank you for all of your hard work.

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

Congratulations, class of 2026.

All of the late nights collaborations and your dedication have led to this moment.

I hope you take the time to appreciate how far you've com and everything you've achieved.

We can't wait to hear about all the awesome things you do next.

Go Green.

To all spring 2026 graduates.

Congratulations on a job well done.

It's been a tremendous pleasure and an honor to be a small part of your academic journey.

Now it's time for you to spread your wings.

So reach for the stars and the skies.

Keep learning and growing.

And keep making the world a better place for all.

Go green.

Congratulations.

For a long time, you and your family have been working toward this momen and preparing for the next step.

And the next ste is a wonderful, great adventure.

Be ethical.

Be kind.

Be smart.

Be giving.

Give others grace and the benefit of the doubt, but question everything in our constructed society.

Work toward the betterment of the living and working conditions of others and of our earth.

We reap what we sow.

Remember tha individual success is a mindset, a global success takes a village.

So let me end where I began.

Congratulations.

Go, green.

Congratulations.

Class of 2026 with a special shout out to our CSD grads.

We are so proud of the work that you've put in over the last several years.

You've built a stron foundation, and whether you're headed to graduate school or taking another path, you're ready for what's next.

So as new Spartan alumni.

Stay in touch.

We'd love to hear where your journey takes you.

Go green.

Congratulations.

Class of 2026.

I'm so proud of you.

And I hope you're proud of yourselves for how far you've come.

Go green.

Comartsci.

Graduates, you've asked for some tips.

The first tip is don't burn the second, eat before you go grocery shopping.

And my third ti is to adopt a pet food shelter.

Congratulations.

We are so proud of you.

Hello, team.

You made it.

Congratulations.

I'm so excited to see you here today as you graduate.

After all the hours of hard work that you put in, now you get to walk across the stage.

I can't wait to se what you do in audio video land.

Between advertising classes with me.

Our public relations classes with me.

We love learning in the classroom with you.

We hope you stay curious and stay away from parking tickets on your next adventures.

Congratulations on this major milestone.

Go green.

Go white.

Congratulations, seniors.

You've come a long way in your life and academic career to make it to this point.

College graduates, remember, always work hard.

Always do your best and always have fun along the way.

Game on!

Go green.

You know, as college graduates, we tend to believe that we can plan our futures.

But the fact is many of the most consequential things that happen to us in our lives are from chance encounters.

The next time you're around someone you don't know.

Be friendly and be talking.

Tell them your name.

That's how you hear me.

Tell them where you're from.

They'll do the same.

And then tell them where you went to school.

Whether it's a Spartan, Nittany Lion, a Buckeye, Hawkeye.

You'll be amaze at how much this Big Ten network and Michigan State Spartan Network can work for you.

Hello out there to CSD students.

Congratulations on your graduation.

I am so proud of you.

You've all worked so har and done such a beautiful job.

Enjoy your moment.

Go green, go white.

High seniors.

First of all, I just want to say congrats.

Each and every one of you.

I know you hav so many big things ahead of you.

And even if I haven't worked with you individually, I see you.

I'm so proud of you.

I will be rooting for you.

Please know comartsci is always home.

We are here to provide resources and be of support to you and most importantly, our green.

Congratulations.

Comartsci graduates, journalists, digital storytellers.

Go do great things.

Demonstrate empathy.

Understanding.

Fight for truth and justice.

Congratulations.

Class of 2026.

This is a moment to be proud of, and you have shown resilienc and determination to get here.

At Comarsci you've had the opportunity to appl what you've learned in real ways shaping ideas, solving problems and finding your voice as you move forward.

Carr that confidence and stay curious and always lead with empathy.

We are so proud of you.

Go green.

Well, it is now time to confer your degrees.

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

Will the graduates.

Well, the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.

Please rise.

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

Please remain standing.

The candidates fro the Department of Communication will be presented by Department Chair Monique Turner.

Will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the Departmen of Communication please stand?

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the faculty in the Department of Communication, I present these awesome 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 Tim Voss.

Will the candidates for the baccalaureate degree from the School of Journalism please rise?

Dean Hennink-Kaminski, on behalf of the faculty of the School of Journalism, I present these candidates for the awarding of the appropriate degree.

Please remain standing.

And last but not least, the candidates from the Department of Media and Information will be presented by Department Chair Michael Stern.

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

Please stand.

Go.

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

Stay standing.

On behalf of the president 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 right and distinctions to which they entitle you.

And according to custom, you may now move your tassel 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 so proud of you an 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 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 audienc to be considerate in applauding your graduate as names are read.

Each graduate's name should be heard following the presentation of your diploma.

We ask that all recipients return to your seats for the duration of the ceremony.

Each graduating senior i a member of the Spartan family.

Please show the same respect for the last graduate as for the first.

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

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

(Conferral of degrees reading graduate names) (Conferral of degrees reading graduate names) (Conferral of degrees reading graduate names) (Singing and performance of MSU Alma Mater) (MSU Fight Song performance)