(Music Playing) I am Dr.

Jerlando Jackson, dean of the College of Education.

Welcome to the spring 2026 baccalaureate commencement ceremony for the College of Education.

Please stand if you are able or continue to stand in some cases, to join me in singing the America the Beautiful Song by Tiffany Williams, a doctoral student in the College of Music accompanied by the Michigan State University Symphony Band, conducted by Craig Adams and composed by Samuel Award.

After singing Pleas Remain Standing if you're able, for a moment of silence.

(Singing and performance of America the Beautiful) for a moment of silence and personal reflection.

To give thank and show our appreciation to all who are assembled here, and to consider how we can liv our lives in a way that honors all Spartans, including those who are no longer with us.

Thank you.

Please be seated.

Today marks an important milestone in your education, and we share your pride as we celebrate your achievement.

Next year, some of you have elected to go to graduate school, and many of you will embar on your first career experience.

Never have the fields of education and kinesiology been more exciting and challenging.

Your education has prepared you to meet these challenges and to view them as opportunities for making a difference in the lives of others.

The pas several years brought challenges that no one could foresee.

We learned to be adaptable and ever changing situations.

We appreciated how to care for one another.

And most importantly, we realize that Spartans are resilient.

That is evident in the fact that we are all gathered here today to celebrate this incredible milestone.

You all have achieved.

We are confident that as you move to the next stages of your lives, you will hold on to what you've learned and bring honor to yourself and to Michigan State University.

This weekend and next, 16 MSU colleges honor over 11,000 students who are graduating this spring or summer.

The College of Education students comprise a significant part of the student body at MSU.

However, each of yo is important to this institution in ways that transcend the size of your graduating class.

We honor and celebrate your commitment to determination and accomplishment.

At this time, Rebecca Bahar-Cook of the MSU Board of Trustees will now greet the graduates and guests.

Thank you.

Dean Jackson.

On behalf of the MSU Board of Trustees, welcome to our graduates, families and friends who are joining with us at this evening's undergraduate commencement.

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

Today's ceremony represent the culmination of discipline, intellectual work, and creative imagination.

Certainly no small feat 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 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, the administrators, and the MSU trustees are all very proud of you.

Please accept our warmest congratulations and best wishes.

Thank you.

Trustee Bahar-Cook This year, we have selected two graduating students to offer remark on behalf of the class of 2026.

I would first like to introduce Maddie Green, an English graduate and secondary education from Commerce Township, Michigan.

After graduating.

After graduation, she will seek a teaching position in English Language arts and psychology in the Lansing or Oakland County areas.

Im just a little shorter.

Before we begin, I want to take a moment to thank my mom for always being by my side, Glennon Sue, for being the bes chosen family I could ask for.

My friend who let me be unconditionally, me and my students at Charlotte High School.

I am so grateful you were the first group of students I got to have.

Good evening everyone, families, friends, faculty and of course my fellow graduates.

Today is a day we dreamed about.

Work toward, cried over, laughed through, and somehow survived together.

It's surreal to stand here knowing we're at a moment where one chapter closes and another begins.

But before we look ahead, I want to take a moment to honor how we arrived at this point.

Not by accident or by ease, but by intention, resilience, and heart.

Not everyone grows up knowing exactly what they want to be at seven years old, and that's okay.

One way or another, we all found our way here.

Something called to us.

Maybe it was a quiet poll.

Maybe it was a spark.

But it was enough to make us want to do good in the world.

Enough to make us choose education.

Let's be honest.

Education is not the easiest field to step into.

It takes heart, courage, and a whole lot of patience.

But I know you are wildly capable.

I've watched you work tirelessly in your classes.

You've collaborated in clubs t better yourself as an educator.

I've seen your many lessons team taught with some of you, witnessed your grace and leadership, felt your unwavering perseverance and admired your ever flowin patience during group projects.

When we all wanted to take charg because, well, we're teachers.

But more than anything, I want to acknowledge your tenacity.

Our class experienced a tremendous loss our freshman year.

February 13th was a dark day.

Especially as future educators.

Yet I watched our love, light, joy, and community outweigh the darkness that day had and the impact it had on each of us.

It wasn't just that moment, though.

Over these past few years, we've seen those in positions of power dismiss our profession, cut funding, and degrade the very work we're preparing to do.

Yet here we stand still, listening to that little voice inside that says, do it anyway.

People often mistake bravery for fearlessness.

I wholeheartedly disagree.

Bravery is action in spite of fear.

I don't know about you, but being a teacher feels both positively terrifying and yet somehow exactly right all at once.

Trust yourself.

Trust your education and your knowledge.

Mistakes will happen, but you will overcome them.

You are proof that goodness is real and growth is possible.

A good friend of mine always says children are the future.

And how cool is it that we get to help shape that future, to know we will play even the small role in the generations to come.

It is an honor I don't take lightly, and I am so incredibly proud of each of you.

I can't wait to see the impacts you will make in your classrooms.

If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it would be this.

You are a human first and a teacher second.

I want you to love this job, not just survive it.

I want you to stay in this field for many, many years.

But you can't do that if you don't take care of yourself.

Mental health is essential.

Prioritize your well-being.

Practice self-care.

Buil and keep your support systems.

Protect your joy.

We are Spartans Spartan educators nonetheless.

And never forget.

Spartans will now.

I don't know about you, but I am so ready to leave.

I've done my time.

Trust me.

But as I look back on classes, colleagues, the discussions and memories.

I can't help but feel a little grief.

How lucky are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?

So I'm not saying goodbye.

Not yet.

This is a see you later.

I want you to take a moment to look around.

I hope that ten years from now, you're still leaning on the people in this room.

Text that cohort that you're in.

My kids are driving me crazy.

But I love them so much.

How do you deal with x, y, z?

I am beyond grateful for this program, for bringing the most incredible souls into my life.

I am forever changed by knowing you.

I hope you know that.

Congratulations Spartan educators!

Your students are so lucky to have you.

Thank you.

Maddie.

Our second speaker is Colleen Kubisiak, a kinesiology graduate from East Towers, Michigan.

Next year, she will begin the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Grand Valley State University.

Good evening, faculty, family, friends, and the class of 2026.

Standing before you today feels surreal.

When I first imagined my college graduation, I didn't picture this version of myself.

The confidence I've built, the resilience I've discovered, or the overwhelming gratitude I feel standing here today.

My journe didn't start at Michigan State, but I always knew I'd end up here.

I started at a community college and transferred here the fall of my junior year.

So I didn't take the traditional path.

I wasn't here from day one.

I didn't move into the dorms as freshmen, like many of you did, or spent four years building a story from my time here.

What I did learn was this.

Your path does not have to look like everyone else's to be purposeful.

Differen does not mean less and different certainly does not mean behind.

Sometimes the detours are what build you.

When we think of a detour in college, it's often treated like a setback, a delay, or a signal that something went wrong.

But what if it didn't?

What if the extra year the transfer, the major change, or the challenge you didn't ask for wasn't a disruption, but preparation?

Many of us, as kinesiolog students have spent four years studying how the body adapts.

We know muscles don't grow without resistance.

Adaptation happens whe something challenges the system.

In many ways, that's exactly what these years have done for us.

The long nights before exams, the group projects, the moments we doubted ourselves.

These moments didn't break us.

They built us.

Hard work isn't glamorous.

It's quiet.

It's choosing discipline.

When motivation fades.

It's putting in the work when nobody is watching and trusting that small consistent steps will eventually lead somewhere meaningful.

Resilience isn't loud either.

It's getting back up after disappointment.

It's adjusting when plans change.

Finding another way forward when the first door closes.

As for me, my faith made the detours feel purposeful.

There were moments when I didn't understand why my journey looked the way it did.

Faith reminded me that not seeing the full map doesn't mean you're lost.

It means you're being guided step by step.

Through those moments, I learned to trust my faith even when I couldn't see what was ahead.

Looking back now, I see it all clearly.

The detours didn't slow me down.

They strengthened my foundation.

They taught me gratitude.

Humility and that arriving isn't nearly as important as who you become along the way.

Before I finish, I would be remiss if I didn't think two people who have been steady through my every detour.

My mom and dad.

You've believed in me long before I fully believed in myself.

You supported me every step of the way.

You reminded me who I was when I doubted you, prayed for me when I was overwhelmed.

And you never once made my path feel like the wrong one.

Thank you for your sacrifices, your encouragement, and your unwavering love.

As we sit here today, whether you were here all four years, transferred like I did, changed majors, changed dreams, or overcame challenges no one else saw.

Every one of us has navigated our own version of a detour, and now we step into what comes next.

Some of us are entering the workforce.

Some are continuing our education, and some of us are still figuring it out.

And that's okay.

As for me, I'm excite to continue my journey at Grand Valley State University, where I'll be starting their Doctor Physical therapy program.

I'll be taking everything.

These past four years have taught me the challenges, the growth, and the lessons and carrying i with me into the next chapter.

Class of 2026.

As we step into new opportunities and leave Michigan State, may you remember this.

When the path curves, keep going when the planes change, adapt, or when the timeline shifts, trust it.

Detours are not the end of the story.

They are ofte the very thing that shapes them.

We didn't all take the same road to get here, but every road has led us to this moment.

And let me tell you something.

We made it.

Congratulations.

Class of 2026.

Thank you.

Go green.

Go white.

Thank you.

Colleen.

The MSU Symphony Band will now present a fantasy of MSU songs composed by James Kernow and conducted by Craig Adams.

(Music Playing) Thank you, Mr.

Adams and members of the MSU Symphony Band at this time.

Doctor Rebecca Jacobsen, interim associate dean will recognize the 4.0 students that receive Scholastic Achievement Award from the College of Education and recognize the graduates of the class of 2026.

Thank you.

We wish to pay tribute to graduates who not only completed thei academic program successfully, but who have had the distinction of having maintained the highest grade point averages in the class, thereby earning a 4.0 grade point average to be eligible, at least 60 credits for the degree must be earned in residence at Michigan State University, with numerical grades by th close of the preceding semester.

Will the students who are present please stand if able and remain standing as your names are called?

I request that you hold your applause until all are introduced alphabetically.

These students are.

Brooke.

I'm Russ Mocker, English Carly Murray, kinesiology.

Courtney Craig, kinesiology Eliza Crawford, elementary education Abby Curtis, elementary education Alexis de young, elementary education Maya de Coote, elementary education Nicole Gentile, special education, learning disabilities Nicole Gerby, kinesiology.

Isabella Green, watch kinesiology Stephanie Webster, kinesiology Toussaint Lyles, kinesiology Danielle Danielle Long Gorski, kinesiology Alexis McKay, kinesiology.

Mallory Meads, elementary.

Education.

Holly McCullough, English Peter Otani, mathematics, special education Sophie Rutherford, history, social studies, education Jaxon Sala, special education, learning disabilities Sydney Schultz, specia education, learning disabilities Adam Chouinard, specia education, learning disabilities Alexa Schafer, kinesiology Adam Slaby, elementary education Taylor Stinson, elementary education.

Grace Sundquist, special education, learning disabilities Kylie Todd, integrated science, secondary education.

Eva Tyson, integrated science, secondary education Talia Wallace, kinesiology.

And Joseph Williams, history, social studies, education.

Thank you.

You may be seated.

We also wish to recognize for other students receiving the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for having earne the highest grade point average in the College of Education, undergraduate majors, and elementary education and kinesiology.

Will the students who are present please stand if able and remain standing as your names are called?

Alphabetically, the students are Jillian Bunch, Chesky, Sara de Kooning, Megan Hill.

Carlene Cooper, Zach Spencer Euler, and Cindy Villareal.

Medina.

You may be seated.

Each of you should be proud of the outstanding academic record of honors you for.

We are proud of you.

And so is your university.

On behalf of your classmates, the faculty, the officers, and the trustees of the university, I extend sincer congratulations and best wishes.

Please join me in applause for the class of 2026 Outstanding Academic Achievement Award recipients.

As you know, excelling in college is not just about grades.

Learning and persona development takes many forms, so there are many other graduate that we want to recognize today.

We also wish to recognize members of Phi Epsilon Kappa, the academic fraternity for kinesiology students who were wearing black and gold honor cords, and members of Kappa Delta Pi, the Education honorary, who are wearing purple and green honor cords, degree candidates in the Urba Education Cohort Program, USP, and the Global Education Cohort Program GSP are wearing light blue honor cords.

Will all of you stand if able and let us recognize you?

You may be seated.

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

Graduate who participated in an education abroad program during their years at MSU are wearing blue and green honor cords.

Well, all students that participated in an education abroad program stand if you are able, so we may recognize you.

You may be seated.

Students who fulfill requirements of the Honors College by completing enriched programs of study are wearing white stoles with the HC designation upon.

Will all students graduating a members of the Honors College.

Please stand if you are abl and accept our congratulations.

You may be seated.

In recognition of the University's ongoing commitment to undergraduate research, while all students who participated in research while at MSU please rise if able so we may recognize you.

Please remain standing if you presented your work at URAF.

We congratulate you all.

You may be seated.

Well, all students who were active in a student organization during their time at MSU.

Please rise of able so we can recognize you.

You may be seated.

Students who attain grade point average is between 3.98 and 4.0 are awarded University High Honor.

University honor is awarded to students who have earned grade poin averages between 3.88 and 3.97.

Both of these honors ar designated by Gold Honor cords.

Students that earned a 4.0 grade point average are designate by Green and Gold honor cords.

Will all students graduating with high honor, honor, and 4.0 grade point averages.

Please stand if abl and accept our congratulations.

You may be seated.

Will all first generation students please stand if abl and accept our congratulations?

We are so grateful you selected Michigan State University and we're proud of your achievements.

Finally, and I think most importantly, let's tal about the importance of service.

Don't ever forget that helping others is part of the Spartan tradition.

So.

Will, everyone who volunteered their time in an effort to help others during their years at MSU please stand if able.

So we may honor you.

You may be seated.

It's truly incredible.

We are so.

We are incredibly proud of your service, and we hope it will continue throughout the rest of your lives.

In the Spartan tradition.

We commend all of you for your contributions.

Thank you.

At this time we will honor the baccalaureate degree recipients from the College of Education as they are presented by the departmental chairpersons.

The candidate from the Department of Teacher Education will be presented by Doctor Gail Richmond, professor in the Department.

Will the candidates from the Department of Teacher Education at both the elementary and secondary levels, including students in the Urban Educators Cohort Program and the Global Educators Cohort Program?

Please rise if you're able.

Trustee Bahar-Cook and Dean Jackson these candidates have completed all department and college requirements.

And on behalf of the faculty, I present them to you for the awarding of their degrees.

Candidates, pleas remain standing if you're able.

The candidates from the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education will be presented by Doctor Jennifer Schmidt interi chairperson of the Department.

Will the world class candidates from the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, with majors in special education please rise if able.

Trustee Bahar-Cook and Dean Jackson.

These amazing candidates have completed all department and college requirements.

And on behalf of the faculty, I present them to you for the awarding of their degrees.

Candidates please remain standing if able.

Thank you.

The candidates from the Department of Kinesiology will be presented by Doctor Jackie Goodway, Associat chairperson of the Department.

Will the candidates from the Department of Kinesiology with majors in kinesiology, please?

Rise of able to.

Trustee Bahar-Cook and Dean Jackson.

These candidates have completed all department and college requirements.

And on behalf of the faculty, I present them to you for the awarding of their degrees.

Candidates please remain standing if able.

On behalf of the president who has delegated to him the authority of the State of Michiga vested in the Board of Trustees, I confer upon all of you the degrees for which you have been recommended.

With all the rights and distinctions to which they entail you, according to the custom, you may now move your tasse from the right side of your caps to the left side.

This act signifies that you have earned your baccalaureate degree.

Congratulations!

MSU alumni.

Please be seated.

This act also represents a great achievement and marks the beginning of a lifetime of dedicated service.

It is an achievement worthy of celebration.

And today, we applaud the fact that more than 500 men and women have completed the academic program of their choice in the College of Education.

We now go ahead.

We now welcome Jamie Paisley and Scott Pohl to the microphone to announce the names of the graduates as they receive their diplomas.

I ask that the new graduates be escorted to the platform to receive a token diploma.

Graduates should return to their seat after receiving their diplomas.

We ask that the audience be considerate and celebratin as the graduate names are read.

We want each candidate's name to be heard so feel free to cheer loudly but briefly for a friend or family member.

Each graduating senior i a member of the Spartan family, and we hop you will show the same respect for the last graduates as you do the first graduate.

Will the students on th platform please come forward now to begin the procession of graduates?

(Conferral of degrees reading graduate names) College of education.

Faculty members share in ou celebration of these graduates.

The faculty's contribution to their success have been essential and ar a source of great pride to us.

The College of Education faculty members are deeply committed to contributing to their profession through research, service and the preparation of future leaders.

The reputation of our college's faculty and programs have again been recognized.

With the recent release of the 2026 edition of U.S.

News and World Report rankings of graduate program for the 32nd consecutive year, our programs in elementary and secondary educatio have been ranked number one in the nation.

In total, ten programs ar currently ranked in the annual publication for top programs and special teams.

We hope to share our pride in these rankings as well.

They reflect the dedication of our facult and the quality of our programs, as well as the pool of our dedicated staff and the achievemen of our students and graduates.

I also would be remiss not to mention the high qualit ranking of our limit Kinesiology ranked program in the nation, as well.

I hope you will appreciate the valu added your baccalaureate degree, because it has earned an International Preceptor.

It was earned an internationally prestigious university and a college of education wit consistently strong reputation.

Now, it is fitting that I ask those representing the faculty to rise, if able, and accept our gratitude for their contribution to the education of our graduates.

We appreciate your fine work.

Please rise.

There's another group of individuals who have made important contribution to the success of our graduates.

All right.

Visors have guided and supported these graduates from summer orientation through our commencement ceremony today.

They have answered questions.

Sore problems have had been a source of encouragement when expectations seemed overwhelming or the right path was hard to find.

They have cheered our graduates as they develop from new freshmen o to their first time, to adult, ready to take their place in the world.

They have also assisted with our ceremony today, I ask the College of Education Advisors to Rise is able to be recognized for their important work.

And there's yet another important group of individuals who have contributed love, understanding, support, emotional as well as financial as they share in the achievements we recognize today.

Accordingly, we ask the families of our graduates to rise, if able, and give us an opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation.

I also thank our readers, Jamie Paisley and Scott Pohl, our captioner Andrea Kleiber, and a special thanks to Robin Link Art for helping to coordinate this event.

Finally the College of Education Alumni Board of Directors wishes to congratulate each of you.

We are confident that you wil take with you a new perspective and innovative ideas that will shape society of tomorrow and contribute in meaningful ways to learning and the well-being of others.

And we want to hear all about it on your journey.

Let us know where life takes you via email, social media or the alumni websit and we will celebrate with you.

Please conside donating your time and talents to the College.

The college's Alumni Board of Directors facilitate connections between alumni and our current students through events, outreach, and scholarships.

We look forward to learning more about your interests and engaging with you in the future.

I now invite all of you to join in singing the alma mater, MSU Shadow, as we will be accompanied by the MSU Symphony Band and Tiffany Williams.

Guest may meet the graduates upstairs.

(Singing and performance of MSU Alma Mater) (MSU Fight Song performance)