(Music Playing) Eight.

Years.

Let us.

Try.

Good afternoon.

What a wonderful, wonderful day.

My name is Eric Hegg, dean o the College of Natural Science.

And it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the commencement of the class of 2025.

Welcome to the to the.

Of course, soon to be graduates, the families and friends who have joined us on this very important day, and also those of you streaming, live streaming with us at home.

Thank you for joining us.

We're really, really grateful that you are here.

Now.

To begin our ceremonies, we ask our guests to join the students in Singing America The Beautiful led by Amira Coleman, doctoral student in music performance in the College of Music, accompanied by the MSU Wind Symphony under the direction of Mr. Holm, doctoral student in music conducting in the College of Music.

Please rise as you were able.

O beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain America America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.

Please be seated.

So before we begin the well-deserved recognition of our graduates, there are several people who I'd like to recognize.

First, I would like to welcome the group.

The Honorable Kelly Teba from the MSU Board of Trustees to the platform.

And thank her for joining us in our ceremony today.

I should point out that just last night, doctor Tebay was rearranging her schedule so that she could be with us.

So a special really a special thank you.

I would also like to thank our card readers from WKAR Scott Pohl and Jamie Paisley.

We are so grateful for the services of Christine Brandes, who is providing our real time captioning and our ASL interpreters Katsien Morrice and Leslie Pertz.

We also would like to congratulate Benit Kumar, who was selected as the banner carrier for the College of Natural Science.

And of course, a big thank you is also in order to the custodial staff and in fact, all of the staff of the Jack Breslin Student Event Center for all of their hard work today.

And finally I want to thank assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Heidi Purdy, the academic advisors and all the members of the College of Natural Science undergraduate, academic and Student Affairs office for organizing today's ceremonies.

This year, the College of Natural Science Student Advisory Council has selecte our student speaker, Zane Abdel.

Zane.

Zane is originall from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

It will be earning a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology.

During his time at MSU, Zane has participated as an undergraduate research assistant with Docto Burke on the MSU Twin Registry of Behavioral Genetics study examining genetics and environmental influences on behavior.

He has volunteered as a medical assistant at the Carefree Medical Clinic, which served under insured and uninsured individuals in the greater Lansing area.

The opportunity to volunteer his time in the services of others is one of the things that Zane most values.

He, in fact, was the founding member of the Lansing Youth Sports Network a nonprofit student organization which raises money and provides volunteer coaches, to area youth leagues.

In the last year, this organization has raised over $10,00 to provide children with access to local sports programs, ensuring the cost is not a limiting facto in their ability to participate.

Zane has served as an undergraduate learning assistant for the Departmen of Physiology, and most recently he has worked as a U.

A Lei for his home program of human biology.

Doctor Elizabeth Tinsley Johnson, faculty member for human biology, nominated Zane to speak here today.

Doctor Johnson states, and I quote Zan has demonstrated extraordinary leadership as as well as empathy and compassion.

He exemplifies what it means to be a science ambassador.

Zane, welcome.

Good afternoon everyone.

I'd like to start of by thanking the Michigan State University College of Natural Science and the Human Biology program for the privileg of being your student speaker.

As I stand before you today, I ask myself, how did I get up here?

To be honest, three years ago, after my freshman year, I was completely lost.

I didn't know what I was doing and I didn't know where I was heading.

At a critical moment, I reached out to a mentor and I asked, what should I do?

He gave me a strange look and he said, well, what do you d when you're lost in the woods?

And I shrugged.

I'd never been camping.

You start walking, is what he told me, you know.

And I thought to myself, what a weird and unrealistic piece of advice.

Like it's my career.

It's not a movie scene.

And so it wasn't until I took my first steps that I began to understand each step I took.

Every action taught me something valuable.

Moving forward, even in the wrong direction, was all right, because at least I knew which way not to go.

And so I continued to take action.

At some point, I noticed that I was walking in the right direction.

Through trial and tribulation, I found passion and helping others purpos and giving back to a community that helped shape me.

And I discovered what it truly means to serve.

I learned that the little things a moment of encouragement to appear, a clear explanation to a student, or showing up for a patient in need aren't so little.

After all.

And so, to answer my ow question, how did I get up here?

I'll say, I think that I just kept walking.

So, fellow graduates, I invite you to take this momen to reflect upon your time here.

Think back to that person that you were when you stepped foo onto the banks of the Red Cedar, and now the person that you are as you step beyond.

We bega this journey full of excitement, curiosity, and let's be honest, a bit of fear.

We thought maybe we had it figured out, but something that we all learned to science majors here is that growth does not always occur linearly.

Just like our lab experiments, we ran into some unexpected challenges bumps in the road that forced us to adapt to make changes.

And somewhere along tha journey, we found that we grew not just as students, but as thinkers, innovators, problem solvers, and most importantly, as people.

But we didn't do it alone.

Surrounding us here are thos that stood by us through it all our friends, family, mentors, professors, advisors, the ones who supported us every step of the way.

They know better than anyone how hard we worked because they wer the ones listening to us vent, reassuring us through our doubts and reminding us just how capable we were.

To those of you supporting us today.

Thank you.

And to my dad.

Thank you for being my constant source of strength and belief every step of the way.

And sitting beside us are the ones that went through it all with us.

The ones we crammed for exams with.

Trudged through freezing cold walks to stem at 7 a.m. with.

And, even that one guy who's been in every single one of my classes since freshman year.

I still don't know your name.

At this point, it's way too late to ask.

Together we shaped on another's journeys, and together we celebrate our accomplishments.

With each step we took.

Sometimes I'm sure.

Sometimes afraid.

We were slowly changing.

Becoming.

Which brings me to the analogy of the potent stem cell.

For those of you joining that never had to sit through a cell biology lecture vetoed, a potent stem cell in the human body is the ultimate blank slate.

A single cell holding the potentia to become anything a skin cell, a motor neuron, an alveolar type two numerous.

I try saying that twice.

It does not know its final form yet, but given the right conditions, the right environment, the right challenges, it has the power to become something extraordinary.

Just like that total potent stem cell.

Given those right conditions, those right challenges, and a little bit of stress induced adaptation, we began to find our form.

For me, that adaptation came from putting myself in new environments and continuing to take those steps.

When I saw it a more meaningful experience, I aim to combine my love for coaching sports with my passion for helping those in need.

When there was no student organization with that mission in mind, I founded Lansing Youth Sports Network.

When I aimed to care for those struggling in nearby communities, I cold called the front des of Care Free Medical in Lansing.

I was told that they didn' accept undergraduate volunteers.

I didn't stop there.

I took another step.

I turned the know into an opportunity that shaped the way that I care for others.

Becoming the clinic's onl undergraduate medical assistant.

And when I was nominated to speak here.

When I was nominated to speak here, despite having never given a public speec before, I could have shied away.

But I didn't stop there.

I chose to take another step.

But these aren't just my steps.

And this isn't just my journey.

It's ours.

Time and time again, I've seen it.

And so many of you.

The resilience, the drive and the courage to keep pushing.

Like one of my peers who struggled on his first physiology exam and is now an undergraduate learning assistant, teaching others.

Or my classmate who commuted over an hour away to his dental internshi twice a week and still showed up to every single class ready to work.

Or my friend that lost someone very close to her midway through studying for the mCAT, but persevered and was just accepte into multiple medical schools.

So I ask you, class of 2025.

As we've walked this path, as we've taken the steps.

How many barriers have we broken?

We have all faced doubt, rejection, and uncertainty.

We moved forward.

We moved forward anyway.

We emerge stronger, more capable, and with every single step.

More ready for what lies ahead.

And in doing so, we didn't just learn and grow within this place.

We were not just shaped by the environment here in Michigan today, but we also helped shape it.

Our strength, resilience and determination will leave an indelible mark on this university.

And I am confident that in time, an indelible mark on this world.

Spartans, many of us will become scientists, data analysts, bio technologists, doctors, mathematicians, everything in between.

And some of us here may find ourselves far from the destination we had in mind today.

Let this be a reminde that no matter the environment we find ourselve in, we still hold the potential to grow, to adapt, and to become just as we did here.

Spartans, today is not the end, nor the beginning, but simply the next step in our journey.

As we move forward.

Let's honor the people that we were four years ago.

Celebrate how far we've come.

And never forget that we have the power and the potential to shape the environments that we find ourselves in.

People are counting on you.

On us.

Spartans to innovate, to lead and to change the world through science.

So let's take that next step.

Congratulations, class of 2025.

We did it!

And for the very last time, as undergraduates Go Green!

Go White!

Well, thank you, Zane, for those really, really wonderful remarks.

I really appreciate it.

Let's see here.

Okay.

And at this time, I'd like to invite you to enjoy a special musical arrangement provided by the MSU Wind Symphony under the direction of Mr. Horn.

(Music Playing) Thank you, MSU Wood.

Symphony.

That was truly inspirational.

And now the honorable Kelly Tebay chair of the MSU Board of Trustees will greet the graduates and guests.

Thank you, Dean Hegg.

On behalf of the MSU Board of Trustees, I welcome all the graduates, families and friends who are here with us.

This afternoon's undergraduate commencement.

Under the Michigan Constitution, the Board of Trustees is the governing body of the university.

By whose degrees for whos authority degrees are awarded.

Today's ceremony represent the culmination of discipline, 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 degrees you have earned acknowledge your success and honors those who have encouraged it.

Our wish i that you will always be leaders who generous to use your intelligence and your knowledge to improve 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 warmes congratulations and best wishes.

Go green.

Go White.

Thank you, trustee Tebay And once again, thank you for rearranging your schedule to join us today.

I would now like to introduce Doctor Lynmarie Posey, associate dean of the College of Natural Science.

It is my pleasure to congratulate each of you who have demonstrated the academic excellence and Spartan spirit and experiences on campus that you will carry with you as MSU alumni.

Your accomplishment reflect credit not only to you, but also to your support systems, your departments, the College of Natural Scienc and Michigan State University.

At this time we'd like to recognize a student who received a national award.

as your name is called, please rise and remain standing.

And until all winners have been introduced.

The following student i a recipient of a national award.

Elizabeth Libby Ashby, Geological Sciences Honors College, who received a Goldwater Scholarship.

Please join me in congratulating Libby.

You may be seated.

This year, a significant number of the College of Natural Sciences class of 2025 is graduating with honors or high honors.

I would ask these students to please rise and please rise, and that you join me in acknowledging their academic success.

Amongst these students are those who earned a 4.0 GPA throughout their time at MSU.

Congrats to all of you for your amazing achievements.

You may be seated.

Every studen who steps on to Michigan State University's campu makes connections and memories worth involvemen in a wide range of experiences.

It's what makes your time and chemistry unique and at the same time, college it is.

And your fellow Spartans.

In recognition of your time spent in Michigan, I played some of th opportunities that our graduates have been involved.

Please rise.

And you've been awarded a college to the program.

Please rise if you're able.

You may be seated.

Please rise if you were able.

If you are a first generation college student.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you've participated in the Charle Drews Science Scholars Program.

In the Residential Initiative in the center for the study of the environment.

Dow Stem Scholars program.

Camp Detroit Main Trio, Magic, or Spartan fly.

Please rise.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you have worked in an on or off campus job during your time at MSU.

You may be seated.

Please rise if you have participated in community service.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you have won a scholarship.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you are participated in research, an internship, externship or practicum experience.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you transferred from another institution.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you have ever broke glassware in your chemistry lab.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you participated in education abroad.

You may be seated.

Please rise.

If you have ever participate in a club, student organization, musical group, or played a sport on campus.

You may be seated.

Finally, please rise.

If you have intentionally or unintentionally fed a squirrel on campus.

You may be seated.

We would also like to recognize graduating seniors who have served in the armed forces, or will be commissione as an officer after graduation.

At this time, we would ask all veterans and those who are enterin military service to please rise.

If you are able.

Thank you for your service to our nation.

You may be seated.

Congratulations to all.

The College of Natural Science graduates.

On behalf of myself, assistan Dean Heidi Purdy and the members of the NatSci Office of Undergraduate, Academic and Student Affairs, it has been a pleasure to serve you.

Thank you.

Next, I am pleased to introduce our alumni speaker, Doctor Roger Beachy.

Docto Beachy earned his PhD from MSU in botany and Plant pathology in 1973.

He's also an emeritus professor at Washington University in Saint Louis, and his research concentrates on plant virology and the biotechnology of plants.

He is truly an amazing individual.

Among other things he was the inaugural president of the esteemed Danforth Plant Science Center from 1999 to 2009.

He was the director of the National Institutes of Food and Drug, sorry, Food and Agriculture during the Obama administration from 2014 to 2020.

He serve on the National Science Board.

He's also been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Docto Beechey also serves as a member of the College of Natural Science Dean's Board of Advisors, where he provides us invaluable insight.

We are thrilled to have Doctor Richard Beachy join us today in celebrating our graduates.

Thank you for joining us.

Am I allowed to correct you?

It's Roger.

Roger.

That's all right.

Roger.

Richard.

Call me what you like.

It really is an honor and a privilege to be here to stand with you today.

You notice that I have my remarks here, not on the teleprompter.

So it'll be a little more.

A little less smooth.

And Zane or others.

So, and thank you all for for being here today.

And I want to congratulate the seniors, of course, and also Dean Hai and the faculty that have taught and mentored yo throughout your college journey.

Thank you all for your dedication.

Each of you deserves a round the round of applause.

Thank you.

Faculty and administration.

And of course, an enormou and boisterous shout out to you graduates and your families who are celebrating your graduation from the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University.

What a wonderful thing and notable accomplishment thus far.

All good.

Our university.

Your university is 170 years old.

It's gone through many changes during this time, from an agricultural training school to a college, to a university that is known around the world for its graduates and its leadership in research and education, and in a teacher training.

Its contributions to national health and its international work in agriculture and food security, plus much, much more.

MSU has stayed true to its mission as a land grant university while growing its influence and impacts in this state and around the US and the world as a place where carryin graduate students are birthed.

You leave Michigan State University armed with knowledge.

I might add, even more emotional than Zane here because I believe in this.

Your knowledge of how science works.

You can judge science based truths from non-science based statements.

You are equipped with knowhow for making informed decisions based on the facts.

That is the conscious, the conclusions and the recommendations that our current, you know, that science based conclusions will change as new scientific data are gathered.

You know this as a graduate of this college.

The present time is a difficult time of change in the history of the United States.

In my opinion, none of the changes is more important than change in attitudes regarding science and the scientific method.

The current pressures and attacks on science and the scientific method are apparent.

Some of the most glaring of these are changing policies and recommendations for the Food Administration, a Food and Drug Administration, and from the EPA, and issues related to vaccines, treatments for chronic as well as well as infectious diseas technologies that improve crops to make them more tolerant to a change in climate and healthines and safety of the air we breathe and the foods we consume.

It is when controversial recommendations arise, find the data.

Analyze the statistics about what is in your food and and in your water supply, and make informed choices.

You have the skill set to do that.

A phrase by Neil deGrasse Tyson is pretty relevant here.

The good thing about science is that it's true whether you believe in it or not.

This is a call to know the science behind her recommendation and how it was made, and who made it.

We are witnessin threats to the types of science, education and training that universities conduct, and who will be admitted t our colleges and universities.

Recently, the director of the National Science Foundation stepped down following the visit of Doe's to the to the agency who recommended slashing funds for education and basic as well as translational research.

The administration has recommended that the NSF budget be cut.

I won't give you that number because that'll chang as Congress takes a hold of it.

But it was really significant cuts to the budget that the NIH will be.

It will also be very significant as a consequence.

Some of the research conducted at Michigan Stat University is likely to be cut and have impacts on students, much like you are.

Such threats to the scientific enterprise are without precedent in this country, which has bee they have been a global leader in discovery and improvement of the human condition.

We need to remain on top, not second or third or fourth.

I quote from a recent news piece.

Science is not an expense, but an investment.

The statements says the United States ha been the global economic leader due to its continuous investments in science, technology and innovation throughout the decades.

Now, your future will likely give you opportunities in science based professions.

I really hope that you'll take the time to do it and give consider serious and generation to be in this space, to stay in this field in which you've been trained.

If opportunity is present in them, you will make contributions that draw upon and build upon the experiences and training that you received here at Michigan State University.

Your future may be in academic or in corporate settings, in science impact components of the nonprofit sector, or in the business and finance sectors, or beginning your own enterprise or as an informed and engaged family builder.

Find your joy in whatever it is and bring that joy to the job every single day.

It makes life easier if you enjoy where you are now.

My start in science came after I ask the types of questions that that Zan had referenced in his remarks, and that led to a fulfilling life.

I've had the privilege of of participating in the public sector as a professor and a researcher in government and now in the private sector as a and as a father and a grandfather.

Each has brought diversity and satisfaction to my life.

I have tried to learn something new each day, including how to be a better golfer.

So take the opportunities that are afforded to you.

Keep your brain and body active and keep learning.

This century will be a centur of information that will infuse morally and ethically benefit all walks of our life.

The capacity to learn through it is enormous.

Take it on as you find what excites and brings you joy and satisfaction.

I hope you will use your voice and your talents in way that benefit those around you.

Saying is N or is a similar plan.

I hope you'll find your path also.

You will be exposed, perhaps bombarded by the opinions of others.

Some will be validated and others will be non validated.

There may be accusations and accolades, truths and untruths.

Your daily lif will be increasingly influenced by AI and other technologies that are yet to be invented.

You will come to identify those voices you can trust and voices that you cannot trust.

And when you and when you should trust your own voice, use it.

How you respond positively or negatively will speak to who you are.

Be your best self.

Be who you strive to be.

Find a plac that gives you the opportunity.

And avoid those that would diminish you.

This is your time an opportunity and responsibility to bring about changes that will create the country and the world that you an your generation want it to be.

Let me say again.

The world needs you with your intellect and your knowledge.

Your country needs you.

Your community needs you.

Your family needs you.

That said, there may be times that you require some additional support from family, from friends, and from mentors, right?

As they rise up, as th challenges rise up to face you, and they'll face you in way that you can't possibly imagine.

I've had some of those impacts myself.

These may seem like just the bumps in the road that Zayn talked about, how you face them, how you come to deal with those bumps, determines or demonstrates who you are.

Call on those mentors when you need their help.

As scientists, you know more than most the value of asking for help.

Our daughter, Ariana, is a student at Colorado State University.

Used a phrase that might be relevant to some of you.

Sometimes it can feel like the world is happening.

I can't believe she said this as a freshman.

I can't believe.

I mean, some of you can feel lik the world is happening to you.

Not so.

Instead you are happening to the world.

As of today, you are prepared because of your experiences at this University of Spartans.

Because as a Spartan, you can go green right?

All righty.

Thank you, Rodger, for those words of wisdom.

Graduates, are you ready?

All righty.

Well, will the class of 2025 from the College of Natural Science please rise?

On behalf of the president.

Who is it?

Who has dedicated 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 rights and distinctions to which they entitle you, according to custom.

You may now move your tassels from the right side of your caps to the left.

Congratulations, MSU alumni!

You may be seated.

Now, there is a large group of individuals who have contributed greatl with their love, understanding, and support to the achievements.

We recognize that today's ceremony.

Accordingly we ask that the support systems, friends parents, grandparents, partners, children, brothers and sisters, anyone who has played a significant role in supporting the graduates, please rise and give us and give all of us an opportunity to express ou thanks and appreciation to you.

Thank you for all that you have done over the years.

Your interest in these graduates is shared equally by the faculty of the College of Natural Science of Michigan State University.

Their contribution to our graduates is an essential support in the success that they have achieved, and is a source of great pride to us.

I ask that the representatives of the faculty pleasant, rise and accept our gratitud for all of your contributions.

Faculty.

Thank you.

We will now present diplomas to the new graduates, who will be accompanied in making these presentations by Doctor Heidi Purdy, assistant dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

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

Doctor Stuart Tesmer undergraduate director in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is the chief faculty marshal.

Doctor Lynmarie Posey associate dean, will introduce the members of the platform party and the marshals, who will escort the new graduates.

That was important for all graduates to please return to your seat after receiving your token diploma.

Please support your fellow graduates by staying to recognize all the accomplishments and hard work of all of your colleagues.

Okay, I am pleased to introduce Professor Olorunseun Ogunwobi, chairperson, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and their Marshall Associate Professor Charles Hoogstroten Assistant Undergraduate director.

I am pleased to introduce the graduates from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Congratulations to all of you and to all of your family and friends.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Victor Dirtia, chairperson, Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology, and their marshal, Doctor Jeannine Scott, academic advisor.

Dean Posey I am proud to present the graduates of the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology.

Congratulations to all of you.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Timothy Warren, chairperson, Department of Chemistry, and their marshal, Doctor Sheba Onchiri, academic advisor.

On behalf of our faculty, specialists and staff, I am thrilled to presen to graduates from the Department of Chemistry these Spartans, with their knowledge and skills in molecules, materials and measurement delivered with compassion will change the world.

Congratulations!

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Carlo Piermarocchii, associate chairperson, Department of Physics and Astronomy and their Marshall, Miss Joyce Samuel, academic advisor.

I'm really pleased to present the graduates from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Congratulations.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor John Gerlach, director, Biomedical laboratory Diagnostics program, and their marshal doctor Kathy Hoyt.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, I'm pleased to present the candidates for degrees in biomedical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, the individuals that will produce the data to make your next health care encounter more informed and productive.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Jeffrey Schenker, chairperson, Department of Mathematics, and their marshal, Mr. Brian Chadwick, academic advisor.

All right.

Thank you.

On behalf of the faculty, academic staff of the Department of Mathematics, I am proud to present the graduates from the programs in mathematics.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Edward Brown, chairperson, Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, and their marshal, Mr. Kevin Miloshoff, academic advisor.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I am pleased and proud to present the graduates from the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Gratulations graduates and families.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Tammy Long, undergraduate director, Department of Plant Biology, and their marshal, Doctor Beth McCann.

Assistant professor.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the 2025 graduates from the small but mighty Department of Plant Biology.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor emeritus Michael Velbel, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and their Marshall, Susanna Dorfman, associate professor.

On behalf of our tight knit departmental community, it is my privilege to present the graduates of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Docto Leonard Johnson, undergraduate director, Departmen of Statistics and Probability, and their marshal, Doctor Camille Fairborn.

On behalf of the Department chair, faculty and stuff, I am delighted to present graduates from the Departmen of Statistics and Probability.

Congratulations.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) (Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Doctor Gabriel Ording, director of the center for Integrative Studies in General Science, and their Marshal Matthew Oney, academic specialist.

To teach is a gifted investment in the future.

I'm very honore to present the graduates of both the biological and physical science, secondary science education majors.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Kevin McGraw, chairperson, Department of Integrative Biology, and their marshall, associate professor Diana Bello-DeOcampo.

On behalf of the I bio faculty and staff, I am delighted to present to you the graduates from the Department of Integrative Biology.

Congratulations!

I bio graduates keep making us proud.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Professor Erica Wehrwein, Departmen of Physiology and their marshal.

Doctor Lori Seischab, academic advisor.

It is an absolute honor and privilege to present to all of you these inspiring graduates from the Department of Physiology with degrees in both neuroscience and physiology, on behalf of our Department.

We are so very proud of you and look forward to your impac in the world.

Congratulations!

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) I am pleased to introduce Doctor Cori Fata-Hartley, director of the Human Biology Program, and their Marshall assistant Professor Elizabeth Tinsley Johnson.

On behalf of the human biology faculty and advisors, it fills m with tremendous pride to present to you the human biology graduates, a group of young people who will change the world.

Congratulations.

(Conferral of Degrees, Reading Graduate Names) We're almost done.

All righty.

One last round of applause for all of our graduates.

All righty.

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

After singing, we've requested our guests and graduates be seated and remain in their places until the recessional of th platform party, and the faculty.

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.

(MSU Fight Song)