Capitol News

Tessa Kresch, a graduating student from Michigan State University, has been chosen by the Senior Class Council to speak at the university's Fall 2024 baccalaureate degree commencement ceremony. The event is set for December 14 at the Breslin Student Events Center.

Reflecting on her selection as the commencement speaker, Kresch stated, “I know that MSU has prepared me for this moment in countless ways. I feel so grateful for everything that has made my journey here what it was. I can’t wait to share this moment with my fellow Spartans and reflect on all that we’ve achieved together.”

Originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Kresch relocated to Puerto Rico during high school. She decided to attend MSU because of its Theatre Department's reputation and proximity to her family. She remarked on starting college in 2020 during the pandemic: “I began college at a WEIRD time – 2020 – and an even weirder time to be an acting student.”

Kresch's passion for theatre began when she was cast as a spoon in "Beauty and the Beast" at age seven. Despite contemplating other majors towards the end of high school, she chose theatre due to its supportive community at MSU. Her roles included playing Miss Scarlet in "Clue" and participating in professional staged readings with Williamston Theatre.

Her involvement extended beyond acting into sound design and radio broadcasting. At Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM, she served as Senior News Producer and Podcast Host of "Exposure," earning national recognition with first place awards at various conventions.

Discussing her radio experience, Kresch said: “For the Exposure podcast, I interview members from student clubs and organizations across campus weekly.” Her work earned accolades including a first place award for Best Regularly Scheduled Entertainment Program.

Kresch also produced Mortem Corp., an audio drama podcast which won second place in a national competition. Earlier this year, she received multiple awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Since May 2024, Kresch has worked as a Television News Reporter for WLNS-TV. Looking ahead after graduation, she plans to continue pursuing opportunities within broadcast journalism.

In addition to delivering her commencement address aimed at inspiring graduates facing post-college uncertainties—“The Spartan network is so powerful,” she noted—Kresch leaves behind a guided sound walk project titled “Walk With Me: An MSU Sound Experience.”

Despite challenges posed by entering college during COVID-19’s onset year (2020), Kresch reflected positively upon completing her undergraduate journey saying: “MSU has given me so many opportunities that have allowed me to grow so much."

Michigan State University's Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies are scheduled over two days; advanced degrees will be awarded on December 13 while baccalaureate ceremonies take place December 14th featuring colleges such as Arts & Letters among others—all events being livestreamed online via their website homepage.