Capitol News

Influential business leaders and Spartan alumnae are set to participate in Michigan State University's spring commencement ceremonies, starting on May 1, to celebrate over 10,000 graduates.

MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz stated, “Spartan graduates are ready to take on the world and tackle the challenges of tomorrow. It is our privilege to celebrate the achievements of these graduates as they reach this important milestone. They leave MSU equipped with knowledge, skills, experiences, and life lessons that will guide them on their journeys as their generation’s future leaders, innovators, and game-changers.”

On May 2, Deirdre O’Brien, senior vice president of retail and people at Apple, will speak to master’s and educational specialist degree recipients at 9 a.m. She will also receive an honorary doctorate of business. O’Brien, known for her accolades such as inclusion in Fortune’s list of the most powerful women in business and Fast Company’s Queer 50 list, graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in operations management and holds an MBA from San Jose State University.

Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, will address graduates at the Spring Convocation at 12:30 p.m. Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, was part of the 2000 MSU National Championship team. His philanthropic efforts have funded several projects at MSU and national charities like the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Ishbia will also receive an honorary doctorate of business.

James Spaniolo will address doctoral candidates at 2:30 p.m., which includes those earning degrees in philosophy, education, nursing practice, and musical arts. Spaniolo, a former dean at MSU and president at the University of Texas, Arlington, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from MSU and two graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. He will receive an honorary doctorate of education.

The ceremonies will be conducted on Friday at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Graduates can find further information on the location through the commencement website. The events will be available via livestream on MSU’s commencement website home page. Social media users can follow the ceremonies using #SpartanGrad25.