Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) is set to celebrate over 10,000 graduates from various programs during commencement ceremonies beginning May 1 at the Breslin Student Events Center and Wharton Center for Performing Arts. The events will recognize the achievements of students across baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and professional programs.

"Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements and reflect on the unique journeys that they’ve each taken to reach this moment," MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz remarked. "I am proud to salute the class of 2025 and look forward to seeing how they enrich their communities and the world around them."

This semester’s graduating class includes 7,331 bachelor’s degree candidates hailing from 79 Michigan counties, all 50 U.S. states, and 57 countries. Notably, 850 of these students belong to the Honors College, 128 are student-athletes, and 39 are veterans. The age range of this year's graduates spans from 19 to 56 years old.

A notable 275 graduates are receiving the Board of Trustees Award for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA, having been recognized at the April 11 board meeting. These students will also be acknowledged at their respective college ceremonies.

Ceremonies are scheduled from May 1 to May 4, with specific details available on the MSU commencement website. Convocation is set for May 2 at 12:30 p.m. at Breslin Center, featuring remarks from Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage and a former MSU basketball player. The convocation marks the beginning of the commencement events, and all baccalaureate candidates are encouraged to attend.

Other notable speakers scheduled to address the graduates include Deirdre O’Brien, Apple's senior vice president of retail and people, who will speak at the morning ceremony, and James Spaniolo, who will speak to doctoral candidates. Spaniolo previously served as a dean at MSU before his presidency at the University of Texas, Arlington.

MSU will livestream the ceremonies, accessible via the university's commencement webpage. Attendees can also engage on social media using #SpartanGrad25. In addition, family and friends can submit messages and photos to be presented before the ceremonies.

For safety reasons, only small transparent bags are permitted at the ceremonies. Cameras and camcorders are allowed, but no food or beverages are permitted. Facilities will provide a limited concessions menu. Prohibited items include noisemakers, selfie sticks, signs, and weapons.