Michigan State graduation is Friday and Saturday. Here's what to know

EAST LANSING — When Michigan State University honors its 2022 graduates this week, a Harvard scholar and a former U.S. Air Force lieutenant general will be among the speakers scheduled to address students during commencements.

MSU seniors will be graduating during ceremonies Friday and Saturday at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center on the East Lansing campus. More than 5,000 students are expected to take part in the fall commencement ceremonies.

Numerous alumni and guests scheduled to speak during the ceremonies, including William Clark, a professor of international science at Harvard University; Terry Gabreski, a former U.S. Air Force lieutenant general; Okhee Lee-Salwen, a scholar and researcher at the University of Miami and New York University; Elizabeth Phillips, an MSU academic specialist and academic professional known for her work in mathematics education; and Marta Tienda, a professor emerita in Princeton University’s Department of Sociology.

“This semester’s guest speakers are leading experts in their fields,” said MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff. “Their stories of determination and success will inspire graduating Spartans as they venture forward to make their impact on our community and the world.”

New at MSU commencement ceremonies this year is the opportunity for families, friends and alumni to honor graduates by submitting personalized messages that will be displayed on a digital screen before the ceremonies begin. Messages can be submitted through graduation day at commencement.msu.edu.

If you are planning to attend commencement, here’s what you need to know:

When are the Michigan State University graduation ceremonies?

Three graduation ceremonies will be hosted in the Breslin Center at 534 Birch Road in East Lansing, including:

• 3:30 p.m. Friday for doctoral, educational specialist, and master's degree students

• 10 a.m. Saturday for students in the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Arts and Letters, Eli Broad College of Business, College of Education, James Madison College, College of Music, and College of Social Science

• 2 p.m. Saturday for students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, Lyman Briggs College, College of Natural Science and College of Nursing

The ceremonies will be livestreamed and can be viewed at commencement.msu.edu.

Do I need a ticket for Michigan State University graduation?

General admission tickets are not required for any MSU graduation ceremonies.

Who are the commencement speakers?

Clark will address the doctoral, educational specialist, and master's degree graduates during the Friday ceremony. Clark has co-authored works advancing sustainable development goals and has been a host for more than 150 fellows from around the world for training, research and networking. His accomplishments include winning the Humboldt Prize, which honors internationally renowned scientists and scholars for their lifetime research achievements and Harvard’s Manuel Carballo Teaching Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Yale University and a doctorate in zoology from the University of British Columbia.

Joining Clark in addressing the advanced degree graduates is Tienda, whose work has focused on the racial and ethnic differences when it comes to measuring social inequality. Tienda serves as president of the American Academy of Political and Social Science and serves on several boards, including the Urban Institute. She has written books and more than 200 research papers. Tienda graduated magna cum laude from MSU in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish education. She additionally earned a master’s degree and doctorate in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Lee-Salwen's work has focused on STEM and language learning, especially among bilingual students. She will speak during the 10 a.m. Saturday ceremony. Lee-Salwen is a member of the National Academy of Education and has earned awards from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Science Teaching Association. Lee-Salwen is known for developing the Science and Integrated Language curriculum that is used in elementary schools across the country. She was born in South Korea and earned several degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in English language and a master’s degree in education from Kyungpook National University in South Korea, and a doctorate in educational psychology from MSU in 1989.

Gabreski is one of two speakers to address the final graduation ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday. She managed the largest air logistics center in the Air Force in Oklahoma City. She also served as a director of logistics for Operation Allied Force, which provided support to 25 bases across the world. When Gabreski retired, she acted as a consultant for several organizations, and served on boards including the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Board and Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. She earned medals and awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Award. Gabreski earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Louisiana State University and her master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University.

Phillips, an academic specialist at MSU, is the second speaker scheduled to address the final ceremony Saturday. She is known for nearly five decades of work in mathematics education. She helped develop the Connected Mathematics Project that “revolutionized” the mathematics curriculum for middle school students, according to a press release. Phillips is leading the Connected Mathematics Project’s fourth edition and a new Connected Mathematics Project STEM format undergoing testing in more than 500 middle schools across the country. Her Connected Mathematics Project has spread worldwide and received more than $28 million in National Science Foundation funding. Phillips’ work has earned awards, including the International Society for Design and Development Award, the MSU Distinguished Academic Staff Award and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire President’s Award. Additionally, she was a Cambridge University visiting scholar and a Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame inductee. Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame, and she was a doctoral student in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Prohibited items at graduation ceremonies

Guests attending ceremonies at the Breslin Center may only take in small, clear bags. Some carrying cases for cameras and camcorders will be permitted.

Graduates and guests are prohibited from bringing certain items inside, including:

• Food and beverages, including water (limited concessions will be available)

• Noisemakers

• Selfie sticks

• Pets

• Signs

• Weapons

For a complete list of permitted and prohibited items, see the Breslin Center website at breslincenter.com/nobagpolicy.

Contact Mark Johnson at majohnson2@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByMarkJohnson.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State graduation is Friday and Saturday. Here's what to know