Michigan State University commencement: What to know
EAST LANSING — Celebrations of thousands of soon-to-be Spartan alumni will take place over the next few weeks as Michigan State University welcomes federal officials and remembers those slain in a mass shooting.
MSU will conduct graduation ceremonies from May 4 to 13 at both the Breslin Student Events Center, 534 Birch Road, and Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 E. Shaw Lane, in East Lansing for the more than 9,800 Spartans, MSU Deputy Spokesperson Dan Olsen said.
The three major ceremonies planned for May 5 at the Breslin Center are:
Master's and educational specialists degrees at 9 a.m.,
Undergraduate degrees at 1 p.m., and
Doctoral degrees at 3:30 p.m.
College-specific ceremonies will take place from May 5-7, and May 12-13. More information is available at commencement.msu.edu.
How is the university honoring those killed during the mass shooting?
The families of students Arielle Anderson, of Harper Woods, Brian Fraser, of Grosse Pointe, and Alexandria Verner, of Clawson, will receive posthumous degrees from their respective colleges during ceremonies next week, Olsen confirmed. The three were killed during a Feb. 13 mass shooting on campus.
Anderson and Verner will receive bachelor of science degrees from the College of Natural Science and Fraser will receive a bachelor of arts degree from the Eli Broad College of Business.
There will be a moment of silence during each commencement ceremony for the Anderson, Fraser and Verner, as well as the five students who were wounded and "all those who were impacted by the violence our campus experienced," Olsen said.
"This time calls for celebrations for our students and their families," he said. "One of the ways we are remembering the violence and students, we will have moments of silence for the university-wide convocations."
Who are the commencement speakers?
Former White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci will deliver the address to doctoral students at 3:30 p.m. May 5. Fauci helped steer the nation through the pandemic and often sparred with former President Donald Trump and some Republicans over various pandemic-related measures.
Undersecretary for the National Nuclear Security Administration Jill Hruby is the commencement speaker for master's and educational specialist degree students at 9 a.m. May 5.
Lisa Cook, an MSU economist on leave as she serves on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, will address undergraduate students at 1 p.m. May 5. She's the first Black woman to sit on the board.
"She has a remarkable career in history for her in sharing that history but also her accomplishments as someone to look up to as students embark on their next journeys," Olsen said.
All three speakers will receive honorary degrees.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
No. Limits on the number of guests also aren't imposed this year, according to the commencement website. Seating, however, is first come, first seated.
Can I bring a bag inside?
No. Neither the Breslin or the Wharton allows bags inside.
Additionally, selfie sticks, balloons, weapons, projectiles and noise makers are banned at both the Breslin and Wharton centers. For more information on prohibited items, visit MSU's commencement website.
Umbrellas, strollers and child care items are allowed in both facilities. Strollers must be checked in with guest services and childcare items, like medically necessary items, must be in clear plastic gallon bags.
Is parking free?
Yes. Olsen said parking is free across campus, except for the Kellogg Center Lot.
The university recommends people park at the following lots:
Lot 67 off Kalamazoo Street;
Ramps 4 and 7 off Harrison Road;
Lots 62, 79 and 124 around Spartan Stadium
A free shuttle bus service will be available to transport people at the Trowbridge ramp and Spartan Stadium south lot off Shaw Lane to and from the Breslin Center. He said times will be posted online as the graduations near.
Can I watch virtually?
WKAR will broadcast ceremonies live online. The university will update the homepage with the ceremonies, Olsen said, as they occur.
"Those recordings are also available after they've aired if you want to tune in after your graduate comes home and you rewatch it," he said.
Want to celebrate your Spartan? Olsen said QR codes will be sent out for loved ones to send messages of appreciation that will be on display on big screens at the Breslin Center for graduating students.
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Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at 517-267-1344 or knurse@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @KrystalRNurse.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State University graduation 2024: What to know
