MSU graduates celebrate completing advanced degree programs

EAST LANSING — The first of an expected roughly 5,000 graduates participated in commencement Friday at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center.

Friday's ceremony was for doctoral, educational specialist and master's degree students.

With many of MSU's advanced degree programs being offered fully online, some graduates saw campus for the first time, seated next to others who have been studying in East Lansing for half a decade.

Betty Jetawo, graduated with a master's degree in electrical engineering and computer science, said she enjoyed seeing the campus for the first time. The mother of two daughters from Dallas, Texas said she enjoyed her time in MSU's online degree program.

"I made sure to go the bookstore. Got me a cardigan and some things just to show that I came here," Jetawo said.

Other students who have studied at MSU for several years are not quite ready to leave.

Dylan Kissel graduated with a master's degree in media and information. He attended MSU for his undergraduate studies as well, tallying six-and-a-half years in East Lansing. After graduation, he plans to return to work full-time for MSU's Athletic Department as a live events producer for Spartan Vision.

"I’m excited. I’ve been doing the whole school thing for a long enough time where I’m ready to walk across that stage and move on to the next stage of my life," Kissel said.

Antonella Dellaquila came to MSU from Argentina to study within the School of Arts and Letters to teach English to those who speak other languages. While pursuing her degree on scholarship, she has not returned home to Argentina.

“It’s been a challenge being away from my family. I haven’t seen them for two years.”

Despite her difficult path to her degree, Dellaquila said she likes MSU’s campus and enjoyed her time in the program.

“I’m really proud of all my work and I’m really happy to be part of MSU. It’s a great school.”

Matt Fox is graduating with a master’s in music performance. His academic path is not finished yet, as he plans to pursue another degree from MSU starting in January.

“I would’ve gone to more sporting events for sure, but I have more time in the next degree, so I’ll make up for it then,” he said.

Regardless of where they have come from or where they are headed with their academics, many students expressed their gratitude for the community and support they found throughout their studies at MSU. Fox obtained his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University ahead of arriving at MSU. He said he is thankful for the connections he has made within the School of Music. “Going to two big universities, it’s always nice having a small, tight knit group to stick with.”

MSU seniors will be also be graduating on 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.

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 have their commencement at 10 a.m. Saturday.

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 have their ceremony at 2 p.m.

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.

Saturday's ceremonies will be livestreamed and can be viewed at commencement.msu.edu.

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 and weapons.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State graduates celebrate completing advanced degree programs