While we enjoy the last few days of warm weather for the year, MSU classrooms are taking the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and field work. Students in Laura Markham’s ISE 301 and 320 courses, Science for Elementary Schools, took to the field to learn about identifying different plant species. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Students in Science for Elementary Schools were able to work smarter, not harder, using technology like plant identification apps to complete their assignment. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Though it’s never fun to be caught in the rain, students equipped with umbrellas making the trek across the library bridge look more like a scene in an oil painting than a dreary day. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Kinesiology instructor Piotr Pasik shows students how accessibility meets physical activity in a wheelchair sports demonstration. The demonstration was part of Pasik’s guest lecture in KIN121, “The Healthy Lifestyle.” After the lecture, where students learned about disability sports, they were able to hit the court to try them out, including playing a game of wheelchair basketball. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

A waterlily floats along the pond of the Judith DeLapa Perennial Garden. Though chilly days draw near, the MSU Horticulture Gardens are still filled with stunning blooms. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

A rose by any name would smell just as sweet, but a rose grown in the Horticulture Gardens smells the best. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Wilbir the peacock watches over the MSU Horticulture Gardens. Wilbir, a floral topiary and unofficial mascot of the gardens, was the brainchild of Will Carlson, the first director of the gardens. During construction, the topiary was referred to as “Will’s bird,” which eventually stuck as the name “Wilbir” — the name the peacock goes by to this day. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Autumn florals grow on and around the Judith DeLapa Perennial Garden in the MSU Horticulture Gardens. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Professor David McFarlane instructs his FOR 222 students on measuring tree heights and crown dimensions with laser finders and compasses. FOR 222, Forestry Field Methods, teaches students basic field techniques used in forestry, using a mix of classroom lectures and outdoor field work. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

A robotic recycling sorter is helping Infrastructure, Planning and Facilities and MSU Recycling take a “less trash, more tech” approach to recycling on campus. The robotic sorter helps staff members sort recyclables more efficiently while reducing their contact with hazardous waste, overall improving the Recycling Center’s ability to recycle items and reduce waste in landfills. Photo by Nick Schrader.

A delicate branch of yew needles and berries frame Beaumont Tower on a misty fall morning. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

On a cold January morning, the Spartan statue helped welcome in 2020. Photo by Mario Kakos.

Jaali, a rare black rhino, was born at the Potter Park Zoo, with the help of MSU veterinarians and Vet Med students. Photo by Kaiti Chritz, Potter Park Zoo.

Voices rang out at the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March for Social Justice. Photo by Gregory Kohuth.

Spartan pride shows in everything we do. Photo by Seema Pathak.

An early snow blankets campus. Photo by Amy Alexander.

In order to protect all Spartans and the community during the pandemic, many students, faculty and staff members left campus in March to study and work remotely. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The Rock on April 8, 2020, reflects the Spartan community's commitment and determination: We're all in this together. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

While the Spring 2020 graduating class participated in virtual commencement ceremonies, students found ways to celebrate safely. Photo by Maddie Schmidt.

Being a Spartan isn't about where you live, but what lives in your heart. 

MSU Athletics coaches, staff and families gathered at the Rock to demonstrate their support for Black Lives Matter. Photo by Derrick L. Tuner.

MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities staff members worked harder than ever to ensure campus was safe and healthy for Spartans who continued to live and work on campus during the pandemic. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The sun sets on West Circle Drive during one of the quietest summers campus has seen. 

Although many classes were online, those who remained on campus kept their spirits high while following health and safety requirements. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The beat went on, thanks to classroom arrangements that followed health and safety standards. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Thanks to the generosity of Spartan alumni and friends, a new pipe organ was installed in the MSU Alumni Chapel. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

While much was different this year, the beauty of campus, especially during fall, was constant. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

No matter what the weather or how challenging the times, the Spartan statue stands strong. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Beautiful Beaumont Tower stands tall just as so many Spartans have during their final semester — proving each year Spartans Will. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.