President Stanley's opening remarks; School of Hospitality Business commencement ceremony

The following is a transcript of the opening remarks given by MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., at the spring 2021 commencement ceremony for the School of Hospitality Business, in the Broad College of Business. The ceremony took place May 1, 2021 in the Spartan Stadium lot. 

Thank you, Director Borchgrevink, and good morning, graduates and families from The School of Hospitality Business in the Eli Broad College of Business. 

Before we go too far past our moment of silence, I want to acknowledge a deep loss we learned of just yesterday, someone who was of great consequence to the Eli Broad College of Business and all of us at Michigan State University.

We learned of the death of Mr. Broad, the alumnus, entrepreneur and philanthropist for whom this college is named ... a man who gave selflessly to this university that he, and his wife, loved so much and were committed to supporting.

We will have more to say in the next few days about Eli Broad, but I know you all share my sadness and that of the entire university over his loss. 

His impact will be felt by Spartans for many decades to come and we are forever grateful for his service, generosity and his passion for his alma mater. 

But I’m sure he would want us to continue to celebrate the milestone that brings us here today, especially after such a challenging year.  

Graduates, that you rose to the challenge and persisted to complete your degrees merits special distinction.

So, we gather now to celebrate your achievement and acknowledge the hard work and dedication it took you to get to this day.

The School of Hospitality Business has launched the careers of leaders of some of the world’s top hospitality companies.

With a long and distinguished presence at MSU, the school is one of the first such schools in the nation and today ranks as the nation’s top public program and the fourth best program in the world.

We all can take pride, also, that several other Eli Broad College of Business programs consistently rank among the nation’s best.

I want to thank Director Borchgrevink for his leadership of the School through such a challenging period, and for his dedication to continued excellence.

And I also want to thank Dean Gupta for his leadership of the college and contributions to the university, including his engagement in our strategic plan steering committee.

Michigan State also is extremely proud of our faculty, who are essential to the success of our graduates. 

The School of Hospitality Business’s impressive faculty have brought unique backgrounds to provide you a diverse educational experience.

Let’s also note our appreciation to the families and friends who contributed their support to your scholarly journey.

A great university and a world-class education are the results of the combined efforts of many dedicated people, from Eli Broad all the way to you.

Graduates, with your degrees, you validate the contributions of this diverse community of faculty, staff, family, friends and, indeed, devoted alumni.

Your degrees affirm the university’s commitment to making a positive difference in the world, and to your capabilities for doing just that as leaders in business, and beyond.

You become the next generation of contributors, creators, problem-solvers ... and philanthropists.

An MSU degree — energized with your determination — is a lifelong asset and platform for success.

It’s also a source of affiliation that can support an engaged and rewarding life.

You now join a network of more than half a million Spartan alumni around the world, including the school’s alumni network of over 10,000 professionals across the country and around the globe.

I hope you stay connected to MSU and find ways to share your accumulating wisdom with the generations behind you.

So, for now, congratulations Class of 2021!

I hope you go forth confidently, joyfully and as always, Go Green!