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Student Life

May 14, 2021

Spring 2021 Commencement Photo Gallery

By: Melody Kindraka, Beth Brauer
Beginning April 30, Michigan State University began holding some of the 53 in-person and two virtual commencement ceremonies for the spring 2021 graduating class. More than 9,000 graduates were recognized across three weekends. Here are some scenes from the set up and ceremonies. 

A white male in a black graduation robe and hat with a purple stole is prominently shown. He is standing in a parking lot with his right hand across his heart. Other graduates in similar clothing and positions are seen behind him.
Construction vehicle at Spartan Stadium
Construction crew building a stage at Spartan Stadium
A male sitting in a chair has a bouquet of flowers on his lap. A female sitting next to him as a sign saying ?Graduate today Spartan for life.?
People in green caps and gowns sit spread apart in rows of chairs in the MSU Auditorium parking lot.
Black woman in green commencement robe sitting in a parking lot holds a decorated cap with a forest scene saying ?into the unknown.? Behind her are other graduates and blue sky with white clouds.
View over the shoulders of graduates in green caps and gowns at the commencement platform in the MSU Auditorium parking lot. On a platform at the front, there are seated speakers and a podium. On either side of the platform are large screens showing a video speech from Professor Lisa Cook.
White female with blonde hair in a green cap and gown holds up a gray blanket with a white Spartan helmet and writing saying ?Michigan State Founded 1855.? She is standing in front of a chair in a parking lot with other graduates visible against blue sky.
From left to right the MSU flag, State of Michigan flag and American flag hanging on flag poles unfurled in the wind against a blue sky with flowers in the foreground. All three are flying at half-mast in front of the MSU administration building.
Close up view of a pair of Converse sneakers with white and green trim and white laces. The body of the sneakers is gray with a white Spartan helmet. The person wearing the shoes is sitting and also wearing jeans, white socks and a green graduation gown.
High angle view of people in green caps and gowns sitting in rows of chairs spread apart in the Spartan Stadium parking lot. The south end of the stadium is visible against a blue sky. MSU President Stanley can be seen on a large screen as he stands behind a podium in a green graduate gown.
Family posing for a photo during commencement after rainfall
President Stanley at commencement
Tassel on a cap at graduation
White male in a black graduation robe and hat with green trim kneels next to a toddler. Both are smiling and looking to the left.
A white female in a black graduation robe and hat is prominently shown. She is raising her right hand and reading from a white bulletin. Other graduates are visible behind her.
A white male, Black male, Black toddler and two white females stand on the concourse of the Breslin Center. One of the white females and both males are wearing black graduation robes and hats with green trim.
Four balloons against a blue sky with white puffy clouds and green trees. The lowest balloons on the left and right of the tie are circular, silver and shiny. The largest balloon in the center is black and shaped like a star. In front of that a gold balloon in the shape of letters spelling ?grad.?
Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer stands behind a podium with the MSU seal on the front. A larger version of the seal hangs behind her on a white sheet.
A white male in a black graduation robe and hat with a purple stole is prominently shown. He is standing in a parking lot with his right hand across his heart. Other graduates in similar clothing and positions are seen behind him.
Construction vehicle at Spartan Stadium
Photo by Derrick L. Turner on May 14.
During the week of April 26, while the Spring Class of 2021 was ironing their gowns and decorating their caps, MSU was getting ready for commencement by setting up outdoor venues at Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Before ceremonies began, a crew from the Creative Day production company helped set the stage for commencement at Spartan Stadium. Photo by Nick Schrader.
Even guests know, "Once a Spartan, always a Spartan." Photo by Derrick L. Turner on April 30.


With 55 commencement ceremonies happening across three weekends, MSU utilized every available space for graduates and their families to gather safely, including the MSU Auditorium parking lot. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on April 30.


Decorating a graduation cap is a personalized way to share your MSU experience and hope for the future. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on April 30.


Large screens at each ceremony location allowed speakers who could not attend in person to share their wisdom with graduates. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on April 30.


Chilly and windy weather couldn't stop these Spartans who came prepared to stay warm and show their MSU pride. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on May 1.


In honor of all who lost their lives to COVID-19, the flags outside the MSU Hannah Administration Building will fly at half-mast during all commencement ceremonies. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on May 1.


Crossing the commencement stage in some Spartan kicks is a great way to make a statement and stay comfortable. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on May 1.


College of Social Science graduates listen to President Stanley during their commencement ceremony outside of Spartan Stadium. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on May 1.




Commencement kicked off the morning of April 30 with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but grads didn’t let a bit of inclement weather rain on their parade. Photo by Derrick L. Turner on April 30.




President Stanley attended ceremonies both virtually and in person. At a commencement ceremony for the College of Social Science on May 1, he encouraged grads to “go forth confidently, joyfully, and as always, Go Green!” Photo by Derrick L. Turner.
The class of 2021 has the unique honor of having one of the most unconventional commencement experiences to date. Still, Spartans rise to the occasion. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.






A current Spartan and a future Spartan – one Spartan family. Photo by Harley Seeley on May 7.
The Osteopathic Pledge is a commitment all College of Osteopathic students make upon graduation to provide compassionate and quality care to all individuals and continue the principles on which the profession was founded. Photo by Harley Seeley on May 7.
Due to the threat of severe weather, College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates and their guests temporarily took refuge in the Breslin Center before the ceremony on May 7. Photo by Harley Seeley.
While things are different this year, Spartans still found ways to celebrate. More than 9,000 graduates were recognized across three weekends. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.
Returning to her alma matter, Governor Gretchen Whitmer provided special remarks to the College of Law graduates on May 14. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.
Photo by Derrick L. Turner on May 14.
During the week of April 26, while the Spring Class of 2021 was ironing their gowns and decorating their caps, MSU was getting ready for commencement by setting up outdoor venues at Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center. Photo by Nick Schrader.

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