Michigan State University will host commencement ceremonies for 9,601 graduates this weekend at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, Wharton Center for Performing Arts and the MSU Auditorium.
There are 6,917 undergraduate degree candidates representing 43 countries and 44 states. The average GPA of 3.499 earned by the undergraduate class is among the highest in recent years.
This spring, MSU also had a record-breaking 181 graduating seniors receive the MSU Board of Trustees award for earning the highest scholastic average — a 4.0 GPA. Those students were recognized during the April Board of Trustees meeting and will receive additional recognition during their individual commencement ceremonies.
There will be 2,684 masters and doctoral degree students also graduating this weekend. Both graduating classes have each earned an average GPA of 3.8 — also among the highest in recent years.
MSU alumna and Carhartt Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Linda Hubbard will address the master’s and educational specialist degree recipients at 9 a.m. Friday. She also will receive an honorary doctoral degree in business.
The undergraduate convocation will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday. Addressing the students will be all-time leading MSU scorer, first-round NBA draft pick and Olympic gold medalist Steve Smith. He also will receive an honorary doctoral degree in education.
In addition, U.S. Army captain and former Ford Motor Co. executive Ronald Goldsberry will address doctoral recipients at 3 p.m. Friday and receive an honorary doctoral degree in science.
Joining the speakers, 2021 virtual commencement speakers Jennifer Gilbert, Dan Gilbert and Todd Penegor will be presented their honorary degrees in business in person.
Bios of the speakers and honorary degree recipients can be found on MSUToday.
Individual colleges will host their own commencement ceremonies over the weekend. A schedule can be found on the commencement website. All ceremonies will be livestreamed.
Twitter users are invited to follow all ceremonies using #SpartanGrad22.
For the safety of attendees, no bags or purses will be allowed in Breslin Center, Wharton Center and MSU Auditorium for commencement ceremonies. Cameras and camcorders are permitted, but cases are prohibited. No food or beverages — including bottled water — will be allowed and this applies to graduates, guests and faculty. Breslin Center will offer a limited concessions menu during the ceremonies. Additional prohibited items include noisemakers, selfie sticks, pets, signs and weapons of any form.
Parking in the Breslin Center area is limited, so the public is encouraged to use the free shuttle service. Buses are accessible. Metal detectors will screen all attendees across all commencement venues, so please plan accordingly.
Media Parking
RSVP to media@msu.edu for registration information and parking passes.
Media parking is available in Lot 63 West, accessible from Harrison Road. Media must obtain a parking pass from Media Communications. This pass must be displayed to enter the lot.
Breslin Center Entry for Media
Please enter through the Accountability Gate on the south side of Breslin.
Media will be accommodated on Platform 111. An audio feed will be available.
Media Availability with Smith and MSU President
President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., and Smith will be available to media immediately following the 1 p.m. undergraduate convocation in the basketball recruit lounge in Breslin Center. The lounge is located on the recruit level (one level above the concourse level). Access is via the elevator across from section 109. Smith will only address questions related to his experience at MSU.