The week in photos: May 1–7, 2023

Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., presents a degree to Mudita Jagota, a graduate of the College of Education’s Rehabilitation Counseling master’s program. Alongside Jagota, 1,362 master’s degree candidates celebrated their remarkable achievements at a commencement ceremony on May 5. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

While every student gets their moment to shine on the commencement stage, a select few get an extra special moment to shine — the students who take on the role of Sparty reveal their secret identities by wearing the mascot’s boots at graduation. This year, two Spartys, Caeden and Avery, graduated and got to unveil their hidden talents to the world. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Campus was a sea of caps and gowns this weekend, as more than 9,500 Spartans celebrated their graduation across baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and professional programs. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Music is always at the center of commencement, whether it’s the universally iconic Pomp and Circumstance, or Shadows, our beloved alma mater. At the College of Natural Science’s commencement ceremony, heartstrings were pulled throughout the proceedings with performances by the MSU Wind Symphony and Amira Coleman, a master's student of music performance. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Doctoral degree recipients were welcomed by Anthony Fauci, former chief medical adviser to the president and past director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, at their May 5 commencement ceremony. Fauci was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities for his notable career in public health and dedication to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Though the road ahead looks different for every graduating student, we know one thing for certain — they’re going to go out into the world and change it for the better. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Not only did this cohort of graduates earn their degrees, they broke records both as a class and through individual achievement. This semester’s 6,978 bachelor’s degree candidates represent 44 states and 59 countries, plus 10 U.S. veterans. A record 206 students were awarded the Board of Trustee’s Award for achieving a 4.0 GPA, the highest scholastic average possible. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Like magic, the most beautiful buds on campus always seem to bloom just in time for graduation. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The tower of Linton Hall stands out nobly against the campus tree line. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

MSU economist and professor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, spoke and received an honorary Doctor of Humanities at undergraduate convocation. Photo by Nick Schrader.

The Spartan becomes an extra-special campus icon at times like this, not only as a backdrop for graduation photos, but as a reminder of what it means to be a part of the MSU community. Spartans are warriors, we are strong, resilient, and we always look out for others. To the over 9,500 Spartans who graduated this semester, no matter where you go or what you do, we hope you will always call MSU home, and carry a piece of Spartan spirit with you in your heart. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Perhaps no one is sadder to see the semester come to an end than campus squirrels. With so many students gone for the summer, who’s going to take their pictures and feed them snacks? Photo by Derrick L. Turner.