Michigan State University’s all-time winningest football coach and accomplished leaders will join in celebrating the achievements of more than 10,000 Spartan graduates during the university’s spring semester commencement ceremonies April 26.
At 9 a.m., April Clobes, president and chief executive officer of MSU Federal Credit Union will address master’s and educational specialist degree recipients and will receive an honorary doctorate of business.
Clobes has been the president and CEO of MSU Federal Credit Union since March 2015. MSUFCU has an asset size of over $7.8 billion and serves more than 361,000 members worldwide. The credit union has approximately 1,200 employees and operates 25 branch locations throughout Michigan.
She has a bachelor of arts degree in marketing from MSU, a master of arts degree from MSU in advertising and a master of business administration from Western Michigan University.
“I am honored to be selected to address the advanced degree graduates. MSU has been instrumental in my academic and career success, and it is a true privilege to share my journey with the students” Clobes said.
Mark Dantonio, former head coach for MSU football, will address graduates at the Spring Convocation at 1 p.m. on April 26.
Dantonio served as the head football coach at MSU for 13 seasons and led Spartan football to three Big Ten Championships and victories in several bowl games, solidifying him as the all-time winningest football coach in MSU’s history. He was the 2016 Gene Stallings Award recipient and holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina and a master of education from Ohio University.
In addition to addressing all baccalaureate degree candidates, Dantonio will receive an honorary doctorate of education.
“I’m incredibly grateful to President Guskiewicz for the opportunity to speak to the class of 2024. Many of the key components that went into building a championship football program are also great life lessons,” Dantonio said. “I look forward to sharing them with the graduating class and challenging them to dream big.”
At 3 p.m., Bolaji Balogun will conclude university commencement ceremonies by addressing MSU’s doctoral candidates, including doctorate of philosophy, education, nursing practice and musical arts degrees.
Balogun is the chief executive officer of Chapel Hill Denham, chief investment officer of the Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund and co-founder and director of Econet Wireless Nigeria. He is a member of the Board of United Nations Global Compact and holds an economics degree from the London School of Economics, where he serves as president for the LSE Nigeria Alumni Association.
In addition to addressing students at commencement, Balogun will receive an honorary doctorate of business and will present the keynote address at the Global Business Club’s Spotlight on West Africa event, hosted by the Broad College’s International Business Center on April 24.
All ceremonies will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center on the East Lansing campus.