Four remarkable leaders will address Michigan State University graduates at this year’s commencement ceremonies. From advancing cancer diagnostics and public health to transforming higher education and championing equity, December’s commencement speakers embody the spirit of innovation, service and excellence that defines the Spartan community.
“Each of these distinguished leaders exemplifies dedication to discovery, education and public service,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Their achievements and stories provide our graduates with a roadmap for perseverance, innovation and lifelong curiosity as they chart their own paths forward.”
Joan Rose, Ph.D., Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and director of the Water Alliance, will address advanced degree recipients on Friday, Dec. 12. Rose is internationally recognized for her work in water microbiology and public health, improving wastewater treatment and water safety across the globe.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, during the 9 a.m. ceremony, Lee June, Ph.D., will address graduates from the arts and humanities (residential college), arts and letters, education, James Madison, music, nursing and social science. June, a scholar and educator for more than 50 years at MSU, has advanced multicultural and spiritual psychology, mentored countless students and higher education professionals, and championed equity and inclusion through leadership roles across the university.
At noon on Saturday, accomplished alumnus Kevin Conroy, CEO and chairman of Exact Sciences, will address graduates from engineering, Lyman Briggs and natural science. Conroy has driven innovation at Exact Sciences, including the development of Cologuard, which has advanced early colorectal cancer detection. He also led the acquisition of Genomic Health Inc. Conroy’s leadership has strengthened patient care and championed critical advancements in biotechnology, health care and diagnostics.
Finally, Kim Wilcox, Ph.D., former provost at MSU and retired chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, will inspire graduates from agriculture and natural resources, communication arts and sciences, and business during Saturday’s 3 p.m. ceremony. Wilcox has led transformative initiatives that expanded faculty, increased research funding and improved graduation rates, demonstrating a career-long commitment to student success and institutional excellence.
All ceremonies will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center at 534 Birch Road on the East Lansing campus. The events will be livestreamed and available to view via MSU’s commencement ceremonies web page. Social media users can follow the ceremonies on social media platforms using #SpartanGrad25.
For the safety of attendees, only small transparent bags are allowed. Cameras, camcorders and certain carrying cases also are permitted. More information about the bag policy is available on the Breslin Center’s website. 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. Breslin Center is a smoke-free facility. Metal detectors will screen all attendees, so please plan accordingly.
Speaker biographies
Joan Rose — Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and director of the Water Alliance at MSU, Rose is internationally recognized for her contributions to water microbiology and public health. Her research has improved wastewater treatment, advanced the detection of waterborne viruses, and enhanced water safety worldwide. Honors include election to the National Academy of Engineering, the Stockholm Water Prize and Singaporean honorary citizenship for her work on sustainable wastewater management.
Lee June — A scholar and educator for more than 50 years at MSU, June has advanced multicultural and spiritual psychology, served in leadership roles such as director of the Counseling Center and vice president for Student Affairs, and mentored countless students and higher education professionals. His contributions to equity, inclusion and intergenerational dialogue have earned him awards including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legend Award, Frederick Douglass Award and MSU Distinguished Black Alumni Award.
Kevin Conroy — An accomplished leader in biotechnology and diagnostics, Conroy has driven innovation at Exact Sciences, including the development of Cologuard, which advanced early detection of colorectal cancer, and he oversaw the acquisition of Genomic Health Inc. His leadership strengthened patient care and solidified his prominence in biotechnology, health care and diagnostics. Conroy has received numerous accolades, including the Claud R. Erickson Distinguished Alumni Award from MSU’s College of Engineering and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Midwest Biotechnology.
Kim Wilcox — A nationally respected academic leader and MSU alumnus, Wilcox has held senior leadership roles at the University of Kansas, Michigan State University and the University of California, Riverside. He has expanded faculty, increased research funding and improved graduation rates, demonstrating a career-long commitment to student success and institutional excellence.
