Bid farewell to 2025 with these top stories

Commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., members of the MSU community participated in the 45th annual MLK Commemorative March on Jan. 20. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

MSU was off to the races with Team PoliMOVE-MSU, a collaborative team of students and faculty from MSU and Politecnico di Milano, becoming one of four teams to qualify for a first-of-its-kind racing event at the 2025 Indy Autonomous Challenge. Courtesy photo.

Michigan State University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus community took a bold step forward with the opening of the new Multicultural Center, or MCC, on Feb. 7. The 34,000-square-foot facility is the result of more than five decades of advocacy and activism by MSU students and university leaders, fostering belonging and support for the university’s ever-growing student body. Photo by Justin Maconochie.

In memory of those who were lost and all who were impacted by the tragic events of Feb. 13, 2023, the MSU Union, Berkey Hall and Beaumont Tower were illuminated with green light through the evening on Feb. 13. Photo by Garret Morgan.

The Izzone, MSU’s passionate student section for men’s basketball, brought energy to each home game this year, cheering on Head Coach Tom Izzo through his 30th season with MSU and propelling the team to success as they reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Photo by Nick Schrader.

A chilly winter gave way to verdant leaves and stunning blooms as campus came alive this spring. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

In May, MSU celebrated the achievements of more than 10,000 graduates across baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and professional programs. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

From May 5 to 6, MSU faculty and administrators climbed aboard the Spartan Bus Tour, stopping at 14 sites throughout the Detroit metropolitan area to learn more about the city’s communities and how MSU works with partners to support the city’s economic development, advance the arts, transform schools, improve health and protect the environment. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Summer Circle Theatre celebrated its 63rd season this year, bringing free, entertaining and family-friendly performances to campus to kick off the summer. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The MSU Union celebrated a major milestone this year, marking 100 years since its opening. The birthday was commemorated with a Centennial Celebration, featuring a kickoff event and exhibits showcasing the building’s history. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

At the MSU Pollinator Performance Center this summer, Maple the dog donned a bee suit to help researchers and veterinarians in their mission to save the bees. Photo by G. L. Kohuth.

While many students packed up and left campus for the summer, MSU’s dairy cattle herd “moo-ved” to a new facility — the $75 million Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. Photo by Garret Morgan.

MSU’s iconic Spartan helmet logo took flight as it was installed on one of Spartan Stadium’s three freshly replaced video boards ahead of the 2025–26 football season. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

The Rock, a campus icon with a colorful, collaborative history, was emblazoned with a caring sentiment ahead of Fall Welcome — this year and every year, you belong at MSU. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Though summer often brings a quieter vibe to campus, that doesn’t mean that we don’t miss the buzz and excitement that students bring each year as they return to MSU for the fall semester. Photo by Nick Schrader.

In October, thousands of student fans spent the night in tents for the annual Izzone campout and MSU Madness events held at the Breslin Student Events Center, marking the start of basketball season. Photo by Garret Morgan.

In early October, Homecoming offers a variety of activities for Spartans and community members. This year’s Grand Marshal was Paul Rosenberg, who graduated from MSU in 1993 with a degree in psychology and has since made a remarkable impact in the entertainment industry, shaping modern hip-hop as the longtime manager of Eminem, founder of Goliath Artists and president of Shady Records. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

MSU faculty and staff joined the fall MSU Spartan Bus Tour for a three-day route that featured more than a dozen stops across the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan. The tour highlighted how MSU and its partners are working together to improve health outcomes, strengthen local industries and create opportunities for future generations. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

MSU and University of Michigan ROTC students teamed up for Alex’s Great State Race ahead of the big rivalry football game. To honor Alex Powell, an MSU student who died of cancer, the race aims to raise awareness and funds for disability support services for students at both universities. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Autumn coated campus in a wash of vibrant hues, with orange, gold and red taking over the green landscape of summer. Photo by Nick Schrader.

Chase, shown with his handler Detective Sydnee Zienta, is one of two comfort canines serving MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety to support students and employees through the Care and Intervention team. With Zienta, Chase supports Spartans through some tough moments to provide comfort and compassion to students, faculty and staff navigating challenges such as medical leaves, conduct processes or personal distress.

MSU announced a $401 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams, the largest single amount in MSU history and one of the largest in college athletics history. The commitment will dramatically transform Spartan Athletics and fuel academic excellence across multiple disciplines, including the Sparty mascot program, the Spartan Marching Band and the Broad College of Business.

Beaumont Tower glowed on campus with seasonal lights, thanks to a new tradition introduced by President Guskiewicz and his wife, Amy. The illumination is a way to reflect on the year with gratitude and inspire the community for the season ahead. Photo by Nick Schrader.

As the fall semester came to a close, more than 4,700 Spartans celebrated their hard work and achievement at commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12 and 13. Photo by Derrick L. Turner.

Snow blanketed much of the campus to close out the year, making for a peaceful winter morning on the banks of the Red Cedar River. Photo by Nick Schrader.