Influential business leaders and Spartan alumni will join in celebrating the achievements of more than 10,000 Spartan graduates during the university’s spring semester commencement ceremonies beginning May 1.
“Spartan graduates are ready to take on the world and tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “It is our privilege to celebrate the achievements of these graduates as they reach this important milestone. They leave MSU equipped with knowledge, skills, experiences and life lessons that will guide them on their journeys as their generations’ future leaders, innovators and game changers.”
At 9 a.m. on Friday, May 2, Deirdre O’Brien, senior vice president of retail and people at Apple, will address master’s and educational specialist degree recipients and will receive an honorary doctorate of business.
O’Brien has received a multitude of accolades, including inclusion in Fortune’s list of the most powerful women in business and Fast Company’s Queer 50 list of top innovators in business and technology. She has a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Michigan State University and a master of business administration from San Jose State University.
Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage and former MSU basketball player, will address graduates at the Spring Convocation at 12:30 p.m. on May 2.
Ishbia is the owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and a member of the 2000 MSU National Championship team. A strong philanthropist, Ishbia’s contributions have funded numerous projects across the university, including the Tom Izzo Football Building, as well as to national charities like the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
In addition to addressing all baccalaureate degree candidates, Ishbia will receive an honorary doctorate of business.
At 2:30 p.m., James Spaniolo will address MSU’s doctoral candidates, including those earning degrees in philosophy, education, nursing practice and musical arts.
Spaniolo served as dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences before assuming the role of president at University of Texas, Arlington. Spaniolo holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and two graduate degrees from the University of Michigan in law and public administration. In addition to speaking, Spaniolo will receive an honorary doctorate of education.
These three Friday ceremonies will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center at 534 Birch Road on the East Lansing campus. Graduates can find their ceremony location on the commencement website.The events will be livestreamed and available to view via MSU’s commencement website home page.Social media users can follow the ceremonies on social media platforms using #SpartanGrad25.