Heather Fink, CMP, is in her 18th year working at Michigan State University. She currently serves as senior university academic events planner in the Communication and Events division of the Office of the Provost. Fink plays an instrumental role in ensuring annual commencement events run smoothly.

 

I have the privilege of ensuring MSU’s commencement ceremonies—and many other events—leave a lasting impression on our students and community. It’s a role directly tied to MSU’s mission of celebrating student success and fostering a sense of belonging, and it’s one I don’t take lightly.

The most unforgettable chapter of my career unfolded in 2021, when the world was still reeling from COVID-19. That year, commencement wasn’t just an event—it was a logistical marathon. I found myself orchestrating 58 ceremonies across two weekends—four days total—spread out over four campus parking lots. Social distancing forced us to ticket the events for the first time ever, and we brought in a production company to transform those lots into something unrecognizable. Streetlights and trees were removed, stages erected, and a completely reimagined setup took shape.

I was largely on my own, save for the incredible support of my university partners, and I remember thinking, “How am I going to pull this off?” But looking back, there was a strange thrill in the chaos. It reminded me why I do this work. Under Provost Woodruff’s leadership at the time, we were unwavering in our resolve to give our students a meaningful send-off despite the odds. And when it all came together, the reward was immeasurable—knowing we had honored our graduating Spartans in a way, and at a time, they’d never forget.

My path to this role wasn’t a straight line, but it was paved with curiosity and a knack for keeping things on track. It started when I was a student employee at the Kellogg Center, working the front desk while earning my communications degree. I was eager, jumping at every chance to take on new tasks. When Conference Services needed help with large conventions, I volunteered, assisting associations with their weeklong events. That’s when I caught the event-planning bug.

After graduating, I spent five years at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing, planning weddings and team events—a job I loved. But MSU called me back, first as a Conference Services manager at Kellogg, then to MSU Catering, where I handled sales for a decade. When my current role opened up, my years of building connections across campus—with DPS, Athletics, IPF and Catering—gave me the edge I needed. Now, in my ninth year with the Provost’s Office, I’m still fueled by the same drive to help people achieve their goals.

Organization has always been in my blood. Growing up, I was the kid who planned everything and kept everyone in line. That instinct followed me into adulthood. Outside of MSU, I’ve run baseball and softball clubs and served on booster boards. At work, it’s what keeps me going—whether I’m managing timelines, coordinating guest speakers or ensuring every detail is in place for commencement.

These days, I work mostly remotely, since COVID-19 changed the way we operate. My days revolve around staying on top of emails, issuing RFPs, syncing schedules and keeping everyone prepared—not panicked—when event day arrives. Commencement is the crown jewel, of course, but I also oversee faculty recognition events and presidential investitures, like the recent one for President Guskiewicz. Every task, big or small, ties back to MSU’s priority of operational excellence.

One detail most people wouldn’t guess about my job is that I edit the commencement booklet—all 100-plus pages of it. It starts with the registrar’s list of names and ceremony details from the colleges, but I take it from there, refining every line. It’s meticulous work, and after staring at it for hours, I rely on others to catch what I might miss. Still, it’s a huge part of what I do. Beyond the logistics, it’s about crafting something tangible that students and families can hold on to.

There’s a deep pride in knowing my work sends our graduates off into the world on a high note. Commencement isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of years of effort, growth and investment. Seeing it run smoothly—without any hiccups the crowd notices—is a victory for MSU. It’s about honoring our students’ achievements and giving them the recognition they deserve as they step into whatever comes next.

Looking ahead, MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan keeps me on my toes. Operational excellence and continuous improvement aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the lens through which we refine commencement year after year. We’ve already shifted to QR codes instead of printed programs to reduce waste and cost. Every summer, we review the budget, finding ways to streamline without losing what makes the event special. Bigger changes are coming too—plans to unify our approach, make it more sustainable and strengthen our community. It’s exciting to see our partners rally around this vision, all in service to our students.

None of this would be possible without being part of one team. My colleague Ashley Day has been a game-changer, and our communications and events crew is unmatched. From the Provost to our partners at IPF, the Breslin Center, Wharton Center, MSU Police and Athletics—they’re the backbone of every event. I’m grateful every day for their support, because together, we’re not just planning events—we’re shaping moments that define what it means to be a Spartan.