Michigan State University will host commencement ceremonies this weekend at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center on the corner of Harrison Road and Kalamazoo Street.
There are 5,547 undergraduate degree candidates and 2,386 advanced degree candidates. The College of Social Science has the most undergraduate degree candidates with 983.
Undergraduate convocation will be held at 1 p.m. Friday. Detroit Tigers legend Kirk Gibson will deliver the commencement address. He will receive an honorary doctorate of humanities. The convocation will be live streamed and can be watched via MSU’s commencement website.
Also at convocation Susan Avery, an atmospheric physicist, will receive an honorary doctorate of science. In addition, Joon-shik Shin, chairperson and founder of Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine, will receive an honorary doctorate of science.
The advanced degree ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday with Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, addressing graduates. He will earn an honorary doctorate of humanities. Dermot Desmond, chairperson of International Investment and Underwriting in Dublin, Ireland, will receive an honorary doctorate of humanities.
Bios of speakers and honorary degree recipients may be found on MSUToday.
Twitter users are invited to use #MSUgrad17 to follow both ceremonies.
Consistent with Breslin Center policy, all bags will be subject to search. No food or beverages – including bottled water – will be allowed into Breslin Center, and this applies to graduates, guests and faculty participating in the ceremonies. As such, Breslin will offer a limited menu of concessions for sale one hour prior to the start of ceremonies and during the first hour of ceremonies. Additional prohibited items include large cameras, recording devices, noisemakers, sticks, pets, signs or weapons of any form. Smoking also is prohibited at the Breslin Center.
There is construction at the Breslin Center and in the immediate area. The Hall of History (southeast) entrance is closed, but all other entrances are open.
Parking in the Breslin Center area is very limited, so the public is encouraged to use the free shuttle service. Buses are accessible.
Media Parking Parking passes for media are available from noon Thursday to noon Friday at the Media Communications Office, 408 W. Circle Drive, Room 403, Olds Hall.
Media parking is available in Lot 63 East, accessible from Shaw Lane. (Please note parking change due to construction.) Media must obtain a parking pass from Media Communications. This pass must be displayed to enter the lot.
Breslin Center Entry The Gate B (southeast) entrance and the ticket office entrance to Breslin are closed due to construction. Please enter through the Berkowitz entrance on the east side of Breslin (on Birch Road).
Media will be accommodated on Platform 111. An audio feed will be available.