Homecoming 2021

SPARTANS JOURNEYED TOGETHER

As Spartans, the only way to journey is to journey together. This year’s Homecoming theme, Spartans Journey Together, came to life in various ways by MSU units, departments and student groups in their communications, events, promotions and parade entries.

Every Spartan journey is unique — where you’re from, how you ended up at MSU, what campus experiences you had, and where it led you after graduation.

Whether you made it back home to campus or participated virtually, we hope you enjoyed the celebrations.

HOMECOMING PARADE

The 2021 Homecoming Parade took place Oct. 1 and featured nearly 100 entries. Did you miss the parade or want to rewatch it? Check out the recorded livestream and look at photos.

Spartans — student groups and community organizations — banded together to take part in the first Homecoming Parade in three years. After missing the last two parades, the 2019 parade canceled due to inclement weather and the 2020 parade canceled due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Spartans were more eager than ever to participate. Parade participants walked, rode, rolled and flipped their way through the streets of East Lansing while thousands of spectators watched. 

A panel of judges voted for the 2021 parade winners in the following categories:

• Best Float – Chinese Students and Scholars Association
• Best Banner – Student Greenhouse Project
• Best Group – International Students Association

• Best Spirit – Associated Students of MSU
• Best Community Entry – Tandems for Touchdowns
• Best Department – Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions

The Spartan community voted for their favorite of the six parade winners above:

• 2021 People’s Choice Award – Chinese Students and Scholars Association

This year’s Homecoming Parade would not have been possible without the help of Spartan volunteers — alumni, students and staff, and the participation of the Spartan community. 

HOMECOMING GRAND MARSHAL

MSU welcomed Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, class of 1973, as this year's Homecoming Grand Marshal. She was the first African-American female to serve as dean of a U.S. medical school and the first osteopathic physician to hold a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellowship. Dr. Ross-Lee’s contributions have enriched the Spartan journey, laying a path that is bolder and brighter for those who follow.

During Homecoming Week, Dr. Ross-Lee shared with the Spartan community the challenges and obstacles she has faced in academia, the U.S. military and medical practice. She addressed the future of the health care industry, medical education, and discussed her perspective on the challenges of underrepresentation in medicine. Watch “An Evening with Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee.”

“As a black female at that time in the history of this country, opportunities were scarce. Michigan State offered me that opportunity, so that’s how I got here.

— Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, 2021

KEDZIE REUNION LUNCHEON

Spartans from graduating classes of 50 or more years ago were invited to return to campus during Homecoming Week for the Kedzie Reunion Luncheon. We welcomed both the classes of 1970 and 1971 into the Kedzie Society and reminisced on their days at Michigan State University. 

Each year, the MSU Alumni Office presents the Kedzie Cane Award to both the oldest male and female in attendance. Congratulations to Margaret Bauman, '64 and Samuel Mallory, '54 for joining us on campus!

HOMECOMING COURT GIVING INITIATIVE

The 2021 MSU Homecoming Court is made up of ten extraordinary Spartan students who represent the diversity and richness of the MSU experience, all with their own unique Spartan journey. In celebration of the 2021 Homecoming theme, court members chose programs and projects that were representative of their Spartan journeys.

Spartan donors made 66 gifts during Homecoming week, totaling nearly $6,000.

Gifts will help strengthen these programs for generations to come and empower opportunities for future Spartan journeys. Thank you to all who gave.