The past year has been a true test of Spartans’ will, and we are so proud of the many ways in which our university community rose to the challenge. We would like to extend a special thank you to our alumni for the outstanding support you demonstrated through some of the most difficult times in the history of the university. From sharing your professional expertise to making donations to COVID-19 emergency assistance funds, you stepped up when your fellow Spartans needed you most.
As we transition to summer, we are optimistic for things to come. Here in East Lansing, we will see an increase in activity on campus with the return of more in-person classes and events in the fall. It begins, most notably, with spring commencement ceremonies. Congratulations to our resilient graduates! And kudos to this year’s Board of Trustees GPA Award winners. Whether it’s to cheer for your favorite Spartan or to move in a next-generation Spartan, we hope to see you back on campus soon.
There’s a multitude of extraordinary work being done to enhance the university’s impact and imprint across the state of Michigan and beyond. Our exciting new partnerships with Henry Ford Health System and Apple are just the beginning. Both are noteworthy expansions of the university’s outreach and engagement efforts and our investment in the metro Detroit area.
The new STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, a first-of-its-kind mass-timber building constructed with funding support from the state of Michigan, is another example of Spartan innovation at its best. This new educational and research space houses cutting-edge facilities designed to teach STEM disciplines in more effective ways and promote student success. We look forward to seeing students and faculty in the new facility this fall.
The future is looking exceedingly bright as we continue to find new and innovative ways to meet and exceed expectations as a preeminent land-grant institution.
As we culminate three campus-wide and interconnected strategic initiatives— Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Plan, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan and university Strategic Plan—we look forward to further opportunities for engagement with alumni regarding institutional goals and priorities. Alumni are not only an integral part of the rich history of the university—they play an integral role in shaping its future. Together we will reach new heights.
Go Green!
Dianne Byrum, Chair MSU Board of Trustees
