The books are closed, the studies complete, pencils down. You can almost feel a collective sigh of relief resonating across campus, quickly followed by the thrilling anticipation of new Spartan beginnings.
After finding their voices and honing their abilities at MSU, another graduating class has crossed the commencement stage as Spartan alumni. With a flip of their tassels and diplomas in hand, they are prepared to be the changemakers and leaders for tomorrow.
“Wherever in the world our exceptional graduates choose to go next, we are confident it will be made better through their enthusiasm, their can-do spirit, and the good work they’ve chosen to do,” says MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
“Years from now, they could be retiring from careers in fields that we cannot even imagine today. As a university, it is our responsibility to activate the talent that rests within this new generation; and it is our honor to play a role in shaping the people who will shape the future for us all.”
For many, their Spartan journeys began with an idea, a will to dream as they found their way to campus. What if, here on the Banks of the Red Cedar, they could create something great? They could use their lab smarts to advance patient care; they could put their social skills to work to connect whole communities; they could use their heartfelt brainstorming to create solutions that serve people around the globe.
Here, they could make it all happen, because at MSU, the talent of Spartan students is recognized, nurtured and activated though a multitude of programs and opportunities, supported by Spartans who came before.
And through the Uncommon Will, Far Better World. campaign, Spartans are coming together to support student success through a core ambition: Talent Activated. Investing in talent, in people, means investing in the world’s most valuable resource to solve the grand challenges that impact everyone’s everyday life.
Because education, science and innovation are for everyone, Spartans are funding scholarships and experiential learning programs across campus to fuel student opportunities.
And when access and excellence are combined, it makes a difference: MSU is one of only four public research universities in the nation with both a higher than 65% admittance rate and an over 80% graduation rate. When Spartan graduates leave campus and branch out into their future careers, their potential to continue learning and leading is limitless.
This is something Bella Hilden, a graduate from the College of Natural Science, discovered at MSU through the Vanderploeg Scholars Program, called the Spartan First-Generation Leadership and Innovation Program. “They encouraged me that I can do much more than I believed that I could,” says Bella.
During her time at MSU, Bella studied abroad at a medical school in Rome and went on an International Engagement in Mexico service trip, which broadened her perspectives and built her confidence. “After those trips, I’ve been so much more comfortable to come out of my shell and get more involved in so many things,” she says.
Now, with her degree in human biology and health promotions, Bella works as a patient care technician in Michigan while she applies to physician assistant programs. “I knew I loved science, and I wanted to help people. So, I put my two loves together and I am ready to help and diagnose people on a larger scale.”
Bella has discovered a new talent for leadership and initiative, particularly in her service to others. “I am not just trying to advance myself, but trying to advance anyone who needs it,” she says.
As graduates leave campus, their talents expand well beyond state lines.
One Spartan who could talk for hours about the power of the Spartan spirit had an especially unique student experience.
Zane Francisco, a graduate of the Eli Broad College of Business, tried out for the Sparty Mascot Program in the fall of his first year on campus. The rest is history, capped by the moment he got to wear Sparty’s boots to graduation.
“The Sparty Mascot Program has been the biggest part of my life for the past four years. It’s also the greatest thing I’ve had the opportunity to do,” says Zane. “I never knew where it would take me. I’ve traveled around Michigan, and I’ve been able to experience March Madness, away football games and tournaments.”
During his time at MSU, Zane learned a lot about himself. “Coming in, I was a little more introverted and not willing to go out there and take that extra step to meet new people or go to a networking event. But now I’m all for it,” he says. “I’ve learned how community-oriented I am.”
For Zane, the most rewarding thing about being Sparty is making people’s day. Now he will continue connecting people as he begins his career as a central flow lead at Amazon in Nashville, Tennessee.
With his degree in supply chain management, Zane is the person who will bridge gaps and create real human connections to enhance the workplace and customer experience. “I am the people person who can talk to anybody. Keeping that in-person, human connection in the world is a big thing.”
Talent activated in East Lansing travels far, making an impact around the world. Katie Heeder, a James Madison and Honors College graduate, plans to serve in the Peace Corps where she will work as an Environmental Awareness and Action Facilitator in Mexico.
“My main goal for my time in the Peace Corps is to be able to use the resources I have through the government to support communities in the ways that they need, recognizing that they are the experts, not me,” says Katie.
While she was at MSU studying social relations and policy, Spanish, and math, Katie’s scholarships, like the Burton L. and Rosalie P. Gerber Scholarship for Field Experience, along with a professorial assistantship allowed her to do research and finance her education at the same time.
“I’m paying for college by myself, and through the Honors College scholarships, and many other scholarships I’ve gotten throughout my time here as a student, I’ve been able to graduate debt free.”
This financial freedom, along with MSU programs like HC IMPACT, gave Katie the time and opportunity to nurture her service mindset. Now, she is dedicated to advancing social justice and reducing systemic inequities, starting with her service in the Peace Corps before pursuing a doctorate.
Katie emphasizes that it’s not about her. “It’s about what I can do with the gifts I have.”
“When you look at students like Bella, Zane and Katie, you see the heart, ambition and service-driven spirit that define what it means to be a Spartan,” says Nick McLaren, Assistant Vice President of Alumni. “Their experiences are incredible—and they’re just a glimpse of the extraordinary talent we see every day at MSU. Supporting our students as they grow and then engaging with them as alums as they go out and change the world—that’s the true joy of being part of this community. Their success is our inspiration.”
Now with diplomas in hand, Bella, Zane and Katie are settling into their new roles along with the rest of the 2025 Spartan cohort. As they begin putting their talents to work with uncommon will, they are fueled with fight song energy and echoes of “Go Green” in their hearts reminding them that their fellow Spartans (and Sparty!) are always there, cheering them on to a grand future.