Every Spartan’s path to MSU is different. There are many reasons students find themselves pursuing their future at MSU. But for Kaylin Casper from California, the reasons were ambition and heritage.
“I lived really far away from my Anishinaabeg family,” says Kaylin. “As the great-granddaughter of federal Indian Boarding School survivors, coming back to Michigan State was a way for me to be closer to my tribal community to reclaim my cultural knowledge.”
Early on, she got involved with the Honors College IMPACT program and quickly discovered that her opportunities were limitless at MSU. Her passion for sociology led her to the Social Science Scholars Program. “I just knew I would have opportunities to explore different passions and studies through that program.”
And she didn’t stop there. “I had a lot of interests!” Kaylin says. “That worked out for me really well, pursuing three majors [Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Humanities Pre-Law] and three minors. I've been able to explore three research projects through the Social Science Scholars Program and get hands-on support.”
The support of MSU programs and scholarships allowed Kaylin to study abroad twice, and pursue unique opportunities, such as the prestigious national Udall Undergraduate Scholarship. With the encouragement of her Anishinaabe professor, along with a friend who had won in a previous year, Kaylin took the leap and applied for the scholarship. “I applied to the Tribal public policy route, as it really aligned with my interests,” says Kaylin. And then, she waited.
Ultimately, Kaylin became MSU’s 14th Udall Scholar in 2024. The minute she received the scholarship is something she will never forget. “I was in the library, working on homework, and I received an email. I just sat in silence. I was happy, but I was super shocked! It was a big win for me, and definitely a highlight of my experience here.” She celebrated the achievement with her mom and dad – a moment that she will always be grateful for.
“My sophomore year, my dad was diagnosed with cancer, and so that was really tough, navigating those two years, before he eventually passed away.” In that moment, Kaylin leaned into her Spartan community and reached out to Counseling and Psychiatric Services. She actively grounded herself in the fact that her father would have wanted her to keep going. And so, she did.
Kaylin was a Homecoming Court member in 2025, she continues in her role as the co-president of the North American Indigenous Student Organization, and she works at the Writing Center to support her fellow students.
“Strong campus communities are built on strong relationships, and we have to mutually support each other in times of stress,” says Kaylin. To her it’s about, “taking care of the people who inhabit a place. While I'm here it is really important work for me, and it's something that also keeps me joyful. Especially during the hard times I've had.”
The generosity of Spartans has been a crucial part of Kaylin’s success. “As someone who is Anishinaabe, who is queer, and wants to serve underserved communities, it means a lot. I don't feel like it's just supporting me. I feel like it's really supporting my entire community.” Spartan generosity motivates Kaylin to keep going and fuels her belief that change is possible if we show up for each other.
As she prepares for graduation, she imagines a campus and a world where Indigenous justice is realized. “I feel very strong in my work, in trying to make the world a better place. I love America. I feel deeply patriotic in a way where I want to see this nation live up to its core ideals for everyone.” To be a part of that far better world, Kaylin plans to pursue a dual JD/PhD in sociology and eventually be a part of influencing federal Indian policy.
Kaylin says she would not have been able to have so many great, successful experiences anywhere besides MSU. Her imaginings of a far better world began here, along the Red Cedar, or in what the Anishinaabeg call “Nkwejong”: where the rivers meet.
Interested in helping students like Kaylin connect with Spartan organizations and programs on Give Green Day this year? Learn more at givingday.msu.edu.